Overview & Reviews

Introduced in the mid-'90s, the Dodge Stratus was a replacement for the aging and boxy Spirit. It was one of three sedans based on Chrysler's "JA" platform, including the Plymouth Breeze and Chrysler Cirrus. Among these triplets, the Stratus was touted as the sportiest, and it took the role as the midsize car in Dodge's lineup.

The first-generation Dodge Stratus was known mostly for its sharp styling, roomy interior and value. Dodge followed it up with a redesigned model for the start of the new millennium that featured additional safety equipment and a more powerful V6 engine. A coupe model also debuted.

The Stratus had a decent run but ultimately never achieved the superstar status that Dodge had hoped for. In terms of refinement, build quality and reputation for reliability, it couldn't match top import models. Production ended after the second generation. As a used sedan or coupe, the Stratus is a fair choice. Consumers prioritizing price or exterior styling might find it worth a look.

Most Recent Dodge Stratus

The second and last generation of the Dodge Stratus covered model years 2001-'06. Sedan and coupe body styles were offered. Mechanically, there is a fair amount of difference between the two. The Stratus coupe (formerly known as the Avenger) was actually based on the Mitsubishi Eclipse of the time and differed from its Japanese cousin mainly in its sheet metal. The Stratus sedan was still a Chrysler design.

A large trunk and fairly roomy interior, thanks to Chrysler's "Cab Forward" design philosophy, were two of the Stratus sedan's strong points. Another was the car's handling -- it felt sportier than many other mid-priced, midsize sedans of the time. Even so, most used Stratus shoppers will likely be attracted mainly by the price, as the cars haven't really held their value the way Japanese sedans of the same size would. The Stratus coupe could be a good buy for someone who wants a comfy, V6-powered coupe as opposed to a small, high-strung sports car.

In general, coupes were available in base SXT and sporty R/T versions. Sedans came in base SE, midgrade SXT, luxury-oriented ES and R/T guise. Stratus coupes were powered by a 2.4-liter inline-4 producing 147 horsepower; R/T versions had a 3.0-liter V6 rated at 200 ponies. Both engines could be had with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.

The sedans had Chrysler engines. Some models were fitted with a 150-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder, but most had a 200-hp 2.7-liter V6. All sedans came with a four-speed automatic transmission.

Past Dodge Stratus Models

The first generation Dodge Stratus was available from 1995-2000. The sedan (there was no coupe) was originally offered in two trim levels: base and slightly more luxurious ES. Base models had a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine making 132 hp. Optional was a larger 2.4-liter making 150 hp. For the ES, Dodge offered a 168-hp, 2.5-liter V6.

There were no major changes to this generation, so potential buyers shouldn't feel a need to focus on any particular year. At the time, the Stratus earned high marks for its edgy styling and larger-than-expected interior and trunk.

User Reviews:

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  Stratus - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By Greg - December 18 - 3:22 pm

  The 2001 Stratus 4Dr. SE Sedan (4cyl) is a fine car. Although it a little louder than Id prefer Its still a nice vehicle. The interior is laid out good. The controls are easy to read and access. The front seats are comfortable. The 4 cylinder has decent power and acceleration.

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  RT is a Hot Rod - 2005 Dodge Stratus
  By kevin - December 9 - 10:26 pm

  The RT Sedan 2.7L Magnum is an excellent choice if you want sharp handling, a lively engine (think fast), and firm ride (avoid the truck lanes). It comes with 17s, fog lights, and the automatic version has a +/- shifter, which works really well. Four wheel disc brakes, and traction control, keep the shiny side up. A mid console display provides temperature, real time gas mileage and average MPG, metric, etc. and the gauges are very easy to read. Its a fun, top of the line subluxury, sedan able to handle the most spirited driving.

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  Stratus Beats Taurus - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By dhermesc - December 8 - 2:43 pm

  Started out looking for a 2003 or 2004 Ford Taurus (to replace 99 Taurus as family car). Had not had good experience with Ford dealerships in my area (lousy service, ever wonder where the term "stealership" came from?). Had Impala for company car - only drive it because its free. Test drove the Stratus - quieter then the Taurus, more back seat room for the 2 & 5 year old but just a little narrower. Good power for passing on the two lane roads in my area (especially compared to the Vulcan engine the Taurus). The interior of SE seemed a little plain but good enough to haul (and clean up after) the curtain climbers. Otherwise well equipped with keyless entry, CD and power seat.

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  LOVE this car! - 1999 Dodge Stratus
  By Heather - December 6 - 2:00 pm

  I have had this car since Apr. 2000 and have not had a single problem. I have 100,300 miles on it now, and my job requires me to travel extensively across the country and so do road trips with friends...with not a problem to speak of. I will be buying another Stratus after I have to give this one up.

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  Stratus ES - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By jimbuc43 - December 1 - 10:44 am

  My 2002 ES is fun and reliable. Performance with the 2.7L engine is great and it gets good gas mileage. It also looks sporty with my added spoiler.

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  More Chrysler Garbage - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By GIBill - November 30 - 8:11 pm

  I owned this vehicle for less than 6 months before trading it in on an Accord. The only reason I bought it was the cheap price. But like the last Chrysler product I owned this car suffered from underpowered air conditioning (sounds loud, hardly cools the car), a jerky automatic transmission with weird gear ratios, and a ride like the shocks were made of oak. NEVER AGAIN!!!

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  Its Just Great!!! - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By Yogi4 - November 30 - 1:15 pm

  This is just a great vehicle. I just have the SE model, so I dont have all the goodies, but nontheless it performes great. The gas mileage is good, runs quiet with just a little road noise. It handles well and the 4 cylinder is peppy and made for the do-it-yourself tune-ups. The engine warms up unbelievably fast and the heater will blow you away. But the A/C could be a little colder. You can use your cup holders without your cup getting in the way of anything. The seats are comfortable even on long trips. Use semi-synthetic oil, I find that it improves mileage and smoothness in this engine. Dont use high priced brake pads. Just use the cheap semi metallic pads or it will eat your rotors.

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  Fun Car, Great Price - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By Silky - November 10 - 10:34 am

  Pros: the attractive looks, the power, and the value. I went from a 4 cyl 2001 Accord with lthr seats to this, and it was no step down. These cloth seats are the most comfortable Ive ever sat on in a car. This car is a great value with a heck of a lot of giddyup. The downside is the headroom is atrocious & with the curvature of the door/window I smack my head all the time when trying to check my blind spot. Next, the transmission is rough..stalls under hard braking occasionally and shifts very rough, especially down. Last, the gas mileage is terrible. Im lucky to get 20 mpg on my short daily drives. Overall, though, a great car to drive to its death since resale value stinks.

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  2001 Stratus RT - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By Tig594 - November 6 - 9:58 am

  This is the best car Ive ever owned. It is sporty and fun to drive and feels solid and safe underneath you. It looks good on the road and is comfortable and quite roomy on the inside. My boss got in and asked if it was a Mustang. Ive put a ton of miles on it (for work) and its been very reliable. It has excellent pick-up. Ive had no problems with it at all. Get a red one with a sun roof!

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  Great little car! - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By aurinia - October 28 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car used in Jan 2004 when my 94 Jimmy died. Had never driven one before or heard much about them but I got a great deal on it and figured w/ the inline 4cyl it would be good for my 70+ mile roundtrip daily commute. 9 months later, and I honestly love this car! Still doesnt have nearly as much power as my bfs WRX STi (what does? LOL) but its a great car! Ive put over 20K miles on it in 9 months (has 80K on it now)and so far the only things that have been replaced are the tires and the RF wheel bearing. Very, very reliable, looks great and very uncomplicated. Love it!