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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  amazing performance for a 6cyl.!!!! - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By sir looshus - October 25 - 2:00 am

  the 01 stratus is fun to drive with the optional auto stick. the top of the powerband is very responsive. handling is great on dry or wet surfaces. interior design is awesome, everthing is within arms length of the driver. could have added heat to the power leather seats for the cold winters, but ya cant have everything! would purchase another in a heartbeat. only problem i have had was a timing belt tensioner at 90XXX miles

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  ITS THE BOMB !!!!!!!! - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By bananarepnj - October 21 - 2:00 am

  i bought the Stratus 04 in OCTOBER this year, i love the car ever since. it has a lot of rooms on everything that i need, sporty looking, and great gas mileage, its great to drive it in the highway. it wasnt my first choice of vehicle to buy, but as soon as i saw it on the dealer and test drive it, i fell in love with some of the futures.

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  Exellent - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By Ryan Sewell - October 20 - 10:00 am

  Best car ever owened a little stiff on handeling.

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  Old Reliable - 2005 Dodge Stratus
  By dingo9 - October 14 - 2:00 am

  Excellent family transportation, good fuel economy, stylish, carries lots of cargo (camping gear), comfortable for long highway drives (8 hours). I like it! My previous car was another Stratus, which still ran great after 187000 miles!

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  MY CAR - 2005 Dodge Stratus
  By ROYM - October 9 - 2:00 am

  VERY NICE CAR GREAT GAS MILEAGE

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  Good Family Car - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By SarahLee15 - October 9 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my Stratus for about a year now. It is a nice, reliable, family car, with plenty of space to haul things. It is especially nice when taking long trips. Its comfortable, and has plenty of room. I have never had to worry about it being stolen or broken in to, due to the nice safety features. I love my Stratus, and know that I can always depend on it. I would highly recommend this car to young professionals and families. It is inexpensive, and reliable.

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  the car - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By vinnyca1 - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I got the car in late nov 2003 and i love it, but for a big guy its not the car you want. also the power is not there.

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  Rock it AND Roll it - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By Silencer79 - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love my car. I will definitely stick with Dodge...it has left a good flavor. I am only 21 but I know a good ride...and this is it.

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  2004 Stratus - 2005 Dodge Stratus
  By Jeffrew - October 2 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for a year and I love it as much today as I did when I saw it. Its a nice-looking car with excellent performance. I highly recommned this car.

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  Stratus R/T - 2005 Dodge Stratus
  By car_know_it_all - October 2 - 2:00 am

  I have just purchased my 2004 Stratus R/T, and was astounded with how happy i was. I previously drove a 2002 Neon SXT, and the Stratus is a much better car. The performance is absolutely great, and with the auto-stick these California hills are a breeze. The bold and daring design of the Stratus R/T Coupe demands respect from every one on the road. Every since i picked it up from the dealer i have been reciveing constant complements on my new ride.