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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  Cheap but unreliable sedan - 2000 Dodge Stratus
  By raskolnikov_im - October 1 - 2:00 am

  The v6 picks up adequately but guzzles gas. Brake pads have to be changed with absurd frequency. The build quality is fairly poor something which is evidenced by continual small/mid ticket repairs that need to be performed on a bi monthly basis. The cup holders are awful. The rear windows is perched far to high on the back end, which means rear visibility is limited. The back seat does fold down though, which provides lots of room when you need to move something.

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  Just a few quirks - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By stratus04 - October 1 - 2:00 am

  The car has been excellent. The gas mileage has been less than spectacular though. The wheels continually are covered with brake dust. The cup holders are small. I would suggest automatic headlights. Other than those minor things, I have had no complaints with my Stratus in short, day to day trips or long distance trips. I have not had any work necessary other than routine oil changes.

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  Honest Review - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By Allabouttheradius - September 29 - 2:00 am

  both exterior and interior are visually appealing. however, had to replace all 4 tires within first 18 months - any impact(gravel, curb) messes the tires up -they are expensive to replace. cant pull up to regular parking spots - front end sits so low it scrapes and eventually can tear and drag

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  Love my car - 1996 Dodge Stratus
  By tylerpalti - September 28 - 2:00 am

  I have had my car for nearly six years now. The car has remained very responsive over the years, and reliable. I have been able to to most work on it myself although it has been extremely tight under the hood at times. I love my car, and I would and have recommended it to anyone who will listen.

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  cool car - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By video0512 - September 21 - 2:00 am

  For the most part I have never had any problems with this car. I just never really enjoyed the ride and handling, especially for this to be a sport coupe. This car is not a great handler.

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  stratus R/T sedan - 2005 Dodge Stratus
  By james anthony - September 17 - 2:00 am

  Dodge will not stand behind this car. I enjoy this sedan for its performance and value, but the paint has issues. Dodge wants to warranty a paint job. The car has only been in my possesion for a short time and they want to paint it. I want it replaced. Diamler- Chrysler says no way! They have lost a loyal customer.

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  Perfect - 2005 Dodge Stratus
  By bullwinkle - September 11 - 2:00 am

  It took me and my wife a while to find a car we liked but when we found our stratus sxt we fell in love it is so fun to drive plus it is a pretty car I wouldnt give it up for nothing its a small car that is sharp plus got the power to back it up

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  2004 Dodge Stratus - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By JJAR - September 11 - 2:00 am

  Great car! corfortable, sporty. Roomy on the inside, huge trunk space, lots of features, great speed, good on gas (improves the more you drive it).Handles likes a sports car, good for a family car. Would buy another!!!!

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  Stratus Review - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By stangscg - September 10 - 2:00 am

  Excellent performance from a reasonably priced package. Design that gets many positive comments, even with the car being now 4 years old. Good sound system. Excellent reliability.

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  the stratus - 2005 Dodge Stratus
  By shaggy2598 - September 10 - 2:00 am

  i have loved this car ever since I test drove. I would recommend this car to anyone.