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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  fun to own fun to drive - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By cgraham - September 7 - 2:00 am

  Ive enjoyed this car so far. Good performance, good gas mileage. Very comfortable on long trips it drives smoothly and has no trouble at all with interstate on-ramps or passing. Havent had to have any work done on it. Only downside is the 205/55R16 tires, which could be expensive depending on where you go. (I had the OEM Goodyears put on and it was over $400. Other than that, great car.

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  dodge - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By vincent01 - September 6 - 2:00 am

  overall good car

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  Excellent car - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By lonasindi - September 3 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my car for a few months, and its been a blast. Its reasonably quick and handles very well with the sport supsension package. I did have a mishap with getting my oil changed. The technician must have forgotten to put more oil in. The exterior styling is very nice, and the interior has clean lines and is very comfortable. The back seats are big enough to seat adults. The white gauges are very sporty. The engine is a little whiny sounding, but its not too bad. Shifts are smooth and consistent. Not a bad performer.

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  favorite car - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By Titanic3i - August 23 - 2:00 am

  Love to drive the car realy enjoy it.

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  mighty mopar - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By mike ramone - August 13 - 2:00 am

  bought my dodge in december 1998..we found out quickly that the heating system is excellent.we have approx 82kms currently.ride is fair, starting to get all sorts of suspension creaks.have the usual head gskt and trans cooler lines leaking(im an auto mechanic so i can fix them myself) what is dissapointing is the brake system.we have put on approx 70kms in less than 5years,& im on the 4th set of brake pads!!! other than that its a pretty good car

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  I love this car - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By KickerSolo2000 - August 9 - 2:00 am

  I wasnt sure about even trying the car becuase of the past designs, but I drove it and feel in love with it. It has a sporty look, plenty of power and it handles great!

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  Dodge stratus - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By damon24 - August 5 - 2:00 am

  So far I have a lot of fun with this car. Its a little too low to the ground but I can deal with it.

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  my partner!O.O. - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By jackie_hottie - August 5 - 2:00 am

  I love it!!!! This car drives like a BMW! The sound system is like W-w-o-o- a-a--h-h-h-!

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  Dodge moving to the front - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By DODGE1 - August 4 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is a joy to drive on short or long distance trips. It handles great at high and low speeds, plus the styling brings out positive comments from olld and yong alike. Very solid and dependable and with 30mpg on a trip an economical and fun car to drive.

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  My Stratus - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By nurseman - August 1 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Stratus as a used car in May 04. I love the car. It gets great milege for the size of the car and the power. Ride comfort is very good. Styling is a plus because it is easily recognizable compared to the imports which to me look much the same as one another.