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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  THANK YOU - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By CRACKEReater - July 14 - 2:00 am

  thank you to the dodge people for making such a fine vehicle. i have had my dodge stratus sxt sedan for about 4 months and have received nothing but compliments from everyone from friends and family to complete strangers. and i always have fun driving it.

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  Great car for singles and couples - 1997 Dodge Stratus
  By Ady - July 11 - 2:00 am

  My experience with my beautiful white dodge stratus has been great!

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  great car all around - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By gabereyes - July 8 - 2:00 am

  great handling car, but in quick turns, tires get pretty loud, but a quick change of tires will correct it. ive got 20k miles on mine now and love it so far.

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  2001 Stratus - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By Zee - July 6 - 2:00 am

  I have put lots of milage on this car and have had no problems, except having to replace the windshield a few times which was not the cars fault. It does need new bushings, which squeak when it is hot. I understand this is not an uncommen problem in New mexico but I have not had it on any previous car. This is the 6 cylinder

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  First Imperssions Can Be Missleading - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By ham_viper - July 6 - 2:00 am

  The transmission in this thing is terrible. I have the 6 cylinder with an automatic. The car jumps when you pull up to a stop sign. Also if you sprint to 45 and completly let of the gas, the transmission gives you a nerve racking "THUNK" as it shifts. I had to have the Transmission hoses replaced at 26000. Since then the dealership keeps adding trany fluid but tells me its ok. The battery whent completly out at 38000, no longer under warranty (Bat said 5 year 60000 dealer wouldnt warranty). Left me stranded at a stop light in town in lunch hour traffic. Now the Cig/ACC outlet has stopped working. What is next!!

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  Dodge should be ashamed of themselves - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By recallheadgasket55 - July 1 - 2:00 am

  This car was bought new in 9/97 but needed to be serviced often. Major engine trouble early on. Dodge did pick up some of the cost of the repairs after the warranty expired but only after I complained. Even with following the suggested routine maintenace the car should have lasted more than 77k. This car was traded in after the dealer recommended replacing the motor.

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  El Junk Mobile - 1996 Dodge Stratus
  By sam t - July 1 - 2:00 am

  The Stratus was my dads first car. At about 3-,--- miles it needed a new head gasket, needed another head gasket at 66,000. nearly everything started needing replacement at 60,000. It is noisy. We had the 2.4l and it only got 20city/29 high. thats pretty bad. There is a lot of torque in the engine and so so horsepower, 150 to be exact. The catalytic converter went bad at 66,000. steering column and wheel bearings needed replacement at around 64,000. iterior plastics were hard and cheap. steering wheel vibrated when idling.

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  First Real Car - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By CaseAnarchy - July 1 - 2:00 am

  Ive only had this car for six months, but based on all the other cars ive had, borrowed, or test drove, this is the best one ive been in. From zero to a hundred the car accelerates and handles very well. Has real good handling and decent brakes, dodged a near head on collision and countless critters. Last winter there was a bad snow storm, 6 inches, thought with the low clearance the car was stuck, the car dug its way through an un-shoveled drive way that a van couldnt clear. Good fuel economy too for the engine size, V6 chews up oil and spark plugs faster than average. Great car though, when maintained.

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  Still going strong - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By Marcs - June 19 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car new, no problems, fun to drive, great gas milage, and a very strong motor..

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  Decent family transportation - 1996 Dodge Stratus
  By Pete_S4 - June 11 - 2:00 am

  I had this car from 1996 to 2000 and put about 65,000 miles on it in that time. The motor and transmission were trouble free for the entire time I owned the car. The steering rack was replaced under warranty along with the tie rod ends. I also had to have the interior control module replaced under warranty due to a failed dome light. This car was basically fun to drive, but I do wish I had bought the VR6 GTI I had also been looking at.