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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Love it! - 2004 Dodge Stratus
By Letsgopsu! - June 8 - 2:00 amThis is the 3rd in the chrysler family ive owned, i last had a 1996 stratus se and this is essentially the same car with a new sharper image and if memory serves me right, the same motor with a little more pep to it. Handles curves as well as my 96 Sebring LXi and the sunroof is a great feature.
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Wet Floor Boards - 2004 Dodge Stratus
By willh - June 7 - 2:00 amLove the car, fun to drive good gas mileage. Unfortunately passenger floor board keeps getting standing water, sometimes so much you cant see the carpeted floor. Dealer thinks its A/C hasnt been able to fix the problem yet. Anyone else have this problem?
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Like all but Electrical Problems - 2002 Dodge Stratus
By tanksfull - June 5 - 2:00 amNo rattles after 40000 miles and handles beautifully but the electrical system is quirky.
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Purchased New In 97 - 1998 Dodge Stratus
By Akbar - June 4 - 2:00 amI purchased my 1998 Dodge Stratus new. Had 2.0 eng and 5 spd. Car had head gasket changed once. At 94,000 had to changed clutch cable. Washer on end toward engine broke. Only part I had to changed that wasnt a wear and tear item. At 123,000 changed wheel bearings (front) and lower control arm drivers side at 168,000. Car now has a small oil leak at oil sensor. Dealership price is only 13.60 for new one. Will get changed soon. Did not change spark plugs and wires until car began to miss at just under 150,000. Purchased replacements from dealership! Car only got below 30 mpg just before changing plugs & wires. Usually gets between 32 to 37 MPG! Great car!
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Problems since day one!!! - 2001 Dodge Stratus
By triks - June 4 - 2:00 amThe brakes on my car have always been sqeaking since day one. It has gone through 4 diffrent sun roofs because they all stop working or get stuck. The trim on the shifter started to discolor. THE A/C is weak the CD player skips and all this before 36,000 miles can you belive this. Very poor quality and I thoght I was getting a deal on a fully loaded R/T Coupe (just headache)
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Excellent - 2001 Dodge Stratus
By Great Vehicle - June 2 - 2:00 amIve had my car for over a year I bought it used with lots of milage so I thought Id need a warranty. Bad news is I wasted my money on that extended warranty. Good news is this car is awesome it is a great everyday driver. I love driving it. Unlike everyone else I have not experienced a high pitched noise.
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NOT FOR A FAMILY OF MORE THAN 3 - 2001 Dodge Stratus
By atashibill - May 31 - 2:00 amEXCEPTIONAL CAR LOVE THE STEREO SYSTEM THE TURNING THE PICKUP AND THE GREAT PAINT JOB. BOUGHT LEATHER INTERIOR AND IT HOLDS UP WELL CONSIDERING I HAVE 3 CHILDREN. DEFINATLY NOT A FAMILY CAR. WISH WE HAD THOUGHT ABOUT IT MORE BEFORE BUYING IT WHILE KIDS STILL IVING AT HOME. LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT IT THOUGHT. HAD O2 SENSOR GO BAD AT 36K MILES WAY TO EXPENSIVE TO REPLACE. $256 JUST FOR THE PART OUCH.
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I love this car! - 2002 Dodge Stratus
By Jaydawg - May 31 - 2:00 amI bought this car used with about 38,000 miles and have not had many problems so far. The car handles and accelerates well and is easy to find performance and aftermarket accessories for it. Mileage is good and so is the sound. I have noticed that sometimes my sunroof will not open and my rearview mirror rattles when i turn up my subs which is something that I need to fix. Overall I am very satisfied with this car.
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dodge stratus 2001 - 2002 Dodge Stratus
By jbreach - May 30 - 10:00 amcompetent performer for its tier - main complaint is poor rear visibility and uncomfortable front seats even with power seats - not a car to take on the road for a long trip
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Best car Ive ever owned - 2001 Dodge Stratus
By rick773 - May 30 - 2:00 amI fell in love with the styling of this car the first time I laid eyes on it. At the time we were out shopping for a car for my son and they were new. Seven month later I got one during an end of month sale. Being disappointed with the durabilitity of our four cylinder cars, I insisted on a 6 cylinder and was rewarded with Dodges 200 HP base 6 that ALWAYS averages between 23 and 27 miles per gallon. You cant beat power to burn and fuel economy! I am tall (6 1"+) and did need to get the power driver seat to increase the headroom clearance and it does the trick.
