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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Vehicle rating - 2002 Dodge Stratus
By knightrider - March 16 - 2:00 amThe Dodge Stratus has lots of style on the outside and the inside is nice, but poor quality. My carpet is lifting off the floor and some of the molding near the roof is not snug. Unfortunately, just recently had some problems with a leaky transmission and had to have the transmission pump replaced. Inspite of excellent maintenance the drivability of this car has deminished greatly.
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Great ideas & design- build quality? - 2002 Dodge Stratus
By Parryprime - March 11 - 2:00 amI really liked this car when I bought it. I thought I really got a great value for the money. Powerful V6, good handling. Unfortunately at 30K the brakes went out so I had to get them repaired. The service man at the dealership had a distinctly ominous tone in his voice when he told me my transmission needed the powerflush. Yikes! Im selling it and then Im turning Japanese! I cant afford not to at this point. Lets face it, you might save 2k at purchase but youll make up the difference through precipitous loss of value and major repairs. A good car for 2 years then, buyer beware!
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Indiana Stratus - 2004 Dodge Stratus
By winthrop - March 8 - 2:00 amSo far so good. Its an attractive vehicle with just enough pizazz to be interesting. Good value. Great gas mileage. Solid feel when driving.
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Fantastic stylish car - 2004 Dodge Stratus
By MSJC - March 8 - 2:00 amI love this car!!!!!!!!!! It is very sporty looks great and rides great
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Fantastic stylish car - 2004 Dodge Stratus
By MSJC - March 8 - 2:00 amI love this car!!!!!!!!!! It is very sporty looks great and rides great
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love my Dodge Stratus - 2004 Dodge Stratus
By Sharpeworker - March 8 - 2:00 amI purchased a 2004 Dodge Stratus. It is a very nice car and It is very comfortable to ride in. Gets good gas mileage which is very important with the high prices of gas these days. It was well worth the investment and the warranty of 7 years or 70,000 miles was a great deal.
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couriers car - 1996 Dodge Stratus
By jthull - March 3 - 2:00 amI purchased this car in 96 and rarely used it until 98 when I started to use it for work. I have the 2.0 sohc base model 5 speed manual. At 65000 it did need a new headgasket. The only other major expenses have been the front bearings or hub assembly. (part is a lot). replaced alternator once. fixed ac unit once but after 52000 miles it started to leak again THIS CAR HAS THE ORIGINAL ENGINE AND THE ORIGINAL CLUTCH!!!! LAST FRIDAY 2/27/04 MY STRATUS TURNED OVER 300000 MILES AND STILL GETS 31 MILES TO THE GALLON. I DRIVE ABOUT 200 MILES A DAY AROUND 52000 MILES A YEAR. THE SIZE OF THE CAR IN CONNECTION WITH THE MPG,LOVE IT
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WOW - 2003 Dodge Stratus
By Dan Wall - March 2 - 2:00 amI went looking for a Extended Cab fullsize pick-up when I saw this baby sitting in the showroom floor. I couldnt help but look it over. I didnt really know that Stratus came in a 2 door, but had to have it well before I even drove it. After driving it, there was no way I could leave with out the car. Its a large enough car to not feel cramped inside, and still a very sporty car that gets some serious attention all passer-bys.
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One of the best cars Ive owned - 2002 Dodge Stratus
By jc1959 - March 1 - 2:00 amIve had this car for about two years and have found it to be a good combination of sport car "fun-to- drive" and sedan practicality. Power and braking are excellent. Its loaded with options. The quality of construction is outstanding - no squeaks or rattles and everything works as it should. I have yet to take it in for anything more than routine maintenance. A great value for the money- about $15000.
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HORRIBLE!!! - 2002 Dodge Stratus
By DHDH - February 29 - 2:00 amMOST HORRIBLE VEHICLE!! LEMON LEMON LEMON. EVERYTHING ON THIS CAR IS MESSING UP- TRANSMISSION, WINDOWS, SUNROOF, EVERYTHING. I AM VERY DISSAPOINTED WITH THIS VEHICLE, WISH I NEVER BOUGHT IT. IT HAS BEEN NOTHING BUT TROUBLE.
