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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  Been a good car for us. - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By Udslash - January 22 - 2:00 am

  We bought this car after we returned home from overseas/ARMY. Paid 8K for it used with 33k miles. It has been a great reliable car! At about 50k miles the main rear seal/head gasket had to be replaced. It was under warranty though..so no big deal. While living in L.A. I replaced the brake pads 6 or 7 times from freeway driving plus I had to have my rotors respun twice & then replaced. HORRIBLE brakes obviously. You definately need to buy high performance/carbon metallic to keep pads on this car for any length of time. Car has been from Miami to L.A. & back. + towed a U-haul trailer from Dallas to Miami. 130,000 miles to date...still going!!!

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  More Auto-Stick Please - 2000 Dodge Stratus
  By chrisr - January 15 - 2:00 am

  Bought my ES with 25K miles, now has 71K miles. Wont blow hot air at all now, dealer says $500 to tear out dash and get to heater box. Blows cold fine, at all settings, too bad its January....am gonna trade it in for an Intrepid as I cant find a newer Stratus with Auto- Stick......where are they, I want a used one. I like my Stratus but dont want to put a $1000 into it(needs brakes now too as I put off getting pads replaced)

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  GOOD CAR - 2000 Dodge Stratus
  By markmu - January 13 - 2:00 am

  this car has been a good car, have had some of the same problems reported in the other reviews. Both power window motors on rear have had to be replaced under warranty. Brake line, rotors have been troublesome, DODGE very UNCOOPERATIVE when trying to rectify the brake line problem.some tire problems and A/C heat regulator problem, but motor and transmission battery and alternator and the like have been very reliable. over 80000 miles and no major problems. GOOD CAR BAD CAR MAKER due to the them not being cooperative with the brake problem and trying to pass buck on to some after market work that has never been done

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  SO FAR SO GOOD - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By CAUTIOUSLY OPTMSTX - January 13 - 2:00 am

  THE ASSISTED BRAKING FEATURE TAKES A LITTLE WHILE TO GET USE TO. I AM NOT CRAZY ABOUT. IT FEELS AS THOUGH THE CAR IS JERKING. I CANT TELL IF I AM DOING IT OR NOT. THE GAS MILEAGE IS NOT BAD AT ALL. IT MAKES AN UNUSAL HUMMING NOISE WHEN ENGINE IS COLD. WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR IT ONLY HAD 10 MILES ON IT NOW WITH 9800 MILES IT STILL RIDES THE SAME JUST ABOUT.

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  its good - 1995 Dodge Stratus
  By t-dawg - January 9 - 2:00 am

  When i bought the car it had a blown head gasket, but the dealor replaced it with a new redesigned head gaske to fix the old faulty ones, not a problem since,if your head gasket ever goes out make sure you get the new redesigned ones!

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  Smooth Operator - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By CLDone - January 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought this SXT for interstate commute (mpg) and wast dissapointed. Handling is crisp, passing is effortless,and cruising at 3,000 rpm could get you a ticket. Short throw shifter is excellant. My car is black with 5 spoke alloys and never fails to get those appreciative stares.

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  Dodge "Lemon" R/T - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By rch - January 9 - 2:00 am

  I have had so many problems with this car. The front end is messed up,it is the roughest riding vehicle I have ever been in. My interior lights have been going out one after the other and my rear view mirror that had the auto dim on it no longer works. Also it is having transmission problems and my drivers side door does not shut properly. My windows also leak and the inside of the doors are mildewed and stink and everytime I put my windows down I can smell it. Car is a lemon!!

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  2001 Dodge Stratus SE - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By Bridget - January 5 - 2:00 am

  This car is a great car. It has a sleek style and it is fun to drive. I feel safe driving in it and very comfortable. Even though it isnt exactly a family sedan it offers extra safety features for car seats and individual cup holders and reading lamps. The power mirrors and cd and cassette feature is very nice!

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  2nd stratus...good value for your $$ - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By mr cf - January 4 - 2:00 am

  This is my 2nd stratus & very happy with it. Only gripe is the doors squeak. dealer replace all hinges and they still squeak. brakes are much improved over previous model. fuel economy is not as good as previous model. pretty peppy for a 4cyl car.

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  Terrible transmission - 1999 Dodge Stratus
  By Laura Furko - January 2 - 2:00 am

  Tie rod failure at 51,000 miles. Almost got killed. Transmission failure at 56,000 miles. What is up with that?