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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  Its an OK car - 2006 Dodge Stratus
  By Rob - December 6 - 10:48 am

  I had the car two years and it was a OK car for what i gave for it. It sits low so its a bit odd to get in and out of. I have a thermostat housing crack (made of plastic) and it was under and back side of the engine so it was very hard to change out. Then the timing chain went out and they replaced two of them but they had to pull the cam shaft pulleys to get to it ($1,300). so if you have to work on it it sucks. It was quick and great gas mileage. Bottom line is dont pay a lot for the car. someone hit me and i got more for the car than i payed so it worked out for me.

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  02 Stratus SE V6 - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By moparenthusiast - December 6 - 2:00 am

  Bought my Stratus SE V6 in Jan. of this year with 18,--- miles on it. Performance is definately more then most people expect it to be, so its fun getting on the gas. After about a month of owning the car, my interior brake light kept comming on and my brakes made a moaning noise. Took it to the dealership and they said "nothing was wrong". Recently took it back to the dealership and they determined that my rotors needed to be replaced. Also, now my transmission leaks. I still have about 6,000 miles left on my warranty so Im sure the Dodge dealership will tell me my transmission doesnt leak for another 6,001 miles. Wont buy another used dodge.

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  girst and last time I buy a Dodge - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By mdmissymarie - December 4 - 2:00 am

  The place I bought the car from was great! The didnt try to hassel me or make me feel stupid. thats about where The good news ends. I wii never buy another Dodge. At abot 30000 miles the back wheel broke. Some bolts broke and the tire was at about a 45 degree angle to the car. The paid for most of that to get fixed then my fan switch broke all within a year of ownership. oh yeah when the wipers are on and I turn the wheel or use the blinker the lights in the car power flux (change brightness) Ive heard dodge trucks are made better than there cars. I sure hope they are But I will never find out first hand this is my last dodge experience.

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  Safest car on the market - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By Elliebean - December 4 - 2:00 am

  Well I dont really know if its the safest but when I got in an accident with my dodge stratus, it saved my life. The car took the impact in all the right places and the driver and I walked away just fine. If you could see the picturesof the accident, youd be amazed. Im buying another one.

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  2003 Stratus R/T Coupe - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By bilmato - November 26 - 2:00 am

  Handles great, smooth and quiet. Could use another 25 - 50 HP, but the performance is adaquate for most drivers. Im a bit disappointed in braking performance, but after driving an IROC Daytona for ten years it would be hard to find a car that stopped as well as that one.

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  Lovin It - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By MissTai - November 14 - 2:00 am

  I am so in love with my car. Ive owned three other vehicles since Ive been driving and my Stratus is the most enjoyable for both style and reliability. Dodge, keep doing what you do.

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  Nice Car, Bad Engines - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By Bob Nolan - November 10 - 2:00 am

  This car is a great car for anyone who would like to own one, put few miles on it each year, and sell it prior to 60,000 miles. Chrysler should be shot in the head for using the crappy engines (2.0 and 2.4l engines) in these cars. After 60,000 miles, trade it, sell it, whatever, just get rid of it. A head gasket leak will turn into a $3,000 repair in no time. Other than that, great response, great handling, and an all around economical car in a good package.

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  Pleasantly Pleased - 1997 Dodge Stratus
  By Nik @ Nights - November 4 - 2:00 am

  We bought this car as a demo, with 12000 miles on it. We didnt have any problems with it until we hit 80,000, (of course the month before our last car payment!) we had a $1500 bill for the head gasket..which seems to be a common problem. We now have a problem with a vaccum seal leak. Hopefully that will not cost an arm & a leg. Overall it has been a good little car.

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  Love My Car - 2000 Dodge Stratus
  By ceseme - October 31 - 2:00 am

  32mpg - The rear window defroster was fixed under warranty. Alternator brushes replaced recently it is one of the best alternators made. Left rear automatic window opener not working anymore. Some road noise. Transmission seems to slip a little on acceleration, then catches. Trunk release mechanism quit working suddenly, about the same time as the left rear speaker. Maybe the wiring harness got pinched. Fan only works on high now settings went out by increments. Cup holders are too small. The radio volume fades, so I keep turning it up. I turn it off and on and it comes on really loud. Very weird. But I really like this car and enjoy driving it.

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  Great car for the money - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By John420 - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Traded in a 99 Breeze with 83,000 miles for this Stratus 4 cylinder ES used with 19,000 on it.So far its been a Great car. Some minor adjustments like noisy wiper blades and excessive wind noise from the drivers door.I will have to go back to have this fixed again as they adjusted the door, but its still there. Also need to get corrected a noisy wine from altenator. Otherwise it rides smooth and fairly quiet.