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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  2001 Dodge Stratus ES, My 39000 View - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By BelvilleTJ - October 20 - 2:00 am

  The handling and performance reminds me of my 91 Maxima. A bit more power and better gas mileage. I was afraid of the Dodge reliability but no problems except a rattle that has developed in the last 500 miles, I think it is a heat shield. The auto-stick is fun, with a bit more torque from the motor everything would really work smoother, I was used tho the Buick 3.8 before this car. Bang for the buck and the looks of the Stratus pulled me to at least try the Dodge.

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  Daves Thoughts - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By 4Pammi - October 20 - 2:00 am

  I bought thisd car for my wife. She test drove 13 vehicles from all different manufacturers and chose this car. She loves it and is very happy with it. She gets many compliments, and is very proud of her Stratus R/T.

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  First Dodge - Will not be the last! - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By fitter - October 19 - 2:00 am

  Main use is trips to the stores - all within 1 mile. A trip to relatives is every speed from 25 to 65 in 45 minutes. Recently took midwest to east coast trip. The 4 banger had to work a little, but the tranny made up for it. Short HP was evident in the mountains (had rented a Stratus two years ago for same trip - had 6cyl with plenty of power). If I outlast this one, I will buy another.

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  Wonderful~ - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By ssaga - October 17 - 2:00 am

  I bought 2002 Stratus SE 2.4lb last week. It is not so powerful, but it is enough. the design is very pretty, I love it. engine sound is so quiet. two things I dont like is fuel economy and poor sound system.

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  dodge - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By bender - October 4 - 2:00 am

  It seems to be a rough ride

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  Wow...My first new car! - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By DJ Cha Cha - October 4 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned a 1969 Plymouth Valiant for 10 years. This is my first "new" car and Im loving every moment. I do agree with everyone on here writing good reviews. Im surprised at the great fuel economy for a v6 and love the tight suspension. I just put 18 inch wheels with 225/40/18 tires on it and man do they grab the curves of the road. I have not seen many of these cars around the Medford Oregon area. I get a lot of compliments on my car and everyone wants to know what it is. All in all I cant complain. I pray that I dont have the head gasket problem that Ive read about in the late 90s models.

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  Everything Breaks - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By Joe Vdiddy - October 2 - 2:00 am

  I had less then 36,000 miles on my car and the heat and air conditioning stopped working. The car gets a moldy smell that I have brought back to the dealer 5 times for and they cant figure out what the problem is. The break sensor started going off 3 months into ownership and I have had the breaks looked at and now replaced but the light continues to go on around corners. The guy at the dealership says we can disconnect the fuse-great what happens when there is a real problem. The car

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  Excellent middle of the road car - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By sac86738 - September 28 - 2:00 am

  Realize that this is not a performance car, so performance gets an "average." Comfort-wise, the seats are cushy, and the steering wheel feels good--not cheap. Fun to drive? Not particularly. Interior is well thought out, very simple. The styling of the exterior is pleasing to my eye, especially the shorter windows. It has a kind of "meaner" look to it than its predecessor. As for reliability, it always starts up as soon as the key is turned--no delays. Ive never had a problem with my 1999 Stratus, and I sure dont expect to have too many problems with this one.

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  Surprised winner of the Year!!! - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By 02stratus - September 27 - 6:36 am

  It is the surprised winner, didnt think it would be, friend told me to test drive it and has love it since. Will totally surprise you, give it a test-drive.

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  Stratus R/T - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By BobALoo - September 26 - 2:00 am

  Purchased a Deep Red R/T and have had lots of compliments. The new look is cool. A lot of options installed, makes it fun to drive. The Infinity sound system is awesome too. A very efficient, safe, and reliable car. Well worth the money.