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:

• 

  Nice car, but milage stinks - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By redpony - September 1 - 2:00 am

  The fuel milage is awful. We started out getting 22.7 in town, but the milage has fallen with each suceeding fill up to 16.5. We can only get 25 on the highway. Also on days with a temps over 115 the idle is erratic. The car will almost stall coming a stop. On one very hot 126 degree day the idle jumped to 2000 rpms causing the car to lurch forward almost causing an accident. The dealer can find nothing wrong and says that the Chrysler Eng. Dept. claims this is normal for all Chrysler 4 cyl. engines in hot weather. Chrysler Corp. wont help so I have filed a complaint with the NTSA regarding the sudden engine acceleration problem.

• 

  Great Starter Car - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By Haley - August 25 - 4:07 am

  I bought this car after my 98 Plymouth Neon was totaled. She had been through 2 or 3 owners, she has a salvage title, and she had lived in Upstate New York all her life. I paid $2,250, 72,000 miles on the odometer. The frame is still in good condition, unfortunately all the parts are just about rusted to nothing. Ive put a decent amount of work into this car, replacing the entirety of the suspension and steering system which piece by piece has started failing, all after putting about 60,000 miles on her. The only parts I have not replaced yet are the control arms which are still holding up well. The engine runs extremely well and for being a four cylinder it has some decent get up and go, especially in comparison to my last car. The steering is smooth, the seating is comfortable, and overall I have found her to be a reliable car. Ive driven her back and forth from Texas to New York 3 times now, and plan on driving her to Arizona from Texas next month. The dash is pushed up and not on properly, which Im not sure if it is due to the heat or the previous damage she took. Its comfortable for me and easy to get into, although she sits low. Plenty of space in front and in back, friends have told me its a spacious coupe that gives more leg room than their cars. Perfect engine and perfect transmission, its a sporty looking little cruiser that makes a great first car.

• 

  $675 TO REPLACE ALTERNATOR & BATTERY?!?! - 1996 Dodge Stratus
  By CATAJE - August 25 - 2:00 am

  We bought this car w/ 44,000 miles on it In 01/2000 I loved this little car, summer of 01 had to replace A/C parts, $635.00, have had replace about 4 relays switch, $50. Dec 02 car had 92,000 miles on it, waterpump went out, $600.00 to fix, june 03 Alternator and battery replaced, $675!!!! $300 tune up!! This car is so expensive to work on!! It is too expensive for me to keep, all this $ into it, and it now needs a Fuel pump, God only knows what that will cost.... Sitting in driveway waiting to get be gotten rid of!!!! I am scared to death to drive it, it seems to cost me about $600 everytime Ive touched it in the last couple of years

• 

  LOVE MY CAR - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By wholesaledad - August 24 - 2:00 am

  Love to drive this car, it is without a doubt a 4 door sports car, dual overhead cam fuel injected 4 banger really runs GOOD!

• 

  Good 4 the money - 1999 Dodge Stratus
  By MikeI - August 13 - 2:00 am

  its my first car and of course I will always love it, but it had its flaws: replaced brake tubes that go into calipers, replaced transmission sensor and recently replaced brake disks and calipers. Other than that, I like everything, especially when I paid 15300 for it brand new! Its also very solid car! For this price I recommend it anytime.

• 

  Great, Dependable car - 1997 Dodge Stratus
  By Mopar4Life - August 10 - 2:00 am

  I got this car from my dads job at a dodge dealership at a great price and Ive been nothing but happy with it. The 2.4L in the car is probably the peppiest 4 cyl. in its class. I had the head gasket changed before I got the car (All 95-99 stratus needed the new metallic head gasket). I plan on using this car throughout college without it having a bit of trouble. Im extremely happy with this car, especially with the money i paid for it. GET IT!

• 

  A great car - 1999 Dodge Stratus
  By ruhavingfun - August 7 - 2:00 am

  My vehicle was new off the lot. I wanted a car to tow behind my RV. My Stratus has exceeded my expectations. Its been fun to drive & extremely reliable. Only 1 problem so far,the left front headlight assembly had condensation due to a bad seal that was covered under waranty. Its been one of the most reliable and fun cars Ive ever owned. Hate to sell it but need a larger vehicle to hold our family of 6.

• 

  good vehicle but could be much better - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By Rob Wayne - August 6 - 10:00 am

  goodyear tires wear out real fast and you dont even have to abuse them....recommend investing in a better tire other than the goodyears.

• 

  Satisfied - 1997 Dodge Stratus
  By Vitis - August 5 - 2:00 am

  This has been an OK car except for the notorious head-gasket for the 4-cyliner engine. But, as a poor graduate student I have no room to complain when I can make it New Orleans from Carbondale on a tank of gas.

• 

  I love my\Car - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By littlebit - August 3 - 2:00 am

  I love my Dodge Stratus,it fun car drive it has lots of power.