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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  Dont dodge this Stratus - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By KeithFLA - August 2 - 2:00 am

  What a surprise. I bought this car a little over a month ago. So far, so good. This car sits really low, and hugs the road. The cockpit of this Stratus surrounds me well. I have a stocky build, but I am comfortable in this car. You will notice more head room than its cousin, The Eclipse. The 4 cylinder provides adequate acceleration. The outside road noise is quiet. The shape of the car cuts right through the wind at high speeds. Overall, I am pleased, and I did not break my bank.

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  Stratus beats the competition - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By vhalen - August 2 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Stratus for a year now, and I love it more every day. Even though the Stratus doesnt sell as well as the wildly popular Mitsubishi Eclipse, it provides just as much fun and excitement. You definitely need to get a manual to enjoy the powerful V6 to its full potential. The handling on this car is spectacular, its comfortable, and it gets great mileage. I highly recommend this car!

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  Dont waste your money! - 1995 Dodge Stratus
  By Lizzard - August 1 - 2:00 am

  We bought the car used in Feb. 01 (94K mi). By July we needed to replace the water pump. Around the same time it started leaking a lot of oil and then suddenly stopped. Dont know why. My husband hates the placement of things under the hood. VERY awkward! A few months ago, something around the rear left tire started rattling (it sounds like the car is going to fall apart or something is going to fall off). The air conditioning doesnt work if its hot outside. The light on the clock works and then it wont. One of the air vents is broken. Its getting to be a lot of little things that adds up to a lot of pain and money. I cant wait to get rid of it!

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  Not Best Quality, But Best Value - 1999 Dodge Stratus
  By Kingglim - August 1 - 2:00 am

  -Superior bang for the buck -Low used prices (sorry for the first owners), even cheaper than 1 year- older, baseline Civic and Corolla -Youthful and energetic exterior & interior -Lot of room, more than I paid for. -Plenty of features -Very harsh suspension unpaved roads and road cracks. -Front end began rattling over unpaved roads and road cracks in 2001. -Wind noise and road noise are loud -Soft brake and it wears out fast -Poor rust-proofing, hood rusted out in 2002, but replaced by dealer free. -During slowdown, downshift from 4th to 3rd at 30 mph by the auto tranny produces strong jerk. Engine RPM is too low for the downshift.

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  great car for the money - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By yaacko2 - July 31 - 2:00 am

  this is my first time buying a dodge and so far im very impressed.i traded in my 2001 nissan altima gxe and i must say that this car is much more spacious ,and much more fun to drive.ive gone a tad over 100 miles and i figured id check the fuel effiency and it tok but 3 gallons to fill back up as where my altima would be on 1/2 tank by this time.fit and finsh not up to standards of camry or accord but its also thousands of dollars less expensive.have to wait and see on the reliability but everyone ive talked to whos had one didnt complain .peppy lil 4 banger does fine pulling my 6ft5 300 lb self around with no complaints and i live in a hilly area.

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  Great little car - 1997 Dodge Stratus
  By DualStratuses - July 30 - 2:00 am

  In my family, we now have two Stratuses, both 97s, both 2.0L and five-speed stick. Mine is Forest Green Metallic and my fathers is Light Silver Fern Clearcoat. They are great little cars, cheap, peppy and safe. My father has 230,000 miles on his, and hes only replaced the infamous head gasket, the rear main seal (and consequently the clutch), and a left wheel bearing assembly. His car still gets 35-37 MPG on the highway. I just bought mine today, well see if mine turns out as well as his has.

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  Multiple repairs - 1996 Dodge Stratus
  By jmcg - July 30 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle in 1999 as a 3 y/o with 36K. I have since replaced the head gasket (at 37K), power steering rack (at 56K) and now the AC at (57K). Not to mention little stuff like the interior trunk release doesnt work and the display on the radio went out at 40K. Overall a disappointment in reliability. I am unlikely to own another Chrysler product based on this experience.

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  Stratus coupe is fun to drive - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By MikeinPgh - July 30 - 2:00 am

  The Stratus coupe looks great and is fun to drive. I have gotten several compliments on the car from strangers. Power from the V6 engine is great for getting on the freeway and going up hills.

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  Fun, Fun Fun - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By Brenjliu - July 28 - 2:00 am

  This car is fun and powerful. The price was right as well. I love the quiet smooth ride. The controls are easy to reach and the power windows have a safety feature so you cant accidentally close t

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  Wow! - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By greyfox - July 26 - 2:00 am

  I bought it used, dealer certified, 2.4L, 4 cyl, at 54k. I put Mobil One synthetic in it, had all four brakes done, tune-up, and now have 66k on it. I love it. Reliable, looks good, incredible sound system, handles well. To check hiway mileage, I did 150 miles, set the cruise for 62 mph, all highway, and got an incredible 36 mpg! Im told it does use front brake pads, but thats a small price to pay for an all-around great car. Id buy another newer one if I could. Hauls butt too, for a 4 cyl! Highly recommended.