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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  Oneawesomelittlesportcoupe - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By sac7481 - July 10 - 2:00 am

  I am totally in love with my car!!! It is a joy to drive and the Infinity stereo system that is factory installed, it awesome!!! I had the owner of a car audio store say that it is the best that he ever heard from the factory!!!!! Couldnt be happier with my purchase..

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  Love this car - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By manson - July 10 - 2:00 am

  Embarassed a Mustang, when he caught up I was suprised to se the GT on the rear. Have got 30 MPG on a 75 MPH trip, regularely get over 25 even with kayak and/or bike on top. Have received unsolicited comments from passengers on comfort. Not the best at any on thing but the best combination of features, comfort and performance. 50,000 miles and no squeeks, rattles or any other problems.

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  Good till 75k! - 1995 Dodge Stratus
  By Jay-Dub - July 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car used with 50k. It was purchased to make a daily trip of about 125 miles for one year until college grad. That year went well. The car was smooth and fit us well. Im 63" and this was the only small car that I fit comfortably in. There is something bad wrong with the electrical system. For a while the radio wouldnt work one day, then another day work fine, now it doesnt ever work. The check engine light has been on over a year, dealer cant find anything. Brake wear is horrible, at least once a year replacment. Rear end squeaks. The rpm gauge has quit working. Transmission started slipping at 85k. Cant wait to sell!

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  2001 Dodge Stratus - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By friscowhitehouse - July 9 - 2:00 am

  This is a wonderful, classy, looking family car.

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  awesome!!!! - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By cjfri - July 1 - 2:00 am

  I have loved dodge since i owned my avenger what a wonderful experiance i have had with my cars. I love the way they take care of me. Drove from colorado to iowa without a problem.

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  Awesome car! - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By slickchros - June 29 - 2:00 am

  I just bought this car and absolutely love it!! It has tons of power and handles like a dream! I almost bought a 2002 r/t but am glad I waited. It is SO much fun to drive and very attractive car! I already got a couple of "nice car" compliments. It has everything you could want in a car and more. I got the 5 speed and would recommend it on this car.

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  Best Car I ever bought - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By Todd Farally - June 21 - 2:00 am

  I love my 2002 Stratus R/T, it is hands down the best car I ever bought. I drive around town and everyones head turns to look at it. Outside and in, its style is flawless. It handles great, corners like a dream and can stop on a dime. If you purchase this vehicle, I highly recommend you get it with the autostick feature. Autostick really helps in highway driving, plus its a lot of fun on windy country roads. The sound system is top-notch for a stock system. Well I hope what Ive said helps people out who are looking for a great car at a affordable price. I can honestly say that you wont be let down by this automobile, I havent been!

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  Love my Miss-RT - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By midge - June 19 - 2:00 am

  Bought my car a little over 6 months ago and have no major issues. Great "pick up and go." The Infinity stereo system is awesome. Have the same issue as a previous post though the CD player does skip some, but only if Ive left a cd in it over night then started playing it the next day. Simply ejecting the disk and putting it back in fixes this problem. The biggest irritant is the odometer is off by about 3 to 5 percent. It is gaining miles faster then I have traveled which is shortening my warranty and lowering my trade-in value. But I normally keep a car until it has very little value left anyway, so this is not too big an issue.

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  steps review - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By stephan - June 13 - 2:00 am

  excellent quality for price excellent choice for people looking for sports look with some of the performance without the price

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  I love my Stratus - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By ladycook - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love my Stratus. It is beautiful! I get compliments on it almost daily. And it is one of the most fun to drive cars Ive ever had.