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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  good car in the city - 1996 Dodge Stratus
  By todd recker - June 11 - 2:00 am

  ive had this car for a year and have not had one problem. i am the second owner and i bought it w/ 65,000 miles and have 78,000 on it now. the paint quality is awesome with no rust spots. the car still has the original battery after 7yrs. the car is beautiful inside and outside. the 1st owner only had regular maintence plus a new A/C UNIT put on it and a steering pump. NO HEAD GASKET PROBLEM AND NO TRANSMISSION PROBLEM AT ALL!!!!! the only two problems i have is that the door rattles everytime i hit a bump and the tires stink too.

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  Great car for the money - 1996 Dodge Stratus
  By bfulmer - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Stratus ES for almost 4 years now and I absolutely love it. Even though I had to put a new tranny in it at 115K, its been extremely reliable. I put at least 25K on it a year driving from MD to Cape Cod several times a year plus to clients as far as 150 mi. per day. Its strong, great in the snow and the Auto Shift is awesome. Very spacious inside, room enough for 5. I have 171K on it now and its still going.

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  Sportster - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By bakerstalder - June 9 - 2:00 am

  I like the car...husband should have thought twice before getting it, we have two young toddlers. No room!

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  1997 Dodge Stratus 4 cylinder manual - 1997 Dodge Stratus
  By Dan in Maine - June 6 - 2:00 am

  This car has been a good basic car. The fuel mileage has been great as I get an average of 37 MPG in summer and 31 MPG in winter with my 4 cylinder standard. I had to replace a head gasket at 90,000.

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  Better off in a Hyundai - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By Vaccaro Greaves - June 6 - 2:00 am

  My first & LAST experience with Dodge. Dad warned me...The horsepower is a joke. 6 disk CD changer has been replaced 3 times in the last 2 years as it would not release nor play CDs. Driver side auto window function is a joke has to be pressed 2 or 3 times for the window to go down by itself. The car shakes while i sit idling with foot on brake & they made a loud noise for a long time that the dealership said they couldnt fix. You have to practically stand at the car door for the keyless remote to work. Trunk does not latch easily, has to be slammed real hard. I had 2 Hyundais before this car and they were a LOT better.

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  Up in smoke - 1997 Dodge Stratus
  By vanishpoint - June 5 - 2:00 am

  Bought new in 1996 and we loved driving it. Great interior. Liked everything about it. Then the problems started. Water pump & head gasket (at only 50,000 miles!). Yesterday the fiancee and I met with the florist for wedding flowers someone asked if that was our silver car with the steam coming out. Yep. Except it was smoke. Two firetrucks later and a completely burned out front end, were waiting on the insurance. Still, it looks great from behind and the interior remains beautiful -- at least the firewall works.

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  Nice car - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By DodgeBoy - June 3 - 2:00 am

  I went in to buy a 2003 and found the last 2002 on the lot. Had all the options I didnt want, but because it was last years model I got a good price. Overall a very nice car. Good acceleration, quiet, solid feel, a stiff but not harsh ride, quick steering response, and not bad on gas. The automatic (the one item I really DIDNT want) is a little sluggish, go for the manual if you can find one. Turning radius is not as tight as I expected. So far no problems, except a weird unidentified and intermittent noise from the rear when starting.

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  Fun to drive - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By bdscoach - May 28 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car new and have been very satisfied! Sexy styling and eye catching color (inferno red) is just the beginning! Rides great, quiet, comfortable and enough accessories to satisfy creature comforts. So far (2500 miles), no problems or rattles. Fold down rear seats are a hidden value. Good basic trasportation makes this vehicle a good car for the money.

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  Stratus ES - 1997 Dodge Stratus
  By pitt1991 - May 26 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle has been great. No major problems. Needs more head room and better location for cup holders.

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  Attention Grabber 4 Sure - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By rtlady - May 24 - 2:00 am

  Have had my car 2 years today and it still turns heads. If you love attention, this is definitely the car for you! Paint finish is awesome - still looks like a new car.