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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its been good to me - 1996 Dodge Stratus
By from the rocks - May 22 - 2:00 ami bought this car a year ago and so far no problems and i use for city driving about 8,ooo per year and its at 77,000miles. its not very smooth as it has 14 inch tires and you feel every bump plus the door pins wore out which causes the door to rattle with annoying noises. the car is great on gas, about 24 miles per gallon in city. air condtioner very cold,heater blows with force, seats are very comfortable. OK POWER for a 4 cyl. A year from now i will post more.
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Great Value - 1998 Dodge Stratus
By JJL - May 16 - 2:00 amIve had this car for 5 years and 60,000 miles without a single problem. Not even a couple of bitter cold Buffalo winters have slowed it down. The interior size is deceivingly large, as many passengers have told me over the years. Trunk space is also exceptional. The 4 cylinder engine gets tremendous gas mileage and provides a surpising amount of response and pick-up. I would certainly consider buying another one.
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black stratus - 2002 Dodge Stratus
By redrpb - May 14 - 2:00 amExactly what it is an affordable sporty car.
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Almost 2 years of fun drivin!! - 2001 Dodge Stratus
By Shaner - May 10 - 2:00 amIve had my 2-Dr. Stratus SE for almost 2 years and I havent had one problem. I drive all over the state for my job (in MN). It handles great in snow. The 200 hp V6 is a beauty weaving in-n- out of freeway traffic (I swear it has more gusto than the V8s I owned in high school). Handles corners like a dream. Stylish interior & exterior and a roomy trunk are a huge plus. Fairly easy to get a kid in-n-out of the backseat. Also, probably the best stock stereo Ive ever heard. Overall, a solid, dependable and extremely fun car to drive & own. I couldnt be happier.
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Excellent Car - 2000 Dodge Stratus
By john quak - May 8 - 2:00 amThe ratio of the quality over price is the best.
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lala - 2003 Dodge Stratus
By B-rizzle - May 8 - 2:00 amthe cup holders should be in a better place hard to find the right size cup for them and hard to shift with a big cup in the way but i like the short shifter very nice
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Good Car Overall - 1999 Dodge Stratus
By Dodgefam - May 4 - 2:00 amWe have had our Stratus for about 4 years. I has been a great car with lots of room. However, the passenger side window control does not work. It must be rolled up by the driver and the left rear window control on the drivers console does not allow the window to role up the window. The window must be rolled up from the back control. The truck release seems to stick. On the most part I am very pleased with our car--Lots of pep and a very smooth ride.
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hmmmmm - 2003 Dodge Stratus
By Ka0sZombie - May 2 - 2:00 amGood car but the cup holders are in a bad place.
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pretty good car - 2002 Dodge Stratus
By Bucket - April 25 - 2:00 amThis is a company car, so I didnt really have much of a choice. I probably wouldnt buy one myself. That said, I do think this is a pretty decent car. The seats are very uncomfortable (I do a lot of driving for work), and the interior is unimpressive. But I do like the speedy engine. This car has gotten me through quite a few bad passing decisions on my part with flying colors. Other than a freak problem with all of my tires unexplainably and constantly losing pressure, Ive had no problems.
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Dodge Makes One Great Car - 2002 Dodge Stratus
By Stratus SE Owner - April 24 - 2:00 amI have a 2 DR SE model and it is awesome! Not only does it turn heads with its sleek exterior, it has the performance to back it up. (V6, 200 HP). The car handles like a foreign sports car, very nice ride. Definitely recomend.
