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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big mistake - 1997 Dodge Stratus
By matt - April 16 - 2:00 amthe more people i come across the more i see the same problems with this car head gasket front end parts and the head i have spent over 3500 just to keep it running the first year and a half i had it and i did find out other people had the same problem
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AWESOME - 2001 Dodge Stratus
By WIDOWMAKER - April 14 - 2:00 amGoing from an SUV to the Dodge has been a delight. What an absolutely fun car to drive. Talk about a head turner-- from the wheels, to the sun roof to the stereo system. A value priced car for the options. I have not had to go back to the dealership for any service other than routine oil change and tire rotatation. I may have to keep this car for a while--simply because I enjoy it. I have the five speed and love the sport suspension.
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great car - 2002 Dodge Stratus
By jimd - April 9 - 2:00 amwonderful car fun to drive
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:-) - 2001 Dodge Stratus
By expert - April 3 - 2:00 amThis car is absolutely made for a 21 year old going to college and a job. It is stylish, well-performing, great safety, excellent mileage, and overall a great deal as far as price. The v6 engine roars like a bird! I bird that just crapped on some loser w/ a monte carlo!
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Solid used vehicle... - 1997 Dodge Stratus
By billwfriend - April 1 - 2:00 amPicked up used in 8/01 w/ 42K miles. Now at 67K and running good. Did recently have to replace power brake booster $230 and repaced factory warped rotors with new aftermarket $100. Had car in for 60K service $150. Only other issue is with sub-zero cold starts in Wisconsin winters. Car needs a little gas and a couple of minutes to get the shivers worked out. But thats to be expected with a 6 yr. old vehicle.
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Reliable ES - 1998 Dodge Stratus
By Alagamon - March 30 - 2:00 amThis car has been extremely reliable for me. This car only needed oil, brakes and air filters until I hit 95K and then it was time for tires. At 105K I had all the maintenance items done new battery, plus,wires, coolant, etc. I ad tie rods and wheel bearings done as well. I am now at 175K and it is still going strong. It has been so reliable that when we needed a second car in 2000, we bought the exact smae car two years newer dofferent color.
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Great Car - No Problems - 1995 Dodge Stratus
By Joeg - March 30 - 2:00 amWe have put over 127,000 miles on this dependable car in over 8 years of fun driving. It is the base model so there are not many features on it, but it is still fun to drive. We have not put any money into it except for the usual (brakes, tires). It is been used by our teenagers for the last two years and even with them driving it, it has held up well. Just yesterday someone who was driving a 2002 Stratus asked us if our 1995 Stratus was a 1999 model. It is still lokking good. I just hope it makes it through my teenage kids.
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Love It!! - 2003 Dodge Stratus
By Kansas - March 29 - 2:00 amI just bought my Stratus coupe and I love it! I had a 96 Cavalier before this and what an improvement. This is the most fun car I have ever owned. Its quiet, stylish, and the even with the 4-cyl engine, it still zips around good enough for me. I would recommend this car to anyone interested in one. Since I just bought mine, I cant speak for its reliability.
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2000 stratus is awesome - 2000 Dodge Stratus
By mikeyp - March 26 - 2:00 amthe 2000 stratus is a beautiful car. the autostick option on the es is a blast. i love the car. it is so smooth, even at speeds over 70 mph. im surprised i havent gotten any tickets yet!
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Its Transportation - 2004 Dodge Stratus
By Mr. Mopar - March 26 - 2:00 amWe needed a replacement for my wifes Breeze and the Stratus was the logical choice. The size and price were the main factors that contributed to purchasing the vehicle; we needed a practical car and werent looking for anything fancy. The SXT package added some nice features like 16" aluminum wheels and keyless entry. The biggest problem so far has been the replacement of the transmission at 500 miles due to a high-pitched whine at 75 MPH. The drivers side window leaks some water when going through a high-pressure wash but after the debacle with getting the transmission fixed I decided I could live with a little water on my arm now and then.
