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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  Excellent Value - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By Roadrunner - March 25 - 2:00 am

  This is the car to have if you want it all. Performance, economy, and reliabilty. It is not overstated in the looks department, (no plastic cladding like on some cars in its class) and yet does not have the square utilitarian look of some other cars. The fit and finish is very well done, the interior is laid out quite nicely, everything is within reach, and the instruments are colored white and easy to read. This is not just a grocery getter.

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  great car - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By gtzspeeddemon - March 21 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car. My wife sold her 97 Sunfire and bought this. The engine compartment is kind of tight, but it is a big engine in a small car. The 2.5 is reliable and powerful, the auto stick is a must have. Changing spark plugs at 100k will be a pain, but it only has to be done every 100k, right? Great looks, in and out, perfect sized for 3 person family. Put fatter/lower profile tires on it, looks awesome. All around an awesome car, currently drive a 92 dakota, if i wasnt a huge GM scucker, i would buy one.

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  NOT happy - 1995 Dodge Stratus
  By NOT happy - March 21 - 2:00 am

  Nothing but problems since the purchase date. The thing can eat brakes more than anything, crap transmission, and who thought to put the battery under the fender? Looks great, runs horribly.

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  NO Anti-LOCK Brakes???? - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By Ed job - March 19 - 2:00 am

  This car is a nice car but i bought it so my wife would be safe on the road, back to work and home. When the bad weather struck, this is when the car slid off the road and i found out it didnt have anti-lock brakes. the sole reason on getting a new car....more saftey!

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  I LOVE THIS CAR!!! - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By miciel - March 18 - 10:00 am

  My dad has purchased this Dodge Stratus 01 and I just cant help looking at it from the outside. The car is very beautiful. By the time my dad parked it outside the house, our neighbors even said, "wow its beautiful!" This car is very unique and bold, it has a distinct design and you would really know when the DODGE STRATUS is on the road! The car is affordable too which is so unbelievable. I like its outside features, and I love the interior design more. Its very comfortable, and I love driving the car, Its just perfect!

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  glad to have a car - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By mguinn - March 6 - 2:00 am

  after having a 93 ranger standard cab i was in awwww driving the 2003 R/T stratus. its a smooth quite ride and it moves. the handling is great and it looks sporty. its also great on gas

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  Warranty Scam - 2000 Dodge Stratus
  By wendywoowoo - March 5 - 2:00 am

  We puchased our Stratus with remaining manufacturer warranty and the salesman told us our In service date was 3/30/00 and that the Out service date would be 3/30/03. On 2/24/03 our transmission was doing some weird things(fluid leak). Took vehicle to local Dodge service department on 2/25/03 and they tell me warranty expired on 2/23/03. Called Chrysler and they inform me of the same thing. Make sure when purchasing a Dodge/Chrysler you get written documentation of the In service date and Out service date, because Chrysler corporation will only file a complaint, but wont do anything to help. Also having problems with door locks and power windows.

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  Enjoyable Drive - 1999 Dodge Stratus
  By NY Trini - March 4 - 2:00 am

  So far I am pleased with the car. Having some problems with high gas consumption (12 m/g city) but otherwise everything works fine. One of the most atractive vehicle on the road. Reviewed a lot of other vehicles before purchase but none had the looks.

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  Could have done better - 1999 Dodge Stratus
  By pcotrash - March 4 - 2:00 am

  My Dodge Status still gets me back and forth to work but I have had several problems with it that shouldnt happen when you buy a brand new vehicle. Gas gauge stopped working and left me stranded in the middle of nowhere at 1130pm. Also have had to replace speed sensor, had the rotors turned 6 months ago and they alreadly need turning again. Several other problems also.

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  Nicks Strat - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By icyskratuz - March 3 - 2:00 am

  my 2001 stratus is a great car. the auto-stick is an awesome feature, and fun to use. good top end performance, but not alot of modifications are avaliable for the stratus.