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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  Lets be honest... - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By jelenap - March 2 - 2:00 am

  Lets be honest: this car is fun to drive ony when it is not in the shop (and bills are not fun at all). And it is a reliable only after you replace a transmission, engine and brakes.

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  Awesome distinguished ride! - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By Daniel M. - March 2 - 2:00 am

  This car has been the best thing that I have had in a long time! No one knows what it is, they always say "Hey thats a nice....uhm?...Pont...Ch...What is that?". The car turns on a dime and at times shocks me with its power (it really moves, pending you know how to shift then its untouchable). The cool thing about this car is the aftermarket goodies, Ive already purchased an air- raid intake system and will be purchasing a supercharger as well!! (even though the car does not need it at all). When driving this car it feels as luxury as my parents Infiniti Q45, so its sporty and good looking.

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  2001 Stratus Coupe SE - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By Josh327 - March 1 - 2:00 am

  What attracted me to the Stratus Coupe was first the styling, then I really couldnt believe the price. A fully loaded 200hp coupe for 20grand, not bad. Much better styled than the Monte Carlo. Build quality could be better, sometimes can hear rattles in back and in the dash. 3.0 V6 is a gem, very smooth, however max torque isnt achieved until higher in the revs, so if you drive like me, you are frequently in the 4-5rpm range. Overall a very good buy.

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  Can you say Electrical Problem? - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By 7TimeChamp_3 - February 26 - 2:00 am

  I should have known better than to by another Dodge. Much like my 97 Caravan this car has been one problem after another. My ABS has failed 4 times on the car and Chrysler has done very little to try to fix it. The 5 speed is hard to shift, often requiring a double clutch to get the car to shift, which the dealer tells me is normal. I have been driving manual shift cars for 15 years and have never had these issues. The car is sluggish, our other car is an 02 VW Cabrio with a 4 banger and it runs every but as well as my R/T. Dealer tells me that is the thin air in Colorado. I think the car is thin on good old HP.

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  Ups and DOWNS - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By Duhd - February 20 - 2:00 am

  When I bought this car, I would have said it was a 10. It had looks, smooth ride, low noise, roomy interior, and power. About 8 months and only 5,000 miles later, it developed a vibration and growling noise. After five visits to the dealer (who really didnt want to work on it) and a letter to Chrysler (who said if I didnt like the dealer, take it somewhere else), the possible cause was the transmission. With some research I found out that this troublesome transmission was the same one used in prior years only to be renamed. Would I buy this car again even though it has looks, comfort, power, etc..? NO! Maybe I just got the lemon of the bunch.

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  Awesome Car! - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By Tracie - February 17 - 2:00 am

  Great car, fun to drive, yet functional with a toddler. A lot of trunk room too. Ive had the car one year, and there are no rattles or squeeks of any kind. I havent had one bit of trouble with anything.

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  Great car so far - 2000 Dodge Stratus
  By Joachim A. - February 11 - 2:00 am

  I have had the 2.4L for a year now and I really like it. It has been pretty reliable. Stylish, good looking sort of roomy. I have put a new audio system in it and I look forward in driving it. I have an warranty up to 75,000 miles, so I feel relaxed on the service. Lack of head room, leg room for driver and cupholders are horrible. The brakes needed wear & tear work.

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  Stratus 96 2.4L - 1996 Dodge Stratus
  By asdfjkl - February 1 - 2:00 am

  Overall car is good. Love the look and interior space.

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  still satisfied - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By sacramentodave - January 31 - 2:00 am

  After driving 22,000 miles with it, I can say that I am still very satisfied with the Stratus 2-dr SE. I have had no problems other than a few new rattles with the plastic interior. It still runs great after all this time and have not regretted the purchase. The price paid was 13,995 and was definitely worth it, especially with the great warranty.

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  Awsome - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By Johnjohn - January 29 - 2:00 am

  Some have bad mouthed this car and Dodge cars in general. I love my stratus es. It handles great in the snow which was an important factor living in the northeast. I have owned 3 dodge cars and have never had a problem with any of them. If you keep up the maintenance on them they will last forever. My last car was a 1994 dodge shadow es i traded it in with 156,000 trouble free miles on it.