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:

• 

  My Dodge - 2000 Dodge Stratus
  By RyanL - November 25 - 2:00 am

  I am a commute to college and work, so I rely heavily on dependable transportation. I love having the power of a V6 along with outstanding fuel economy. The cars rides smoothly and comfortably. My only gripe are the brakes. Ive had to turn down the rotors at 25,000 miles and later replace the front brake pads and rotors at 40,000 miles. I also think the front springs may be on their way out at 48,000 miles. Other than that, I change the oil every 4000 miles and the car runs great.

• 

  Pretty good car for the buck! - 2000 Dodge Stratus
  By Dwayne G. - November 24 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Stratus for a year now and I have gotten fairly good service from it during this time. I bought it with 12,000 miles and now have 45,000 on it. Only a few minor problems with it which the dealership took car of after a few visits.

• 

  fun fun and more fun - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By sanad@2gss.org - November 20 - 2:00 am

  this is the one of the coolest and sweetest looking family cars out there trust me after puting my intake in that baby was even fast and boy is she fun to drive

• 

  You get what you pay for : ) - 1999 Dodge Stratus
  By Phat Strat - November 18 - 2:00 am

  My 99 Strat has 73,000 miles on it. Ive replaced the 02 sensor and transmission seal... thats it ($500 total). All in all, its been a trouble- free car that is plenty reliable. This car has great looks and will age well. All in all its a good car for the price. Hard to bash on a car that that was built/priced for the entry-level consumer.

• 

  Stratus R/T Coupe - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By 2003 R/T - November 18 - 2:00 am

  I came from a Grand Prix GTP, 240HP 280 Torque. Im impressed with this car. Its only 200HP and 205 Torque, but with the manual, it feels faster. Its comfortable and fun. Its smaller than Im used to, and I dont think anyone will ever want to sit behind me. Its a little restrictive on the view, hard to see right behind me, but Ive adjusted. Its a great car (with my 200 miles so far) and I would recommend this to anyone (so far). Its got a new look that I like much more than the 2002.

• 

  R/T - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By R/T Guy - November 15 - 2:00 am

  I didnt expect much when I got the car, it reminded me of an intrepid and I figured it would drive like one. However, this R/T is powerful, and has the potential to be a sports car when it wants to be, and at the same time can be a comfortable ride around town. Ive had no problems with my R/T, and no real complaints. Im extremely happy with my car.

• 

  I want expecting to buy a Stratus STX - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By bevans - November 12 - 2:00 am

  We went the the dealer with a Stratus R/T with a large V6 and auto trans in mind, but met the 5 speed manual STX version and drove it. I was shocked when the salesman told me it was a 4 cyl. It was a beautiful car and extremely fun to drive. We only have 2000 miles on it so I cant comment about problems. So far, we havent had any.

• 

  New Stratus R/T - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By dodgeboy11 - November 1 - 2:00 am

  Ive only put on a couple hundred miles, but here is my first impressions: Fun to drive w/ excellent handling. Good feel of brakes. Steering a little over sensitive, but responsive. Horsepower OK...nothing to write home about. I have noticed a couple squeaks and rattles inside...typical Dodge. Overall, about the most fun you can have in a car that is still practical.

• 

  Great car - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By AlOrlando - October 24 - 2:00 am

  I drive alot for business, and have not been let down or disappointed. The 2.4L engine has plenty of power for highway driving and gets good mileage. Just turned 96000 miles, and have replaced only battery, brakes, tires, drive belt, filters and plugs so no complaints there. Plenty of room inside, all though the roof line could have been a little higher. A 6 foot driver will brush the top on occaison. Good deal for the money, seats 5 people - no problem. Like the new ones, and would consider another Dodge.

• 

  LIKE IT ALLLLLOT - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By RANDYP3 - October 23 - 10:20 pm

  PURCHASED 2002 STRATUS R/T COUPE, FIRST CAR FOR 15 YRS. IVE BEEN DRIVING PICKUPS AND HATED CARS; WELL IM TURNING 50 AND TRYING TO STAY YOUNG, SO FAR I LOVE THIS CAR. KIDS CANT BELIEVE IM DRIVING CAR,ITS SATIN PEARL WHITE W/LEATHER INTERIOR.AUTOMATIC THOUGH,