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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MINE - 2000 Dodge Stratus
By MIKE WILLMAN - October 23 - 2:00 amNUMEROUS MECHANICAL PROBLEMS, BAD RACK AND PINION 6000 MI, BAD FRONT ROTORS, 1500 MI, FRONT BRAKES AND ROTORS CHANGED AGAIN 21000 MI, REARS STRUTS ANS SPRINGS REPLACED 3 TIMES BECAUSE OF NOISE CLUNKING OVER BUMPS, BAD TIE ROD END, 8000 MI, BAD MOTOR IN POWER WINDOW DRIVERSIDE, SEAT PANS RUSTED AND WERE PAINTED, 4 TIRES REPLACED DUE TO BAD RACK AND PINIONJ AT 22,OOO MI, IS THIS ENOUGH??????
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A mere 8 - 2002 Dodge Stratus
By JCal - October 16 - 2:00 amThe stratus coupe handles nicely, yet its missing something, it tends to hestitate when you kick it down. It handles great around corners and is very quite inside. The four disk CD stero has anice sound system.
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Engine problems with the 1998 Stratus - 1998 Dodge Stratus
By jandm5254 - October 15 - 2:00 amThis car has gone through 2 headgaskets in the first 60,000 miles. It is currently in need of ball joint replacement. It is difficult to see out of the rear window. I guess you get what you pay for.
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R/T Coupe - 2004 Dodge Stratus
By pittpens - October 6 - 10:00 amI love the car so far!
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Cloud car grounded too often - 1996 Dodge Stratus
By Stvkrenim - October 5 - 2:00 amStratus is a great-looking car with superb road manners. Theres plenty of room for people and the trunk is huge. Visibility forward is incredible. But the cars tendancy to blow head gaskets, have electrical problems, have brake problems, have transmission problems, etc. all contribute to a car that never inspired confidence. I always wondered if it would start when I needed it to.
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Cloud car grounded too often - 1996 Dodge Stratus
By stvkrenim - October 5 - 2:00 amStratus is a great-looking car with superb road manners. Theres plenty of room for people and the trunk is huge. Visibility forward is incredible. But the cars tendancy to blow head gaskets, have electrical problems, have brake problems, have transmission problems, etc. all contribute to a car that never inspired confidence. I always wondered if it would start when I needed it to.
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This car is HOT!! - 2002 Dodge Stratus
By Mariangela - October 2 - 2:00 amI just bought this car in July. It was first pick car and let me tell you, I love it. Its silver w/ leather, sunroof, cd/cassette/equalizer, 7 infinity speakers, chrome 17 inch wheels. Its a good value. I love the exhaust sound and its quick.
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overall a good car - 1999 Dodge Stratus
By masterflash - September 26 - 2:00 amThis car worths its price. Its strong built, comfortable to drive and pretty powerful. But most of all its very good looking, reliable and good performance for its class. I compared it to Altima and Civic from the same year and betas them easily. It has minor inconveniences, but, hey, I paid just $15,000 on it brand new!
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Watch for odd intermittant problems - 2001 Dodge Stratus
By casey - September 20 - 2:00 amProblems with loose electrical connections. Odd braking noises in hot weather and stop & go traffic. Occassional rattles in the dash as well. Wheel caps keep falling off as well. Otherwise I nice little overpriced car. Do NOT buy one at New Car prices.
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1996 Dodge stratus - 1996 Dodge Stratus
By VAYASTEVE - September 15 - 2:00 amGood car well bulit but many minor problems which can be a headache.Better off with the V-6 for more power.2.4 4 cyl is good for local driving but it,s not enough power for passing and acclerating.Brakes good.All in all its a good car and Chrysler has doone a lot to inprove their automobiles.But I feel that the service at bayside Dodge after I biught the car was poor.
