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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Stratus Coupe RT - 2002 Dodge Stratus
By Mike S - September 14 - 2:00 amThe Stratus Coupe is a fun car to drive. Power, style and comfort are all a plus. The sleak, low to the ground design helps it performance at high speeds. I would recomend this car.
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Excellent Vehicle for commuting - 1996 Dodge Stratus
By ltpwf - September 13 - 2:00 amThis vehicle has over 136000 original miles on it and it is still going strong. I have made sure proper preventitive maintenance has been performed and other than replacing the rear brakes this year I have had no problems with the car. I would definently by another one when the time comes.
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Lemon -- Leaks Oil All the Time - 1997 Dodge Stratus
By LouisvilleKY - September 8 - 2:00 amThis car is a lemon! Avoid it!!! After replacing the head gasket, valve cover gasket, transmission pan gasket, and the transmission cooler hose lines at 55,000 miles it still leaks fluid.
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Stratusfied - 2001 Dodge Stratus
By jazzy1 - September 5 - 2:00 amIve always owned Civics/Accords, so I was very pleasantly surprised by the Dodge Stratus- a car that provides a driving experience every bit as satisfying as any Honda Ive ever driven. Even better, the "base" model (SE) comes loaded with standard features- so youre getting a terrific value that includes style, performance, and comfort. If it proves to be as reliable as it is fun to drive, Daimler- Chrysler may have a customer for life. I love this car!
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Great looking and performing car! - 2002 Dodge Stratus
By StratusRT - September 4 - 2:00 amI bought my 2002 Stratus R/T Coupe in October 2001 because I loved its looks, performance, and value compared to some competing models. Ive had it for almost a year now and have no real complaints about it. The 3.0L V6 is a great performer although I think Dodge should have upped the horsepower slightly for the R/T model. I could get a plain SE Coupe with the same engine if I wanted. The R/T badge has always been on the top performance vehicles at Dodge. I get tons of looks and great comments from other people when I drive the car. Im very happy with my decision to purchase this car.
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Pretty reliable! - 1995 Dodge Stratus
By Kevin S - September 2 - 2:00 amI love this car, Ive had no proplems except for the Catalytic convertor. Im at almost 200k kms and it runs beautifully. The only bad thing I have to say would be the front brakes, this car loves to eat brakes every 3-5 months so go to Midas and get the lifetime warrenty.
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Ballsy Looker - 2001 Dodge Stratus
By kelticgoddess - August 30 - 2:00 amI bought my 2001 Stratus after my boss bought her 2002. I happened upon it at a Ford Dealer and got a great deal. I dont see a lot of these on the road which I find strange. Why buy the Mitsu Eclipse which is smaller and, in my opinion, not as nice lookin for more $$??? Anyway, the way the car drives is phenomenal and so are the looks you get driving it. The Infinity sound system is the best I have heard. I have always been into coupes and this one is by far the best I have driven.
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Awesome Car - 2002 Dodge Stratus
By FSUcutie00 - August 25 - 2:00 amThis is my first new car. Its so much fun to drive and the speakers handle awesome. Its a fun and easy to drive car !
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a - 2000 Dodge Stratus
By obed - August 24 - 2:00 amTHE BEST FUEL ECONOMY CAR AND FUN TO DRIVE.
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I love my Dodge - 1998 Dodge Stratus
By Christina Salem, Ore - August 22 - 2:00 amThis was the only kind of car I wanted when my husband and I set out to buy a new family car. A couple of my friends also owned Dodge Stratuss. I enjoyed both driving thiers, and riding. I wanted something big enough, and reliable to drive my family in, without looking like a "den mother". Taking into consideration the apperance and dependability of Dodge Stratus there was no choice. I LOVE MY DODGE STRATUS.
