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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  02 Stratus - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By CA94080 - August 19 - 2:00 am

  Bought the V6 2.7L 2002 Stratus SE. Love its powerful engine and acceleration. Its AT is not as smooth as my GM car. The paint job is poor. The plastic interior looks cheap. The battery is at a very odd position (not viewable under the hood). The work room under the hood is very tight, which makes many maintenance job more difficult. The headroom for the front folks is too small, regarding the size of this vehicle. It has a huge blind spot at the drive side. Have to be very careful when change lanes. Fuel economy is about 21-22 mpg for mostly highway driving. The trunk is narrow, but quite deep. Reliability: after 8000 miles, no any problem so far.

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  2002 Dodge Stratus SE Plus - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By FreddieGN - August 17 - 2:00 am

  It is not my vehicle but my brother owns a 2002 Dodge Stratus SE Plus! I love this car. Doing 60 on the highway feels more like 30! It has great fuel economy. He has it in Stone White with Dark Slate Gray Cloth. The back seat is comfortable enough for 2 adults and a 5 feet tall 12 year old. Perfect legroom in front and back!

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  1999 Dodge Stratus STD 4 Dr Sedan - 1999 Dodge Stratus
  By purplerose_22603 - August 16 - 2:00 am

  I have been overall very satisfied with my Stratus. A few things that need improvement are seats need to be more comfortable, more head room, and get rid of the motor tap. I love having the power options of windows, doors and mirrors. It has great pick up for a little motor.

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  Absolutely Love It!! - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By jarenkad - August 14 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car because I needed something reliable, economical, yet not to "corny" looking...and I have not been disappointed in any aspect. I do a lot of driving and I plan to trade the one I have for a 2002. Not a bad word to say about it...I had been broadsided and the car was strong enough that I came out with nothing more than a bruised knee...Id recommend one to anybody...and I already am responsible for someone else buying one...I LOVE IT!!!

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  Great Car - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By LuDäCRis - August 12 - 2:00 am

  I got this car about a month ago and it is GREAT! It drives nice and feels nice. Overall a great car!

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  This car stinks - 1996 Dodge Stratus
  By angrydodgeowner - August 7 - 2:00 am

  I have spent over $3,000 in repairs on this vehicle during a three-year period. I have had to replace the head gasket and have a new transmission put in. Plus, I just had to have new transmission seals replaced after 40,000 miles. The mechanic told me there is no air that gets to these seals so fluid builds up on them and they heat up and crack. These cars are pieces of crap. I would not recommend this car to my worst enemy. Dont buy this car!!!!

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  Excelent Car for the price - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By Rossyman - August 6 - 2:00 am

  I just bought this car about a month ago and absolutely love it. Blind spots a bit more difficult than I am used to, but not too bad. Other than that no complaints yet.

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  180k and still going - 1995 Dodge Stratus
  By 4Man - August 5 - 2:00 am

  Im glad I picked the SE with the Mitsubishi V6. After 184k Ive only had to replace the water pump and AC compressor. The only other problems include inoperable power remote on the passenger side mirror (drivers side is still OK) and a broken air recirculation selector knob on the heat/AC console (stuck in the outside air mode). 95% of the miles have been highway and I use only Mobil 1 synthetic. Even the receptionist at the dealership seemed amazed to find a Stratus still kicking with 150+k miles on it. Hmmm - makes one wonder. Overall, this has been a very good value.

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  Exceptional & Really Fun to Drive - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By makja - July 29 - 2:00 am

  In one word "Exceptional". I decided on the ES package when purchasing my new Stratus. I opted for cloth instead of leather seats but made up for it with a power moon roof, CD changer & chrome rims. Besides its sleak yet sporty looks this car makes you feel like youre floating when cruising down a country road with the moon roof open and windows down. But punch the gas to the floor and hang on. The 200 HP engine races from 50 to 100 in what seems like a few seconds. All in all exceptional handling, supreme power, sleak yet sporty looks & an exceptional sound system make this car the greatest Ive ever owned.

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  AWESOME! - 1999 Dodge Stratus
  By coo coo - July 28 - 2:00 am

  I REALLY LIKE THAT DODGE STRATUS IT IS A VERY NICE LOOKING CAR THAT IS VERY EASY TO DRIVE... IT WAS MY FIRST CAR... AND I LOVED IT!