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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  A great sedan - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By Tim Walters - June 3 - 2:00 am

  I have 101,000 miles on my 1998 Stratus ES. I bought it as a program car and have put many miles on it. I havent had any mechanical problems at all. All Ive had done to it, besides routine maintenance, is a replaced windshield (rock from road), New trans. gasket that was leaking (it was due for service anyway).

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  Reliability - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By prochap - May 30 - 2:00 am

  Drivability and handling has been great both in the city and on the highway. Performance with 4 cyc has been just fine for my needs even in mountains at times. Plenty of power on freeway.

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  Sqeaky Noise - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By Gena - May 30 - 2:00 am

  My dodge stratus makes a loud annoying sqeaky noise when i hit about 70 mph. The noise is consistant and extreamily annoying especially when i go on road trips. Other then the noise, that the dealership cant fix i love my car. The drive is nice and it acclerates really well.

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  Stratus - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By diskullman - May 28 - 2:00 am

  Car looks great, runs great, when it runs. When it breaks, take it to your lawyer first, youll get the repair done quicker. With 70,000 miles , this car has been through 4 sets of brakes. Cab forward, weight forward, with nothing doen to improve the brakes. The newer models have larger rotors & pads, which proves Chrysler knows there is something wrong. Replaced headgasket at 60,000 miles, car leaked oil like an old junker.I will NEVER buy another Chrysler product, new or used.

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  1996 Dodge Stratus ES - 1996 Dodge Stratus
  By misanthropicelle - May 24 - 2:00 am

  I just bought this car a few days ago, but it is great! I love manual cars, and this one is definitely perfect for my needs. I drove the car 45 miles on the highway and the gas gauge didnt even move. The mileage is amazing and perfect for anyone that has to drive distances often!

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  Great - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By Maegan - May 14 - 10:00 am

  It is a great car to have. I have a lot of fun with the option of having manual or automatic. I have small children and its not hard to get them in and out for it being a sports car.

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  Great Car - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By Pbdb - May 10 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for about a year and I have had no problems at all. It would be nice to have better cup holders in the car.

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  Dont buy Stratus - 1996 Dodge Stratus
  By ssevim - May 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car like 15 months ago. The engine leaks oil (parts are only $30, but the repair cost is $650), There is a noise I dont even understand what it is ($450), Driver window is not working ($350) etc. The car is made out of junk and there are problems everywhere. If you decide to sell it, it doesnt worth that much. I think I should give it away and forget Dodge forever!

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  First car I paid for - 1997 Dodge Stratus
  By kurtural - May 4 - 2:00 am

  This was the most expensive car i could afford on a graduate stipend and it turned out to be the most reliable car I have ever owned. I will keep it for a long while. I wish the interior design was a bit more flashy

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  Both A Clunker & Junker Combined! - 1996 Dodge Stratus
  By achaulk - April 30 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is by far the worst that Ive owned. From the undersized rotors that need to be replaced annually, to the leaky engine, this car never ceases to need service. The 4-cylinder engine is notorious for head gasket failures as Ive had to have the dealer-replaced head gasket replaced yet again. Also, the oil galley plug, also originally replaced by the dealer, leaked again. Ive also had to replace the rear motor mount since the oil ate away at the rubber parts. I also have to contend with yearly rotor and brake replacement. Not only was the car poor to begin with, but each of items replaced by the dealer failed again. This vehicle is terrible!