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:

• 

  The best car! - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By cristi_olariu - April 1 - 2:00 am

  The best car I ever drove!

• 

  Not what I expected - 1997 Dodge Stratus
  By tdilf - March 31 - 2:00 am

  At 70,000 miles I have had numerous problems: squeeky doors that no one will fix stereo speakers dont work- one does brakes replaced twice head gasket replaced (warranty because I whined) oxygen sensor replaced oil leak tires, of course tie rods replaced

• 

  A Lemon! Avoid this Car!!! - 1997 Dodge Stratus
  By Brian C - March 26 - 2:00 am

  This car is a lemon. Avoid it at all costs. At 40k the transmission leaked. 50k miles, head gasket failed. 54k the engine leaked oil again. 57k the valve cover gasket leaked. This car is poorly assembled.

• 

  New Car??? - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By cboy - March 19 - 2:00 am

  We bought this car new, and have really liked the looks and how the car drives. Our problem has been the $700 head gasket repair at 40K miles, and a $270 power steering pump replacement at 52K miles. Were keeping for at least 2 more years, but Im going to think long and hard before I buy another Dodge. They make great looking cars, but looks arent everything. I need a car that breaks down after 100+K miles, not 40K.

• 

  Pretty good Car - 1995 Dodge Stratus
  By Billaaf - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Just wanted to give a rating, not go into details

• 

  Help, They cannot fix it - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By Ronda - March 19 - 2:00 am

  First, let me say I love this car with two exceptions. My first problem is a very high pitched squeaking noise when accelerating and it goes away immediately when letting off the accelerator. The car has been in the shop 3 times with 3 different answers. Shop #1 told me that they know about this but cannot fix it. Shop #2 told me it was the steering pump and they replaced it, but that didnt work. Shop #3 told me there was a recall and they replaced the power steering fluid, of course that didnt correct the problem either. My other concern is the huge drop in value of this car. I have every option on my car and it has dropped half its value in 6 months, that seems a bit excessive.

• 

  97 ES - 1997 Dodge Stratus
  By jc - March 18 - 12:07 am

  Great bang for the buck. Large interior is very comfortable.

• 

  Makes merging fun! - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By Scotty1 - March 17 - 4:24 am

  It sucks up the gas... perhaps its my driving style. I believe specs are 17 mpg, I concur. All leather interior, 7 infinity speakers, 4 cd changer, 17" polished wheels, sunroof, 200hp. Rear view mirror fades the lights of the traffic I pass. Fast and sporty and new enough on the market to get "thumbs up" from pedestrians while parking at the grocery store. Merging onto traffic is a delight. Steering while in turbo makes me concentrate more, as it is front wheel drive and has special tracking making the front wheels fight against eachother for traction. But I got used to it.

• 

  ES is Best - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By JH - March 16 - 9:50 pm

  My 98 Stratus ES has been a great all-around car. The ride in the ES is much better than the 97 SE that we have. Only complaint is the front cup holder.

• 

  Problems - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By erasure - March 11 - 2:47 am

  After having the car for 10 months and taking it to another place to have the oil changed, they found that the antifreeze color was brown, with sludge in it. Lazares didnt want to flush it for me. But after complaining some more they did. Also when I got the oil changed they said I have an oil leak. I found out that they are known to have the rear main seal leak. The car only has 46,000 miles on it. Also alot of road noise