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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  Dons Review - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By Don - August 23 - 1:51 am

  I bought this car with almost 120,000 miles and it drives pretty decent. Ive turned several heads with the cars already stylish exterior, with just a few simple mods. First the cars door molding was shaved to give it the clean look then I painted my calipers and after market black headlights. After some modifications regarding appearance, I then bought a intake and exhaust system and now Im up to about 225 hp. You can definitely feel the power and I especially love the improved 0-60 time.

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  Dodge-it Not a good buy!! - 2006 Dodge Stratus
  By KD - August 18 - 11:09 pm

  Bought this car with 16,000 miles on it for wife to drive back and forth to work ( about 60 miles daily round trip). At 38,000 miles the radiator cooling fan went bad and Dodge would not help with that repair (bad electronics). 40,000 miles later; 78,000 miles, the lower ball joints failed. There was a recall on certain SXT models for the same failure but not on mine according to Dodge--cheap parts. The car now has 92,000 miles on it and the upper control arms and traction bar are bad and another score for cheap parts. Will be getting a new vehicle and it will not be anything MOPAR builds--am looking at Nissan. Stay away from Dodge products is the best money saving advise I can give you !!! UP DATE---Have sold this vehicle and not looked at another Dodge or MOPAR product. Bought a 2014 Nissan and have put 55,000 miles on it and have done nothing but routine maint. on this vehicle. There will never be another Dodge in my garage. Not sure if I were given a MOPAR vehicle that I would keep it.

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  Thought I liked it - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By Amanda - August 13 - 10:40 am

  I liked this car at first. But I wish I would have bought something different. Its been an okay car, but when it shifts into different gears, you can literally feel the whole car shift as it is not very smooth. Also, recently I had to take it in because the back strut went bad and they said when they hoisted the car up on the lift it was so rusted that it had disconnected from the car itself. My brother-in-law who is a very honest car repairman said he didnt feel safe driving that "tin can" around. Also, its shocks arent very good compared to my husbands Ford Taurus.

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  QUIET AND COMFORTABLE - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By dwhite5123 - July 28 - 2:00 am

  BOUGHT THE ORIGINAL STATUS IN 1985, NOW 8 YEARS LATER IT HAS EVOLVED INTO A VERY STYLISH, QUITE ROOMY VEHICLE. MY WIFE IS THE PRIMARY DRIVER AND SHE LOVES THE STYLE OF THIS 2004 OVER THE 2003, THE CHANGE IN THE FRONT END HAS REALLY MADE A DIFFERENCE, EVEN THOUGH THE CAR IS BASICALLY THE SAME. I WOULD RECOMMEND THE CAR FOR ANY BUYER, NOT ONE JUST IN THIS PRICE RANGE

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  Happy I found this car - 2006 Dodge Stratus
  By Patrick - July 22 - 12:32 pm

  I bought this car in December of 06 and have been happy ever since. The mileage on the highway is incredible. If I keep the tires correctly inflated and use cruise-control I get over 30 mpg. In town is another story. The mileage plunges. I used to think poorly of Dodge until I owned this. It is very comfortable for me, though it isnt as refined as a more expensive luxury car. But for the price I am willing to overlook some small drawbacks such as cheap dashboard plastic. The interior is ergonomically perfect, not too flashy and not too sparse. Overall this has been perfect for me. One more thing, Dodge made it very easy to perform the maintenance on this car and save money.

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  New trans! - 2006 Dodge Stratus
  By NothapywithDODGE - July 21 - 11:23 am

  My wife and I bought the Stratus with 34,000 miles on it in 11/07. We traded in a Chrysler 300 that was very unreliable. What a mistake buying a Dodge. The car now has 45,000 and we have to totally replace the transmission! What a joke. I will never buy a Dodge again.

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  Pure Awesomeness - 2006 Dodge Stratus
  By Mac - July 20 - 9:16 am

  This case has a rear spoiler and is SO sporty looking for a sedan. I am in college and wanted a car that was reliable, roomy, and good on gas. Didnt want a coupe! So sporty, smooth ride, and UNBELIEVABLY cheap. Great car, would suggest!

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  Broken - 1997 Dodge Stratus
  By broke - July 18 - 3:39 pm

  I bought this car in 2001 at 69,000 miles. I should have left it on the lot! I needed brakes every three months. I thought maybe I was just hard on the brakes but I asked around it seemed to be a common occurrence. I had 5 recalls on my car with in the first year of my ownership of the car. And between the hoses, air conditioner, gaskets, and brakes. I was broke

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  its a c+ rating at best - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By essexville - July 17 - 7:25 pm

  Fun to put it in corners w/ 16" wheels the road ride is stiff like sporty vehicle, nice. Glass all around few blind spots. I have problems with it that Dodge cant find to fix.

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  My bad experience - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By PghGirl - July 11 - 10:55 pm

  I would never buy a dodge as long as i live. This car has had way too many transmission problems. It went in over 20 times for the transmission. Plus, when other things go wrong, you have to buy from Dodge directly. They also lied to me at the dealership. Was suppose to have a five year loan, have a six year. Never buy this car. Huge mistake.