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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  Great commuter with a fun ride - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By EF - August 5 - 6:16 pm

  I bought this vehicle used in 2011 with 89k miles and still currently drive it at 130k. This car has been my favorite to drive out of what Ive had. The 2.7 v6 does a great job and gives you plenty of acceleration. Handling is wonderful handles sharp on winding roads with minimal body lean. it handled exceptional over the Ohio roads in winter for a front wheel drive. The seats became a little uncomfortable on longer rides but not enough to be a major nuisance. No major mechanical work done other than regular maintenance. Had a brake line replaced a year or so ago.

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  Love My "Iron Man"!!! - 2006 Dodge Stratus
  By B. T. Brooks - July 17 - 12:16 am

  I got my Stratus back in 07 from Enterprise Rentals. Only major problem Ive had was a crankshaft issue and that was after having it for 7 years. Ive done some changes like different chrome rims for something sportier (including wheel adapters), a rear spoiler, fog lights (yellow strobes), a muffler tip that allows more air exhaust (and sound) and a better stereo system. Planning on getting the shocks worked on eventually and hunting down a supercharger for it (keep hearing the police used to use this model)...otherwise, my babys a creampuff! Be careful on doing electrical work, for itll seem like youll lose your battery charge, but the way Dodge builds their cars, its a lil tricky but manageable as long as youre careful. Pretty good on gas and currently researching the pros and cons of changing gas type from the low end to at least mid-grade. Just take of it and itll take care of you.

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  Good Car for the Money - 2005 Dodge Stratus
  By 12220adc - June 26 - 10:44 pm

  I bought my 2005 R/T sedan new in early 2006. It was the last of the 05s on the lot so got a significant discount from the sticker. Overall its been a good car for the money. Its sporty looking, comfortable, versatile and fun to drive. After nearly 10 years of ownership and 116K miles later, the engine runs very strong. Ive had to put money primarily into suspension components like the control arms and ball joints which has been a bit irritating.

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  WORST CAR I HAVE EVER BOUGHT!! - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By Marjorie Crawford - February 20 - 4:11 pm

  I bought this car used with 150,000 8 weeks ago. A week after I bought it, the check oil light came on. I took it to the shop and the oil pan was stripped and the transmission was leaking. The warranty covered a rebuilt transmission and new oil pan. The dealership had it for 3 weeks to do the repairs. Now 2 weeks after I get it back, the heat in the car goes out and it is only blowing cold air. I take it back to the dealership and they tell me it will take them a week to run diagnostics on it. I bought this car 8 weeks ago and have nothing but repairs. DO NOT buy this car!!!

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  Dependable and Reliable and Economical - 1997 Dodge Stratus
  By jesse45 - January 9 - 2:46 pm

  Purchaced a 1997 Stratus ES, 2.0, 5 speed manual off ebay for $700. Supposedly needed a fuel pump at 160k. Car had been previously well cared for and was in excellent condition. Had it shipped from Toledo, Oh to Arkansas. When it arrived, the engine was locked up due to someone pouring 2 gallons of water in the gas tank. Long story short, broke the engine free without taking it apart, replaced fuel pump, due to the water, and have put another 40k+ trouble free miles on it. I use it for my beater car, haul engines and parts, and drive long distances back and forth to work weekly. It can sit for months, fire right up, and drive 3-8 hours. Gets 34mpg or better, rides and drives great!

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  LOVE MY STRATUS - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By stratusfan - September 25 - 8:46 am

  I bought a 2001 Dodge Stratus R/T brand new (first new car!) and absolutely LOVED it. Sadly, after 13 years, I had to retire the car. The car offered affordable luxuries (leather seats, sunroof, Infinity sound system), agile handling, and comfort. No major expenses, just the cost of routine maintenance.

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  Think again before buying this nightmare - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By estella2 - February 19 - 9:16 pm

  Dodge Stratus SE V6 2.7L. Bought this car in 2004 and within two years it needed a new transmission and battery. The battery is difficult to change yourself because its placed behind the driverside tire underneath the panel. The "recommended spark plugs" not so good, causes to many misfires. The anti-freeze reservior is of poor quality and needed replacing because it started to melt with the recommended antifreeze. The fule filter needed replacing twice. Very poor performance driving this car uphill not a lot of power uphill. With all the problems I had with this car I will never buy another dodge vehicle again.

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  Low cost to own and fun to drive as 4 cyl. eco cars go - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By billman2 - February 13 - 4:34 pm

  Bought new in 03 4 cyl auto good value and to our surprize its cost to operate has been lower than our japanese car our mother drives, not as well refined but still fun to drive and quieter ride. No issues yet with 140,000 miles except rear struts were replaced. 4 cyl engine not real fast but simple to service and reliable.

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  I HATE THIS CAR!!!!!! - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By cj95 - September 20 - 5:43 am

  my stepbrother has owned a 98 for about a year and is constantly bringing it to me asking me to fix this and that, the things rides like a hotwheels on concrete, you can feel every bump in the road, and when you hit the throttle first of all, it feels like your going no where and second the pathetic, noisy 4 cyl can wake the dead! I hate dodge! Ford all the way!

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  11 years and going strong - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By tara0724 - August 15 - 12:27 pm

  Im sad others have had bad experiences with this car because mine has almost 160k miles on it and it drives like the day I bought it. Ive had to do a few minor things, replace the radiator and the brackets that hold the rear shocks rusted through prematurely, but it really has been an awesome car for me. 11 years later I have had no issues at all with the engine or transmission. The only thing I hate about it is that the clip under the front bumper hangs so low that I parked too close to a parking block and broke that plastic piece in half. Operator error.