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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  Terrible car. - 2000 Dodge Stratus
  By ihatestratuses - December 10 - 3:49 pm

  terrible car. bought with 132,000 miles, put 30,000 on it and had nothing but trouble from day one. the brakes needed replaced twice, the master cylinder went, the ignition coil went, the transmission went, the power steering pump went, argh! I will NEVER buy another dodge car. I had trouble with mine, my brother has troubles with his, and my cousin and aunt both have had major troubles with their chrysler sebrings. stay away from the dodge stratus!!

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  205,000 Near Perfect and going still.... - 1999 Dodge Stratus
  By 2004_mustang - November 18 - 3:23 am

  I got this car in Sept 2005 with 93k miles on it. 3rd owner. It has alomst 205,000k miles on it in Nov 2011. I have almost all the original parts still working fine on this. It has always started up, doesnt make noises, shakes or leaks. At 140k I changed the shocks, struts, fuel cleaning and all the fluids and filters. I do regular maintaince on this so that is why it has done so well. I did have to replace the AC unit, EGR valve, tie rod, fuel pump, water pump and that was about it other than regular tires, brakes and stuff like that. This is a basic, simple car that when maintained. Runs as good as the day it was created, most people dont maintain there cars. All pluses here.

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  Well it started off being a nice car.... - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By whodoctork9 - November 13 - 2:20 am

  Bought the car and didnt have any trouble the first year, second year the computer was replaced and alternator and battery. Then the battery was replaced again. The car kept running the battery down so I took the alternator to a parts store to be checked, it came out ok - 4 times checked. They said the computer does the regulating for the alternator so I will have to get the computer checked AGAIN. If anyone has any ideas, please submit to me. I have checked the car with a diagnostic computer and its returning no errors. Battery light stays on when cranked.

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  Get Checked out - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By jimmy114 - November 10 - 2:18 pm

  My Stratus has 122000 miles on it and timing belt is going out ($1000) and the body model control is going out ($1000) the car isnt worth much more then that... the inside is nice but all the handles are broken. If your going to buy the STRATUS get it checked out as for me i recommend you move on and find something else

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  Fair mechanically, bad cosmetically - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By lykeh17 - September 29 - 8:03 pm

  I have owned mine since new. I read the other review of the black paint, and I have the same problem. The top coat of paint just flakes off over time and makes your car look like it has dry skin. I have givin up washing it. Very disappointing. And also the dash is cracked in 4 places along the defrost vent. I have replaced the exhaust manifold because of cracks also. The car performs well and kicks but when you mash on the pedal. It gets reasonable mileage for a 4 banger. Even at 141000 miles. If Dodge would have put their own drive train in this car it would have been like the Vega. Mitzu makes a good engine. Also, if your 6 2" or more, this car is too small for you.

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  Not what I expected - 2005 Dodge Stratus
  By slindom - August 9 - 8:12 pm

  We have owned this car since it had 21,000 miles and was a good car till about 30,000 then the injectors started going one at a time. It was under warrenty so took it to local dealer to be fixed they would only change one at a time as they went out so was back four times before it was done. Now car has about 70,000 and is having shifting problems it will downshift for no reason even at highway speeds which cant be good for the engine or trans. Have had it to dealer not under warrenty anymore so costs 99.95 every time for them to test it only to tell me nothings is wrong. What a joke my advice is if you have this car dump it before you reach 70,000

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  1st new car, worst car I ever owned - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By sharky65 - June 16 - 1:39 pm

  This car was built cheaply. Here is all the things that have gone wrong with it in the 8 years and 89,000 miles. year 2 new brakes and rotors year 3 drivers side window came off the track $300 year 4 new brakes and rotors, gas gauge stopped working causing $300 bill to replace gas pump, heater fan will only work on high year 5 engine blew up, I had oil change every 3 months, it was under warranty year 6 new brakes and rotors, all windows rattle inside doors year 7 transmission had to be rebuilt year 8 rear strut mounts totally disintergrated because they were made out of cheap aluminum, new brakes and rotors I can finally get rid of it this year. My wife and I alternate buying cars.

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  What a pile of junk! - 2005 Dodge Stratus
  By 4starks - June 6 - 6:38 pm

  Bought this car with 36k on it from Hertz Car Sales in Pasco. They say they have a money back guarentee for 7 days...I call BS on that. I took it back to them as it was making a noise, they couldnt hear it so they wouldnt honor it. It has had nothing but problems since day 1!! Bad mileage, small breakdowns etc and NOW, my crank is bad and it is going to cost me a new engine. Just turned 100k. I hate this freaking car, and I hate Hertz Car Sales.

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  Very Good Car - 1999 Dodge Stratus
  By vannp - May 20 - 2:26 am

  Got this car in 04 with 40k miles on it, replaced the brakelight switch, starter, water pump, drivers window motor & front brakes several times, rear brakes once, very comfortable car with good gas mileage, still running strong at 122k, going to buy another one for my daughter tomorrow.

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  Great car for great value - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By rj45 - April 25 - 9:04 pm

  This was my first car and I didnt buy it too long ago. Has 84,000 miles and in good condition! Only cost me $4,500. Also came with a fresh set of tires. The car is an overall very good buy. It rides smoothly and has that "low" feeling. There is a limited amount of body roll while turning due to a stiffer suspension. Even though its a coupe, the back seat is rather large and very comfortable. The trunk space is also pretty large, it managed to fit over $160 worth of groceries. Though the car is cheap, reliable, and sporty, the build quality isnt spot on. The front and rear bumper is made of cheap plastic, which is a little flimsy. The dashboard is rubber and bulges out when hot.