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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  horrible money pit - 2005 Dodge Stratus
  By Jocelyn mary - December 14 - 1:18 pm

  This car has caused me nothing but problems!! The wheel barring for this car are smaller then usual and have to be replaced every year! Struts are gone. Already replaced timing belt long time ago! Exhaust and under carriage rotted and replaced a lot!!! Dont Ever buy! I plan to bring mine to a demo derby next fall!

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  Horrible first car - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By Karlina Tavarez - November 1 - 10:18 pm

  In overall it was a waste of money. The car was bought for $3,000 and today Im selling it for $1000 and still NO ONE wants to buy it. I have wasted so much money in relating this car. First it started by changing the batteries, then changing the spark plugs (now currently riding with 5 spark plugs out of 6, because one is messed up). Now the car needs a motor mount because it shakes crazily and the oil light comes on every time I break and the suspensions sound tremendously while going over the smallest little holes in the streets. Mechanics told me it now has low oil pressure and with all the problems that it STILL has, its better off junking it and buying a new one. The car has 130k miles and only had it for a year. Yeah, American cars arent worth it.

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  this car is garbage worst investment ever - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By whitesoxman61 - June 8 - 4:46 pm

  this car has been nothing but a nightmare to own i am a person that likes to do maintenance on my own but thats pretty much impossible. the water pump is on the inside of the engine and costed me $800 to get replaced, the thermostat is on the bottom of the engine and requires you to remove the alternator, battery is located inside the wheel well and you have to remove the tire and splash guard to get to it, just about anything you work on with this car will take 2 times longer than a normal car it was built A$$ backwards i would not tell anyone to buy this car unless they have a LOT of time and money on their hands to fix it.

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  Dont buy one - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By CAM - July 6 - 11:35 am

  Worst car I have ever purchased. The car eats batteries and tires, burns a quart or so of oil every month. Replaced the tube that goes into the gas tank, rusted through. Motor on the power window on drivers side had to be replaced, sun roof sticks so you have to push it up to open it while holding the button down. Clear coat on the car is turning white so now I have a black car with big white spots on it. Turning radius? There is none, a semi is easier to turn. The front end needs work constantly & I drive like an old lady. The front end is so low to the ground it constantly bottoms out entering & exiting drives, parking lots, etc. Horrible traction in snow or rain.

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  dodge rammed - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By dale popovch - November 9 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the vehicle for about 4 months now and had to replace the transmission already and the brakes had a problem with them. I am in the process of trying to get out of the vehicle and into another

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  HORRIBLE!!! - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By DHDH - February 29 - 2:00 am

  MOST HORRIBLE VEHICLE!! LEMON LEMON LEMON. EVERYTHING ON THIS CAR IS MESSING UP- TRANSMISSION, WINDOWS, SUNROOF, EVERYTHING. I AM VERY DISSAPOINTED WITH THIS VEHICLE, WISH I NEVER BOUGHT IT. IT HAS BEEN NOTHING BUT TROUBLE.

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  MINE - 2000 Dodge Stratus
  By MIKE WILLMAN - October 23 - 2:00 am

  NUMEROUS MECHANICAL PROBLEMS, BAD RACK AND PINION 6000 MI, BAD FRONT ROTORS, 1500 MI, FRONT BRAKES AND ROTORS CHANGED AGAIN 21000 MI, REARS STRUTS ANS SPRINGS REPLACED 3 TIMES BECAUSE OF NOISE CLUNKING OVER BUMPS, BAD TIE ROD END, 8000 MI, BAD MOTOR IN POWER WINDOW DRIVERSIDE, SEAT PANS RUSTED AND WERE PAINTED, 4 TIRES REPLACED DUE TO BAD RACK AND PINIONJ AT 22,OOO MI, IS THIS ENOUGH??????