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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  What a piece of absolute garbage!!! - 2005 Dodge Stratus
  By Jessi - March 21 - 3:10 am

  Well, my husband already had the car when we got married in 09-06.It was under factory until 36,000 Miles. At about 38,000 Miles, the crank seal went out because of play in the crank. It was $400 to fix the seal, and $2000 if we wanted to fix the crank. Since we didnt fix the crank, the seal went out like 2 days later and we have to put like 5 quarts of oil in it a week because it just pours out. Also, around the same time, the transmission has begun to jerk when its put into gear. We took good care of the car (oil changes, scheduled maintenance, etc.) and it is still falling apart at 38,000 Miles. Its such a freaking piece of crap. Were stuck with it though because we still owe $10, 000 on it.

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  Gas mileage - 2006 Dodge Stratus
  By Joy Carlton - November 20 - 2:08 pm

  Unreal low gas mileage. It changes on almost every tank, cant count on what you will get. the 4 cyl. is too small for size of car.the power does not match the 4 cyl that I owned before which are 2 of the 4 cyl. i stay busy filling up with gas. I hear I cannot depend on the Dodge transmillsions.They do no hold up. What cvan I do.

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  Dont buy - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By Skidawg79 - February 7 - 7:46 pm

  Upon hitting 40,000 miles my Stratus has been breaking down approximately every 3 months. In the past 20,000 this is a list of things that have happened. A car slammed its brakes in front of me, I went to hit mine..didnt have any! My master cylinder broke and needed replaced. Then about 3 months later my compressor went and I didnt have any air conditioning while I was stuck in traffic on a 90 degree day. Also my water pump went, Ive had the valve gaskets replaced twice, upper and lower radiator hoses and the thermostat, also my clutch needed replaced due to a manafacturing defect. Only good I can say is that its good on gas. I will never buy another Chrysler product again!

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  Sad - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By KSD - September 30 - 9:43 am

  The 96 was much more enjoyable. The transmission has had trouble since day 1 in the 2003 model, and Ive had nothing but trouble dealing with the Dodge dealerships to fix it. Even though the transmission was replaced 6 months after I bought it, it has had problems the whole time of ownership. Ive had the car for 3 years. It has left me stranded on more than one occassion. Ive never been so disappointed in a car in all my life. I know one thing, my next car wont be a Dodge of any kind, ever again.

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  Disappointed - 2005 Dodge Stratus
  By Annie - September 16 - 1:40 am

  Ive had this car for 11 months and it is currently at the dealership because I need a new engine at 20,000 miles. I am very disapointed since this is the first American car I have bought. I owned a 2003 Honda Civic prior to this, and I regret that I ever got rid of it to buy an American car. I wasnt even given a rental by the dealer. I wouldnt recommend this car to anyone. The worst part of it all, I am already upside down on my loan after 1 year. The depreciation of the value is astronomical. I just checked online and my 2003 Civic is worth more today than my 05 Stratus per Kelly Blue Book, go figure.

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  Problems! - 1999 Dodge Stratus
  By Danny - April 26 - 3:03 pm

  So many problems with it. Dashboard randomly went out and none of the gauges worked for a period of time. All four tie rods went bad at 83,000. Has not been generally reliable

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  Do Not Make A Mistake - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By JH - January 26 - 11:53 pm

  I purchased this car about 2 years ago with 65K miles on it. Now it has 84K miles on it and nothing but problems. I started having weird engine noises and I took the vehicle in right away. After having regular oil changes and receipts for proof...my problem was that I needed a new engine at a cost of $6K which my extended warranty declined. The problem was due to engine sludge which is a common and known problem with Dodge and Chrysler vehicles with the 2.7L engine. I found this out after the fact by doing a lot of research on the internet. Chrysler does not care. Beware and do your homework. I will be dumping this junk very very soon. Not to mention taking a huge loss in dollars.

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  Mistake - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By luvleia - December 21 - 8:30 pm

  After it was one year old, things started going down hill. Were now getting electronic and mechanical work done on it before the "new" warranty runs out, then we plan on trading it in before its too late. It could just be my car, but theres definetly problems with it and I think a recall needs to be made on the rear barrings, etc. Im about to bring it to the dealership for the 4th time and they still cant fix the problem. Next time well visit Honda or Toyota.

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  Never Again - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By notagain - October 3 - 10:56 am

  This car is the least reliable of any I have owned. At less than 40,000 miles a rear wheel bearing had to be replaced. At 69500 miles the transmission suddenly failed with no prior warning, leaving me and my family stranded 300 miles from home. I had to leave the car at a dealership 300 miles from home for two weeks to get it repaired. The Chrysler dealership- rebuilt tranny failed within one mile of leaving the dealership. Now the check engine light comes on once every couple of weeks, each time for a different problem. Responses to my complaints to Daimler-Chrysler indicate that they are unconcerned.

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  Many small problems - 2000 Dodge Stratus
  By FuzzyDolly - August 28 - 11:22 am

  When I bought this car in 2000, I was upgrading from a 95 base Neon. At the time I thought I was making a smart decision, guess I was wrong. Although there have not been any major problems with the car, there have been many small ongoing problems. In 5 years, Ive put 39k miles on it, and am on my 4th set of brakes and rotors. In the last year, my hood has rusted through, and the bushings AND bearings have gone. In 5 years, Ive also had to replace the engine mounts TWICE. With the cruise set at 65, I get 20 MPG. In suburb driving, I get 16-17. Expected better mileage. Dealer said this is all normal wear. Funny, never had these problems with any other car. Wish it had Intrepids reliability.