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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  Unreliable Dodge Stratus - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By Eric - May 5 - 7:06 pm

  I had the Dodge Stratus for 3 wks when the water pump went bad and I was stuck 40 miles from home. Then approx. 11 months later when the car is only 1 yr old the fuel pump went bad and once again I was stranded. The car only had 18,000 miles and twice I had major mechanical defects. These are parts that should last for atleast 60,000- 70,000 miles. I feel the engine quailty on the Dodge Stratus is very poor.

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  It will make you bankrupt - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By J. Gomes - January 28 - 5:37 am

  I bought a 98 Stratus ES for $6,000 in 2002 @ 79K miles. I drive about 18K miles/year. In 2003 I spent about $1,000 for fixing tie rods and stabilizer links and brakes and rotors. In the summer of 2004, I spent $3600 for fixing valves of three cylinders and changing the head gasket, distributor, timing belt, rotor, water pump etc etc etc..Now it is January of 2005 and the cars engine shakes and check engine light is on. The delearship thinks it is either two of the fuel injectors or valves again. Either way it will cost about $1,500. I am completely broke and frustrated, and in credit card debt.

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  What is wrong with this car? - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By towerman78 - January 15 - 12:00 am

  At first I thought this might be a good car for the price but, then problems. As they say there is never a good deal, you get what you pay for. I have a stalling and acceleration problem that Bartow Dodge and Fort Myers Dodge cant seem to fix. I even have the full warranty extended to 72/72,000 but what good is it if they cant fix the car huh! This is my second Stratus and one Intrepid and Im done with Dodge...PERIOD.

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  More Chrysler Garbage - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By GIBill - November 30 - 8:11 pm

  I owned this vehicle for less than 6 months before trading it in on an Accord. The only reason I bought it was the cheap price. But like the last Chrysler product I owned this car suffered from underpowered air conditioning (sounds loud, hardly cools the car), a jerky automatic transmission with weird gear ratios, and a ride like the shocks were made of oak. NEVER AGAIN!!!

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  Cheap but unreliable sedan - 2000 Dodge Stratus
  By raskolnikov_im - October 1 - 2:00 am

  The v6 picks up adequately but guzzles gas. Brake pads have to be changed with absurd frequency. The build quality is fairly poor something which is evidenced by continual small/mid ticket repairs that need to be performed on a bi monthly basis. The cup holders are awful. The rear windows is perched far to high on the back end, which means rear visibility is limited. The back seat does fold down though, which provides lots of room when you need to move something.

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  Dodge stratus - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By damon24 - August 5 - 2:00 am

  So far I have a lot of fun with this car. Its a little too low to the ground but I can deal with it.

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  My Dodge - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By carmesin - July 26 - 2:00 am

  I have had many problems including needing a new head gasket, radiator and transmission. It has been nothing but problems since I bought it. I only have 80,000 miles on it. I am looking for a new car.

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  Vehicle rating - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By knightrider - March 16 - 2:00 am

  The Dodge Stratus has lots of style on the outside and the inside is nice, but poor quality. My carpet is lifting off the floor and some of the molding near the roof is not snug. Unfortunately, just recently had some problems with a leaky transmission and had to have the transmission pump replaced. Inspite of excellent maintenance the drivability of this car has deminished greatly.

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  Glad its gone - 1999 Dodge Stratus
  By thumbingaride - February 10 - 2:00 am

  Very disappointed.Front end rattles and speed sensors have gone out twice in 50,000 miles.$400.00 Interior design needs improvement.

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  Dodge "Lemon" R/T - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By rch - January 9 - 2:00 am

  I have had so many problems with this car. The front end is messed up,it is the roughest riding vehicle I have ever been in. My interior lights have been going out one after the other and my rear view mirror that had the auto dim on it no longer works. Also it is having transmission problems and my drivers side door does not shut properly. My windows also leak and the inside of the doors are mildewed and stink and everytime I put my windows down I can smell it. Car is a lemon!!