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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  Broken - 1997 Dodge Stratus
  By broke - July 18 - 3:39 pm

  I bought this car in 2001 at 69,000 miles. I should have left it on the lot! I needed brakes every three months. I thought maybe I was just hard on the brakes but I asked around it seemed to be a common occurrence. I had 5 recalls on my car with in the first year of my ownership of the car. And between the hoses, air conditioner, gaskets, and brakes. I was broke

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  its a c+ rating at best - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By essexville - July 17 - 7:25 pm

  Fun to put it in corners w/ 16" wheels the road ride is stiff like sporty vehicle, nice. Glass all around few blind spots. I have problems with it that Dodge cant find to fix.

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  My bad experience - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By PghGirl - July 11 - 10:55 pm

  I would never buy a dodge as long as i live. This car has had way too many transmission problems. It went in over 20 times for the transmission. Plus, when other things go wrong, you have to buy from Dodge directly. They also lied to me at the dealership. Was suppose to have a five year loan, have a six year. Never buy this car. Huge mistake.

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  blah... - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By SusanG - June 30 - 9:29 pm

  I got my Stratus as a graduation/wedding gift from my parents, and it was great for 3 years. Then, this year, Ive spent more than $2000 in repairs, including transmission work. The brakes were replaced three months ago, and theyre already showing moderate wear even with a gentle touch. The bleeder hose on the coolant system just "wore out" and my car overheated. Im considering dumping the car before it costs more money.

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  DO NOT EVER BUY ! - 2005 Dodge Stratus
  By Duhkneez - June 23 - 10:14 pm

  I thought buying a car only a year old with low mileage would be a good idea. Not at all. Ive had nothing but problems from day 1. The dealership and the car are awful. Ive had to bring it in the shop because my check engine light wont stay off. Ive had many parts replaced and now I cant pass my inspection. I will never buy anything but a Toyota, Honda or Nissan again. My old Nissan and Toyota, I bought older and with higher mileage and had no problems. Im stuck now cause Ive dumped so much money it.

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  Fun but a lot of problems - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By Cargurl - June 19 - 7:09 pm

  I bought the car new and had nothing but problems.They did not give me a new car. They rewired the whole thing and it just wouldnt run.

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  Dodge needs some work - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By collegemike1 - June 15 - 11:58 pm

  I bought this car 05/2006 and when I test drove the car it was flawless. I fell in love! But months down the road, one thing after another happened. First it was the awful windshield complications, then the noisy dashboard which in actuality cracked somehow, the brake rotors I have to constantly get replaced, the rear view mirror wiring is really awful I have to rig it everyday just to get light in my car at night, my radio completely went out had to completely buy a new radio system, motor mount, dont even get me started on engine complications. Too much to detail. Couldnt pay me enough to buy another Dodge. Wouldnt recommend Dodge. Period.

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  Repairs - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By Veronica - May 21 - 12:52 pm

  Bought this as first family car. A few months after purchase the car would just stall while driving. It will do this every few months and no reason has been found why. The car was 3 years old when it needed a new starter. A few months later the brakes just stopped working. It seems that after the car was 3 years old, every few months it has needed repairs. For a car that we have always kept up with routine maintenance should be more reliable. Getting ready to trade in and not buy another dodge product.

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  Crank Shaft/Crank seal out at 43,000 mil - 2006 Dodge Stratus
  By sueot - May 1 - 2:06 pm

  I bought this car 8 months ago and at 43,000 miles we are needing to replace a crank shaft and crank seal to the tune of $2,400 with the possibility that the short block will also need to be replaced which will add another $2,000. When we spoke to Chrysler they said too bad it is out of the 3yr/3,600 mile warranty. I have always owned Dodge cars but this will be my last!

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  Ok but I wouldnt write home about it - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By ironman2008 - April 4 - 9:53 am

  She is a good road car, I am a person who likes to travel and she does very well with highway driving. But now as she gets older when you step on the gas its like she is going faster than it really is. And the pedals always have been low. You will think you need new brakes when you really dont.