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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  Own it, but dont care for it - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By car - January 4 - 7:32 pm

  The Dodge Stratus is a nice car, but when it comes to it being the all around vehicle I wouldnt own another one. And trust me its no fun climbing out of your own vehicle anymore. I should have bought a truck.

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  Always a mechanical problem - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By dodgeowner - October 19 - 12:20 am

  Weve had this car for 5 years and there has always been some mechanical problem that just wont go away or is easy to fix: faulty fuel pump (was replaced under warranty and still faulty) CV joint broken blown head gasket in 2004not as quiet to road noise as before some interior light features broken power lock doors from key entry never worked speaker system wires faulty radio control panel difficult size to replace with new system for home repairs, the parts are all not easily accessible at all.

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  I like it! - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By Csadie8 - September 20 - 2:00 am

  I really like my new 04 Stratus SXT Coupe. Its fun to drive and has pretty good fuel economy compared to other models that are similar. I really like the chrome accents...I just want more of the nice exterior on the interior. Its nice but not great. Im waiting for more customization products to come out for this one... Such as accents for the interior.

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  Poorly designed - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By joseph - August 27 - 3:21 am

  This vehicle looks nice and is fun to drive. The problem with the vehicle is that Dodge designed it to fall apart and then be so difficult to fix that you would be required to bring it to a dealership so they can make more money. For example the battery is not accessible from engine compartment, must remove tire to access it, drain plug for radiator inside of bumper, brake caliper made out of plastic so it fails every 2-3 brake changes. everything requires special tools to repair it. not an easy car to fix despite many problems with it, gaskets failing, etc. I would not recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  Not worth it - 2005 Dodge Stratus
  By Willaim - April 1 - 5:22 pm

  I wouldnt recommend this vehicle. I purchased mine in nov 04 and have had problems with the brakes, windshield leaking, car stalling, and the engine. The car is very noisy and the engine makes all kinds of funny sounds that the dealership keeps rubbing off as wind noise. Had to have my windshield resealed and the brakes are very loud. Now the car acts like it wants to stall in idle and its an automatic transmission. I have recently purchased a Camry to replace it. Im almost willing to let the bank repossess the car, so what does that tell you? Definately not worth your time and money.

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  Inferior Engineering - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By Unsatisfied consumer - March 28 - 2:01 am

  Time and time again Chrysler proves to the American public that they dont care a great deal about building a reliable automobile. My 1998 Stratus WAS just like any other Dodge car- a pile of junk. Head gasket, radiator, transmission,and internal engine problems all before 70,000 miles. My advice to anybody is to stay away from the Stratus. Yes, you can get into one a bit cheaper and they are comfortable to ride, but you will pay for it in repairs. Chrysler should be ashamed of themselves for building a disposable piece of junk. My contacts lasted longer than my 1998 Stratus. It depreciated faster than a share of stock in Enron

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  Good price, good value - 1999 Dodge Stratus
  By Randy - February 19 - 11:14 am

  Excellent gas mileage and dependability. I think it has a nice sharp sedan look and it rides very well with great acceleration. I was impressed with its road handling for an inexpensive car.

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  the car - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By vinnyca1 - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I got the car in late nov 2003 and i love it, but for a big guy its not the car you want. also the power is not there.

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  mighty mopar - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By mike ramone - August 13 - 2:00 am

  bought my dodge in december 1998..we found out quickly that the heating system is excellent.we have approx 82kms currently.ride is fair, starting to get all sorts of suspension creaks.have the usual head gskt and trans cooler lines leaking(im an auto mechanic so i can fix them myself) what is dissapointing is the brake system.we have put on approx 70kms in less than 5years,& im on the 4th set of brake pads!!! other than that its a pretty good car

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  Ok car, not without its faults - 1999 Dodge Stratus
  By Tleasy - July 28 - 2:00 am

  Front seats are not very comfortable. Not recommended for long trips. History of trouble with heads on motor. Common problem at around 60,000 miles to have heads warp. Can cause extensive motor damage if not checked regularly.