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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  my mistake - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By feather - July 24 - 2:00 am

  This car drives so fine. Excellent sound system. But it is much to small. Seat hurts my back and I tried to return it before 24 hours or get another model it bothered my back so badly but the dealer would not let me exchange for another car or return it,

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  Dodge should be ashamed of themselves - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By recallheadgasket55 - July 1 - 2:00 am

  This car was bought new in 9/97 but needed to be serviced often. Major engine trouble early on. Dodge did pick up some of the cost of the repairs after the warranty expired but only after I complained. Even with following the suggested routine maintenace the car should have lasted more than 77k. This car was traded in after the dealer recommended replacing the motor.

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  El Junk Mobile - 1996 Dodge Stratus
  By sam t - July 1 - 2:00 am

  The Stratus was my dads first car. At about 3-,--- miles it needed a new head gasket, needed another head gasket at 66,000. nearly everything started needing replacement at 60,000. It is noisy. We had the 2.4l and it only got 20city/29 high. thats pretty bad. There is a lot of torque in the engine and so so horsepower, 150 to be exact. The catalytic converter went bad at 66,000. steering column and wheel bearings needed replacement at around 64,000. iterior plastics were hard and cheap. steering wheel vibrated when idling.

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  Problems since day one!!! - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By triks - June 4 - 2:00 am

  The brakes on my car have always been sqeaking since day one. It has gone through 4 diffrent sun roofs because they all stop working or get stuck. The trim on the shifter started to discolor. THE A/C is weak the CD player skips and all this before 36,000 miles can you belive this. Very poor quality and I thoght I was getting a deal on a fully loaded R/T Coupe (just headache)

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  Cant drive in snow or rain - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By Dana - May 21 - 2:00 am

  This car has terrible turing radius. I have only had the car 2 years, and the lettering on the sides of the car is peeling off. It handles terrible in the snow and the rain.(hydroplanes).

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  Looks will fool you - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By Stabone - February 26 - 2:00 am

  Chrysler has failed with this engine and mechanical elements. The head gasket WILL begin to leak around 50K, in addition to many other repairs that go beyond ware and tear. Do not buy this model after 50K or you will end up spending well over $3,000 in repairs. Dont let the looks and extra features fool you. Chrysler should be ashamed of themsevles. I cant wait to get rid of this vehicle.

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  Nightmare - 1999 Dodge Stratus
  By lindap - February 21 - 2:00 am

  It has been a nightmare! We have replaced the head gasket, transmission, speed sensor twice, serpentine belt, alternater twice and the starter. This car has been in the shop more than out and Chrysler has been no help. We would never buy another Chrysler product

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  Nightmare - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By mwaltjr - February 3 - 2:00 am

  After 18,000 miles, the transmission needs to be replaced. Excessive brake dust is a constant problem. Good in poor weather and lots of passenger/cargo room. B/c of poor transmission issues, I cant recommend this car.

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  Terrible transmission - 1999 Dodge Stratus
  By Laura Furko - January 2 - 2:00 am

  Tie rod failure at 51,000 miles. Almost got killed. Transmission failure at 56,000 miles. What is up with that?

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  Biggest Mistake - 1997 Dodge Stratus
  By Ameena - January 1 - 2:00 am

  After buying this vehicle I had problems almost immediately. Hoses, alternators, ect. finally leading up to the damn thing catching on fire over an hour after being parked. My biggest mistake was not carrying full coverage on this piece of junk! Come to find out from a co-worker she had the same thing happen to her Stratus as well. Beware!