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 junk car - 1996 Dodge Stratus
  By lokie - December 25 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car used with 112,000 miles on it, I had only driven it 3,000 miles when the trans went on it. and then serious of other problems with the engine, and service lights that would come on and off followed. I was really disappointed in this car for being a dodge I expected more.

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  Nice Car, Bad Engines - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By Bob Nolan - November 10 - 2:00 am

  This car is a great car for anyone who would like to own one, put few miles on it each year, and sell it prior to 60,000 miles. Chrysler should be shot in the head for using the crappy engines (2.0 and 2.4l engines) in these cars. After 60,000 miles, trade it, sell it, whatever, just get rid of it. A head gasket leak will turn into a $3,000 repair in no time. Other than that, great response, great handling, and an all around economical car in a good package.

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  dodge - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By bender - October 4 - 2:00 am

  It seems to be a rough ride

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  Everything Breaks - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By Joe Vdiddy - October 2 - 2:00 am

  I had less then 36,000 miles on my car and the heat and air conditioning stopped working. The car gets a moldy smell that I have brought back to the dealer 5 times for and they cant figure out what the problem is. The break sensor started going off 3 months into ownership and I have had the breaks looked at and now replaced but the light continues to go on around corners. The guy at the dealership says we can disconnect the fuse-great what happens when there is a real problem. The car

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  $675 TO REPLACE ALTERNATOR & BATTERY?!?! - 1996 Dodge Stratus
  By CATAJE - August 25 - 2:00 am

  We bought this car w/ 44,000 miles on it In 01/2000 I loved this little car, summer of 01 had to replace A/C parts, $635.00, have had replace about 4 relays switch, $50. Dec 02 car had 92,000 miles on it, waterpump went out, $600.00 to fix, june 03 Alternator and battery replaced, $675!!!! $300 tune up!! This car is so expensive to work on!! It is too expensive for me to keep, all this $ into it, and it now needs a Fuel pump, God only knows what that will cost.... Sitting in driveway waiting to get be gotten rid of!!!! I am scared to death to drive it, it seems to cost me about $600 everytime Ive touched it in the last couple of years

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  good vehicle but could be much better - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By Rob Wayne - August 6 - 10:00 am

  goodyear tires wear out real fast and you dont even have to abuse them....recommend investing in a better tire other than the goodyears.

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  Dont waste your money! - 1995 Dodge Stratus
  By Lizzard - August 1 - 2:00 am

  We bought the car used in Feb. 01 (94K mi). By July we needed to replace the water pump. Around the same time it started leaking a lot of oil and then suddenly stopped. Dont know why. My husband hates the placement of things under the hood. VERY awkward! A few months ago, something around the rear left tire started rattling (it sounds like the car is going to fall apart or something is going to fall off). The air conditioning doesnt work if its hot outside. The light on the clock works and then it wont. One of the air vents is broken. Its getting to be a lot of little things that adds up to a lot of pain and money. I cant wait to get rid of it!

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  Multiple repairs - 1996 Dodge Stratus
  By jmcg - July 30 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle in 1999 as a 3 y/o with 36K. I have since replaced the head gasket (at 37K), power steering rack (at 56K) and now the AC at (57K). Not to mention little stuff like the interior trunk release doesnt work and the display on the radio went out at 40K. Overall a disappointment in reliability. I am unlikely to own another Chrysler product based on this experience.

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  1997 Dodge Stratus 4 cylinder manual - 1997 Dodge Stratus
  By Dan in Maine - June 6 - 2:00 am

  This car has been a good basic car. The fuel mileage has been great as I get an average of 37 MPG in summer and 31 MPG in winter with my 4 cylinder standard. I had to replace a head gasket at 90,000.

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  Better off in a Hyundai - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By Vaccaro Greaves - June 6 - 2:00 am

  My first & LAST experience with Dodge. Dad warned me...The horsepower is a joke. 6 disk CD changer has been replaced 3 times in the last 2 years as it would not release nor play CDs. Driver side auto window function is a joke has to be pressed 2 or 3 times for the window to go down by itself. The car shakes while i sit idling with foot on brake & they made a loud noise for a long time that the dealership said they couldnt fix. You have to practically stand at the car door for the keyless remote to work. Trunk does not latch easily, has to be slammed real hard. I had 2 Hyundais before this car and they were a LOT better.