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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  jinxed? - 1995 Dodge Stratus
  By Beth - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Ive had nothing but problems since purchase. Luckily I got an extended warranty, which Chrysler has lost A LOT of money on. The powertrain control module was replaced twice, and took six trips to the dealership to be completed properly. Keyless entry unit has not worked since just after purchase. Apparently the computer will not respond. The body control module was just replaced last month (NOT under warranty) and transmission soleniod replaced this week. I would enjoy the car if not for the almost monthly trips to the mechanic(milage is 80k-not 100s) Wish could recommend a Stratus to other buyers, but would be VERY wary at this point.

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  Stratus - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By diskullman - May 28 - 2:00 am

  Car looks great, runs great, when it runs. When it breaks, take it to your lawyer first, youll get the repair done quicker. With 70,000 miles , this car has been through 4 sets of brakes. Cab forward, weight forward, with nothing doen to improve the brakes. The newer models have larger rotors & pads, which proves Chrysler knows there is something wrong. Replaced headgasket at 60,000 miles, car leaked oil like an old junker.I will NEVER buy another Chrysler product, new or used.

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  This car is HORRIBLE!! - 1996 Dodge Stratus
  By cutiechick - April 14 - 2:00 am

  I have only had this car for just over a year and I have had HUGE problems with it. It was back at the dealership 5 days after it was purchased because it was leaking transmission fluid.A year later, the same thing happened my transmission leaks only this time when it goes in for repair at a Dodge dealership, they find that Im also leaking oil. Now my engine is burning oil internlly and I need a whole new engine!!!!!!! Fortunately for me I bought an extended warranty that will (hopefully) cover the cost of the new engine and transmission repair.I found out that this model year is well known for transmission problems as well as head gasket problems.

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  The 2.4L Mopar disaster - 1995 Dodge Stratus
  By Jimmie - April 8 - 2:00 am

  This was the first year for the Chrysler made 2.4L engine and the head gaskets had to be replaced every 20 - 30K miles. Dont check the oil and you lose the engine. Head gaskets were scarce in 99 and my engine burned out at 90K miles and had to be replaced with a used one which was almost impossible to find. It took over a month to find a good replacement engine. It just had its second head gasket replaced approx. 50K mi. The dealer didnt even question the request in and out in 8 hrs. and $800 thank you very much!

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  Not what I expected - 1997 Dodge Stratus
  By tdilf - March 31 - 2:00 am

  At 70,000 miles I have had numerous problems: squeeky doors that no one will fix stereo speakers dont work- one does brakes replaced twice head gasket replaced (warranty because I whined) oxygen sensor replaced oil leak tires, of course tie rods replaced

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  New Car??? - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By cboy - March 19 - 2:00 am

  We bought this car new, and have really liked the looks and how the car drives. Our problem has been the $700 head gasket repair at 40K miles, and a $270 power steering pump replacement at 52K miles. Were keeping for at least 2 more years, but Im going to think long and hard before I buy another Dodge. They make great looking cars, but looks arent everything. I need a car that breaks down after 100+K miles, not 40K.

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  Problems - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By erasure - March 11 - 2:47 am

  After having the car for 10 months and taking it to another place to have the oil changed, they found that the antifreeze color was brown, with sludge in it. Lazares didnt want to flush it for me. But after complaining some more they did. Also when I got the oil changed they said I have an oil leak. I found out that they are known to have the rear main seal leak. The car only has 46,000 miles on it. Also alot of road noise