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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  Nice fast fun car to drive - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By Jacob - June 3 - 4:21 pm

  Bought car with 140,000 miles now its 145,000 miles, interior dash is pretty cheap. Fuel goes pretty fast if driving city Car has no major problem besides maintenance Things.

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  Excellent catch!!! - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By rodris@mail.ru - January 4 - 5:30 am

  I bought my car with 90,000 miles on it and today it has 132,000 miles. The repairs are new battery, new engine serpentine belt, oxygen sensor, regular synthetic oil changes and ceramic brakes. The car runs like a champ!!! Excellent buy!

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  Looks good, decent mpg, cheap to keep and simple - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By nadylynn - October 13 - 8:45 pm

  Bought the 03 Stratus with 56000 miles a corp lease well maintained records, 136000 now, only repairs were rear shocks and brakes, did timing belt service at 115000, its been very cheap to keep. Not very fast but the iron block 4 cyl engine keeps going no leaks or oil usage between oil changes. Trans serviced every 35000 miles still shifts smoothly. So far so good our 03 Altima bought new only has 80000 and has had about 7 repairs so far 2 no starts, mostly engine elec.

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  Love My "Iron Man"!!! - 2006 Dodge Stratus
  By B. T. Brooks - July 17 - 12:16 am

  I got my Stratus back in 07 from Enterprise Rentals. Only major problem Ive had was a crankshaft issue and that was after having it for 7 years. Ive done some changes like different chrome rims for something sportier (including wheel adapters), a rear spoiler, fog lights (yellow strobes), a muffler tip that allows more air exhaust (and sound) and a better stereo system. Planning on getting the shocks worked on eventually and hunting down a supercharger for it (keep hearing the police used to use this model)...otherwise, my babys a creampuff! Be careful on doing electrical work, for itll seem like youll lose your battery charge, but the way Dodge builds their cars, its a lil tricky but manageable as long as youre careful. Pretty good on gas and currently researching the pros and cons of changing gas type from the low end to at least mid-grade. Just take of it and itll take care of you.

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  Good Car for the Money - 2005 Dodge Stratus
  By 12220adc - June 26 - 10:44 pm

  I bought my 2005 R/T sedan new in early 2006. It was the last of the 05s on the lot so got a significant discount from the sticker. Overall its been a good car for the money. Its sporty looking, comfortable, versatile and fun to drive. After nearly 10 years of ownership and 116K miles later, the engine runs very strong. Ive had to put money primarily into suspension components like the control arms and ball joints which has been a bit irritating.

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  Low cost to own and fun to drive as 4 cyl. eco cars go - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By billman2 - February 13 - 4:34 pm

  Bought new in 03 4 cyl auto good value and to our surprize its cost to operate has been lower than our japanese car our mother drives, not as well refined but still fun to drive and quieter ride. No issues yet with 140,000 miles except rear struts were replaced. 4 cyl engine not real fast but simple to service and reliable.

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  11 years and going strong - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By tara0724 - August 15 - 12:27 pm

  Im sad others have had bad experiences with this car because mine has almost 160k miles on it and it drives like the day I bought it. Ive had to do a few minor things, replace the radiator and the brackets that hold the rear shocks rusted through prematurely, but it really has been an awesome car for me. 11 years later I have had no issues at all with the engine or transmission. The only thing I hate about it is that the clip under the front bumper hangs so low that I parked too close to a parking block and broke that plastic piece in half. Operator error.

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  Great First Car - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By michaela96 - July 3 - 9:09 am

  I bought this 15 year old car for $1500. It had 180K on it but still runs smoothly. It handles great and should last anyone a long time so long as they keep up the maintenance and do repairs as needed. Before when I thought of the brand "Dodge", the first thing that came to mind was gas guzzling trucks. To my surprise this car gets pretty good gas mileage. Ive had it over a month now and I love it. My goal is to get it to last me through this winter with out having any major problems.

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  Many Miles and Many Repairs - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By clintonanthony - March 9 - 1:52 pm

  I bought my car in 2006 with 80k on it. Needed to immediately replace water pump and deal with leaking oil pan. It is now 2013, so its been a fairly okay car for me to get it over 150,000 miles. I need to junk the car now, because its no good. I live in PA and the bottom of the car is completely rusted out, rocker panels are covered up with rivits and tin. Ive tried to frequently wash the car to avoid this, but it was inevitable. My frame is soft and wont pass another inspection. I would have liked to of got more than 150k out of the car, but its not going to happen.

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  dodge stratus se coupe 2001 the truth about it - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By onlythetruth - March 2 - 4:15 am

  good things :when i am driving my car,it is as fast as new cars,never behind them,most time in front of. aceleration brilliant,you will be really surprised about it.really fun to drive.edmunds said the truth about it. brakes enough good,4 discs. engine sounds excelent,trunk huge for a coupe car .rear seats very comfortable,they look like sedan seats ,not like the caracteristics coupe little seats.sound sistem enough good.i reproduce music with my phone and sounds powerful.and the last good thing,the car looks really nice for 2001. and now the bad details,,the front bumper is too low,and sometimes hit the front line when i am parking, and the last one, turning ratio is not so good