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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  Surprisingly Good Car - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By chewmill - October 7 - 7:50 am

  Bought a program car in 2005. 28-31 mpg hwy. Driven for 82,000 miles of its 100,800 and only put money into oil changes and tires. Problem just arose with engine stutter. Probably bad plug wires from the auto store since I replaced plugs and coil assembly already. Body has held up and interior looks great. Not a quiet car at 75 mph. Lots of road noise. The 4 cylinder engine is weak with full load, but fine for 2 people and luggage.

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  Dodge Stratus Coupe - 2005 Dodge Stratus
  By LJ - October 6 - 10:35 pm

  I have the 2.4L SXT version, and I purchased it with 32,000 on the clock in June 06. Not once have I ever had maintenance issues with the car. Ive only ever done basic stuff (brake pads, tires, oil changes). The car handles with ease, yet at the same time, feels like a bus in terms of length. You cant see completely over the hood, which attributes to the seat designing. The car can get up and go, but dont expect this to be a high end BMW in camouflage. Its more in a competitors range of Mitsubishi Eclipses, Galants, etc. Solid car, nothing overwhelming.

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  It was a good decision - 1999 Dodge Stratus
  By Greg - September 29 - 2:11 am

  Ive owned my Stratus since March of 2000, and I havent regretted the purchase even once. The most serious problem has been a recent failure of the Leak Detection Pump which caused the Check Engine light to come on - but after nearly 9 years of ownership its about time something broke! The car has been comfortable, fun, and easy to drive. In my opinion, the sharp styling holds up even today. In my mind, the only negative is that I feel it seems slightly underpowered - but my last car was an 86 Pontiac 6000 STE which was a luxury rocket. My Stratus has been a great car.

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  Stratus R/T is a heck of a car - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By Jules Lechter - September 27 - 10:00 am

  Though Ive only had the car for a couple of weeks, the car is an outstanding find. The ride is smooth and quiet, on both city streets and highways. With good power being generated from the 2.7l Magnum engine, acceleration and passing is no problem. The cockpit is roomy enough to allow comfort for all riders, with safety for all riders, which include airbags for driver and front passenger and complete shoulder straps for all three rear seat passengers. There are many available options which can be applied, but one of the finest is the 4 disc breaking system with ABS, for added safety. This car is a definite grand find for its price.

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  Transportation vehicle - 1999 Dodge Stratus
  By E. Vest - September 5 - 8:54 am

  Good vehicle to drive for older person like myself. Hard to get in and out is the only real complaint. Blown fuse to ignition caused me to have it towed to repair shop. I overlooked the fuse listing in manual as there are 2 fuses to the ignition wire system. Replaced starter that was very expensive. The expense may have been more by the repair shop than the true reason. I should have had the Dodge repair shop replace starter. I had other ignition problems that resulted in the replacing of spark plugs and ignition wires that I did myself. Using regular gasoline may have caused these parts to start failing. Just my theory. Had brakes shoes renewed that is normal as well as tires.

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  One of the best cars Ive owned! Really! - 2000 Dodge Stratus
  By Detroit Driver - September 4 - 10:39 pm

  I have had my stratus for close to eight years with very few maintenance issues. Overall, this is a solid well built sporty sedan that is a pleasure to drive. I am VERY satisfied with the vehicle. I am now over 170,000 miles and still going strong!

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  Thought I liked it - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By Amanda - August 13 - 10:40 am

  I liked this car at first. But I wish I would have bought something different. Its been an okay car, but when it shifts into different gears, you can literally feel the whole car shift as it is not very smooth. Also, recently I had to take it in because the back strut went bad and they said when they hoisted the car up on the lift it was so rusted that it had disconnected from the car itself. My brother-in-law who is a very honest car repairman said he didnt feel safe driving that "tin can" around. Also, its shocks arent very good compared to my husbands Ford Taurus.

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  For just having it 2 weeks its okay - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By kimalli - June 28 - 10:00 am

  I think that overall the 2004 stratus is a nice car. We owned a 2000 stratus prior to this one and although it had its moments where I wanted to drive it into the river it was a really good car. We travel a lot so I would have to say it is great for travel. The radio is a plus. I think that if you are wanting a good car for a low price a stratus would be a good car. We have not ran into any real big problems with our stratus, other than the break dust on the front tires. That drives me nuts.

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  Still Going At 122,000 - 2000 Dodge Stratus
  By Scourge - June 9 - 9:41 am

  Purchased new 09/1999 and have reviewed it once before on this site. Has been a good car. Other than the fact that the front disc brakes warp over time, I have no complaints on this car. Ive spent ~$2400 over the last 1.5 years to completely revamp the A/C from the core to the compressor, but thats the first money Ive had to spend. I had a very difficult to diagnose EGR valve problem. The engine would "hiccup". I finally figured out that the EGR valve was sticking open. I disconnected it and everything works fine. You have to reconnect it to pass emissions tests in LA, but thats only once/yr to get a new inspection sticker.

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  my first dodge - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By miguel - June 4 - 11:08 pm

  Very quiet, with new rotor-and brakes, I know I am good for the next 40,000 miles, next challenge what about oil, will burn more?