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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  Good car for the money - 2000 Dodge Stratus
  By alexander_clinger - June 1 - 12:29 pm

  My wife and I have had this car for about three and a half years now, and weve really had no major problems with it. It gets good gas mileage for a V6 and gets you where you want to go in a hurry. The only problem that weve had has been the air conditioning, but hey, the windows roll down with no trouble at all. Also the drivers side door courtesy light switch stopped working, but thats also a cheap fix (about 7 dollars for parts). My wifes been in a couple accidents in it, and after being fixed it is still just as reliable as when we first got it. Its a great car, but Im ready for something a little bigger, because the family is growing.

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  Shabby - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By Shabby - May 22 - 10:41 pm

  I bought this car from a friend and in a few months I had transmission problems. also idles rather loud. This car is about 4 years old it should not be having these problems. A few more repairs and my bill was over $1,200. So I wont be buying another dodge stratus anytime soon.

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  A/C nightmare - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By M. Shot - April 21 - 6:53 am

  Ive had my Stratus R/T for 2.5 years and 3 dealership have not been able to fix the A/C. The last dealer to attempt to fix it told me they were on the phone with the engineers in Detroit. Apparently they dont know how to fix the A/c either. Ive also had the wiring harness for the automatic rear view dimmer and map lights replaced. They still only work half the time. Other than that the car isnt all that bad.

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  Jerking needs to stop - 2006 Dodge Stratus
  By Shawn Walker - April 9 - 8:16 pm

  I have problems with car. It wants to jerk when engaging gears. Other then that car is reliable and great to drive

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  Well? - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By missreed - April 9 - 1:09 pm

  Well I purchase my car used in 2005 at 97,000 miles. One year after buying my car, I had to replace my transmission computer which cost around 450 including labor at a Dodge dealership. No huge problems since. Currently, I have a trans leak coming from shift shaft Im going to get fixed) also problems sometimes with rear defrost and Windows. Now car has 178,000 miles and running ok. I get my tunes ups and oil changes every 3-4000 miles. Im driving this car till the wheels fall off- cant afford another car payments! Body in good shape. All yeah, gas meter jumping up and down? Whats that about when I keep my car on full all the time?

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  Good car and easy on the buget - 2006 Dodge Stratus
  By Hayden - April 6 - 3:41 pm

  i got this car as a credit builder. now that my credit is much better, im considering a newer vehicle, however Im not gonna trade my stratus, i really like this car and Im gonna keep it.

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  good car while on a budget W/ warrenty! - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By Raymond - March 24 - 4:23 pm

  i purchased this strats ES used with 92,000 on it. Its been a fairly reliable car as i have driven it to Danville,VA from Jamestown, NY. I feel safe to travel in this car but the battery gave me very little warning that it was about to die. then to my surprise the batt. is located in front driver side bumper. you have to remove the wheel to get too it. the same goes for the Chrysler cirrus and plymouth breeze. sneaky of chrysler to do this. i now have 140,000 miles on the car and my check engine light keeps popping on. i took it to the shop and i find out that its the transmission and im not replaceing it. i would buy another stratus but make sure you get a warranty with the car.

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  Dodge Stratus - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By christyc33 - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I love my stratus. It has an awesome body style, comfort and drive.

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  Bah huumbug - 2000 Dodge Stratus
  By Mehhh - March 21 - 6:38 pm

  Ive had to replace the transmission sensors about 3 times in 4 years, replaced brakes, and the alternator. The rear windows are no longer working. Just hit 60k. People have said it vibrates a little too much, and the mechanics say its just the car.

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  Will never buy a Dodge Again - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By tarheel - March 18 - 8:47 am

  I bought this car in 2000, its a 1998 the oil light stayed on when I turned key on but dealer finds nothing wrong, after about 50,000 the head gasket blows, before that the fuel pump went bad,now the engine shakes needs motor mounts on the front, brakes wear down fast im disappointed in dodge/chrysler cars i will not purchase or suggest anyone buy one, dodge wont change until someone gets seriously hurt driving one of there products, i thought about getting a chrysler town and country but after reading reviews and all the complaints no way, i might go to hyundai for a nice ride now.