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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  Sporty yet Classy - 2005 Dodge Stratus
  By Generichandle - February 6 - 5:16 pm

  I just bought a used 2005 Dodge Stratus R/T Coupe 3.0L V6 automatic. It had only 25,500 miles on it when I bought it. I bought it used for only $12,000 - it was pretty loaded for that price minus leather seats and electronic seat adjustment. Other than those two additions, the car is an awesome car and it drives great and is fast and sporty - I dont like Mitsubishi Eclipses so this was a good happy medium for me. When I got it insured, the insurance agent looked at it and couldnt believe it was a Stratus - obviously, he had only seen the sedans and not the R/T Coupe!

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  SXT (4dr Sedan 2.7-DOHC-V6 - 2006 Dodge Stratus
  By Adrian - December 17 - 9:55 pm

  I was impressed on how quiet the engine is with the amount of house power(200) ample for city driving and quick accleration to merge on any highway. Interior is good and instrument panel and gadgets user friendly and well laid out....I wish it would have standard feature such as power seats, fog lights and more leg room for rear passengers being 6, I find it little cramped. For a V-6, the gas milage is good (22mpg average city/highway). The styling is attracive with a sporty look. I previously owned a 2000 SE and it was very reliable with little maintenance required. I would recommend this car to anyone that wants good value and quality for thier money. You will not be dissapointed.

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  Great car for the price - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By mechem - December 1 - 3:44 pm

  I bought the car recently. Super fast being the RT model. Fun to drive and it feels safe and responsive. Gas mileage is roughly 21 overall, and I drive it hard. Only a couple complaints. The second cupholder is a joke, its under the armrest and is shallow. Also there is an odd rattle that Ive heard. Its mostly notable when coasting. The engine is strong so it covers it when your gassing it. Nothing major though, I can live with it. Definitely a fun car to have and it gets looks wherever it goes. Cheap too, bought mine for 5 grand with under 60k on it.

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  Good while it lasted. - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By Anomaly21 - November 13 - 10:58 pm

  This car (the coupe) is just a Mitsubishi Eclipse with a different outer body. Its fun to drive and I still got complements even though its an 01. I traded it about a month ago with 80K miles. The transmission went without any warning whatsoever, the interior was falling apart (dash cracking in sun, door handle breaking) and paint on the door was chipping. This was upseting because I felt like I was fighting a loosing battle in tring to keep it nice, by the end it looked like I treated it like crap which was not the case. It was fun to drive with good performance from the Eclipse 3.0 200hp v6. It however kind of stunk in the winter even though it was front wheel drive and had decent tires.

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  A good sporty car for the price - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By R/T fan - October 1 - 1:51 pm

  I got my dark blue (great color) R/T coupe about a year ago and have very much enjoyed it. Has plenty of power without having so much that its wasted, very precise handling with little roll, great looking and pretty good standard 4-cd sound system and moonroof. The shifter is in a great location with excellent feel although the clutch is a little heavy and tricky in first, and bravo to Dodge for actually offering a manual with the V6 version of the coupe (unlike GM Grand Am or Alero which had no manual with V6 nor Toyota for the Camry Solara the Mustang has one but the 03s are primitive and I have yet to find a used Accord V6 coupe with the manual). Great mileage (25/30) too!

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  Good solid car - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By dab - September 26 - 2:14 pm

  Now over 6 yrs old, has never given much trouble. Have had 2 wheel bearings, one covered by warranty, and heater fan lost 1 speed. Also a tie rod replaced. FM portion of radio just stopped working. Thats it for repairs! Have driven coast to coast. Average mpg lifetime around 31 mpg with 2.4 liter engine/automatic. Original tires went over 76K miles.

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  Nice American Option - 1997 Dodge Stratus
  By greenroom1988 - September 2 - 9:22 am

  The Stratus is a nice car and is the family beater until my sister gets her license. We got it for a cheap 1,500 and it has 160,000 miles on it yet it pulls almost as hard as my Integra did. All the features work and they car held up to abuse from the previous owner.

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  Good while still new - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By TK - August 29 - 8:28 am

  I bought the Stratus barely used and overall it hasnt been a bad car. I have not had a lot of major problems under the hood. However, the air conditioning has been a constant problem since about 60,000 miles. It is repaired and then goes out again soon after. This last time, I took the car to 3 reliable/well known mechanics in the Chicago area who were all unable to determine the cause of the problem. I suppose their could be worse things- as the car runs, but it is very frustrating not to have air constantly. I have come across many others with dodge vehicles who have reported the exact same prob. with ac and have also had difficulty wih getting it repaired.

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  Better than my 96 Cirrus - 2006 Dodge Stratus
  By Harold - August 21 - 10:43 am

  Ive just purchased this vehicle last week and it is a significant upgrade over my 96 Cirrus. It seems to have a lot more interior space and a bigger trunk. I was leaning toward a 4 cylinder for gas mileage, and this has it I like the fact it has the LATCH system for car seats for the children and working AC (especially for Florida). The interior is simple and not an eyesore. Controls are easily accessible and understandable. Acceleration tends be loud, but it is a 4 cylinder and not a 6. This vehicle is a welcome addition to my family of 4.

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  My Stratus - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By Mateo - August 10 - 10:00 am

  Overall A very good car. Good looking however it is a bit underpowered compared to other cars in its class, it needs about another 50 horsepower to be competive. The power steering is way to overassisted for my taste, it leaves no real feel of the road. Braking is good and it handles well once you get used to the power stearing. Parts of the interior feel a bit cheap and the dash is comming apart at the de-fog vent aver about 8 months of ownership. The automatic transmission felt abit sluggish on take- off, thats why i chose the manual.