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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Fun Fun Fun - 2002 Dodge Stratus
By JBR - May 28 - 10:00 amI bought my 2002 Caffe Latte R/T because of the heritage that comes with the R/T badge. Realizing of course it is not of the same true muscle car blood of the 60s and 70s . The styling is what got my attention first, then the options that came along. My R/T has all the options. I am 6 ft. two inches tall and found it to be rather difficult to get use to at first as I also own a Ram 1500 SWB SLT 1500. BUT for what it is I find this car to be worth the money and tons of fun to drive on any highway here in North Florida. The performance I must say , is nothing like the 340 Dusters or 6pack Cudas. But quick and responsive for a V/6 . I
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BEST PURCHASE I COULD HAVE MADE! - 1998 Dodge Stratus
By Emily - May 11 - 9:57 amI bought this car right before my 18th B-Day and couldnt have chose anything better. It had 151,000 miles and now has over 200,000 miles on it and still running. Paid $1500 for it and need some minor repair. But with $4,000 (got all the work done at a dealership) into it I still have no regrets!
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Recommended car! - 2001 Dodge Stratus
By cfdp - April 6 - 8:54 pmNo major repairs required since Ive owned it. Purchased w/ about 43K miles. This car has served me an awesome time, again and again. The most problems I have had, had been with the front end (bearings, breaks, turn signals...), but maybe b/c mine is a rebuilt title? All fixed and drives so smooth! Cruises nice around 70mph. Manual trans. is the only way to go! Very fun, especially to watch people look at your car take off scratching their heads???
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Pretty Darn Proud - 2004 Dodge Stratus
By Sarah - April 2 - 11:00 amI love this car! Ive had this car since 2006 and I love it. It couldnt be more reliable, I believe if you take care of your car you wont have any problems. I love to travel and my parents dont have to worry when I take my car. The engine still looks brand new and it has 47,000 some miles and not a hint of a problem. The gas mileage is pretty good, phenominal on the highway. The speaker system is awesome and the exterior has a little bit of a younger look than some of the other cars out there. Great for a college kid or a family. Heres to more trips and a great car!!!
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I love my Stratus - 2006 Dodge Stratus
By Mutt - February 22 - 11:18 pmI have a metallic black, with brindle interior, SXT and it looks great. I added gold pin stripes and it really sets it off. The 2.4L DOHC 4cyl is a good, reliable engine, however it lacks power when the car is loaded with people and luggage. Especially going up hill with the A/C on. The V6 is a much better idea. My mileage is 22-24 avg. in the city and 30 to 31 hwy. Im a 61" male and find I need a power drivers seat or my head hits the ceiling. After several back and neck surgeries I have problems riding in many cars but the power drivers seat fits me well and w/o the lumbar support its very comfortable. It has a nice ride, the handling is great as is the visibility.
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R/T Coupe Rules, Chew on it Neon! Haha! - 2004 Dodge Stratus
By CRUZGT2000 - January 27 - 10:00 amThis vehicle rides so smoothly and has so many possible upgrades to the engine, that anyone between the ages of 16-28 would find this a definite fun car to drive, not to mention from the guys point of view, a definite chick-magnet!
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Good transportation at reasonable price - 2000 Dodge Stratus
By bob - January 2 - 12:28 pmWe bought this car used and have owned it for over 7 years (65000 miles). It has been reliable. According to my records our total repair costs have been less than $1500. Replaced the front brake pads and rotors once, 3 blower motor resisters and the blower motor, fuel pump, and the oxygen sensor. The interior has held up very well. Leather seats and 6 disc cd player are nice. The exterior is starting to show some rust spots below the doors (winter salt) The fuel economy has been 25-28 mpg overall. We consistently get well over 30 mpg on the highway. It is not built as well as a Honda or Toyota, but the initial cost is considerably less. We are older people and are easy on the car.
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Dodge stratus is the best car ever made - 2000 Dodge Stratus
By magics stratus - November 7 - 10:49 amI got my Stratus in 04 with 87000 miles. Now its 08 and it has 175000 miles. My Stratus has been hit by two semi trucks years apart. My insurance company fixed the body work both times, car still runs great. I have not spent more than 300 dollars getting my car fixed since I had it.
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diamond in the rough - 2006 Dodge Stratus
By 06stratussxt1 - October 29 - 7:39 pmI have a 2006 sxt with the 2.4 sport package. It performs awesomely. For a four cylinder, slow off the line but great power after 30 mph. To help further my mpg I got a cold air and it jumped my 150 horsepower to a whopping 175. Also I put in a tornado fuel saver and it jumped my hp up to 180. It keeps up with my sisters grand am gt. Great car care equals great performance and reliability. The front and rear sway bar provide great handling. The tight steering responds great. Fuel mileage is great after cold air and tornado, 28 in tow and 35 on the freeway doing 80. The only thing I can say is car care 100%
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What a car! - 2004 Dodge Stratus
By gary luaders - October 28 - 2:00 amLets be real, in the $25k coupe range you have some pretty poor performers. THe dodge Stratus R/T is not the norm, it has all the power you would want/need from a car that is not an all out sports car. I have seen about 25 mpg and am not one to shy away from getting on it every once in a while. The interior is well appointed and the style of controls with the brushed aluminum accent are incredible. I love this car and especially with the incentives, to be able to purchase this kind of vehicle for under $25k its a winner in my book Good Luck
