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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  110,000 and still going - Satisfied - 2000 Dodge Stratus
  By Suzie - October 15 - 10:31 am

  Purchased: Jan 2007 SE Model I have not had any major problems with this car. I have driven it to FL, PA, SC and throughout MD. I now drive it 130 per day and still have not had any problems. Replaced the brakes pads twice. Currently at 110,000 miles and still running great. Smooth, quiet, comfortable, good mpg. Keep very good maintenance - regular oil changes, flush, transmission, and check ups, etc. This was worth every penny. I had a Chrysler Sebring before this and I had many problems - rotors, rotors, seat motor, etc. I had a Plymouth prior to that and didnt have any problems. Currently, I also own a Toyota 4-Runner which is also worthy to mention but it doesnt run like my Stratus.

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  Love this car - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By Beatriz35 - September 9 - 2:00 am

  I love my Stratus Coupe R/T. Its fun to drive, and actually great in the snow. When I need more control, I use my auto stick to get traction.

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  Unbelievable!!! - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By SilverGhost - September 7 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car after owning a 97 Avenger ES Coupe. I thought that car was great. This one is 10 times better than that one. It has a very fast 2.7L V6 Magnum engine. The handling is the best I have driven in a car (and that includes the BMW 3 Series). There is plenty of room in the trunk and in the interior. Great styling and an awesome ride all for under $25K.

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  Just bought a dodge stratus - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By Ryan Short - September 4 - 10:00 am

  The 2004 Dodge Stratus is very comfortable and stylist. It is also very affordable and it comes with a really hard-to-beat warrenty. There wasnt any other automobile that was offering that kind of warrenty; not even the foreign ones.

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  Dons Review - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By Don - August 23 - 1:51 am

  I bought this car with almost 120,000 miles and it drives pretty decent. Ive turned several heads with the cars already stylish exterior, with just a few simple mods. First the cars door molding was shaved to give it the clean look then I painted my calipers and after market black headlights. After some modifications regarding appearance, I then bought a intake and exhaust system and now Im up to about 225 hp. You can definitely feel the power and I especially love the improved 0-60 time.

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  QUIET AND COMFORTABLE - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By dwhite5123 - July 28 - 2:00 am

  BOUGHT THE ORIGINAL STATUS IN 1985, NOW 8 YEARS LATER IT HAS EVOLVED INTO A VERY STYLISH, QUITE ROOMY VEHICLE. MY WIFE IS THE PRIMARY DRIVER AND SHE LOVES THE STYLE OF THIS 2004 OVER THE 2003, THE CHANGE IN THE FRONT END HAS REALLY MADE A DIFFERENCE, EVEN THOUGH THE CAR IS BASICALLY THE SAME. I WOULD RECOMMEND THE CAR FOR ANY BUYER, NOT ONE JUST IN THIS PRICE RANGE

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  Happy I found this car - 2006 Dodge Stratus
  By Patrick - July 22 - 12:32 pm

  I bought this car in December of 06 and have been happy ever since. The mileage on the highway is incredible. If I keep the tires correctly inflated and use cruise-control I get over 30 mpg. In town is another story. The mileage plunges. I used to think poorly of Dodge until I owned this. It is very comfortable for me, though it isnt as refined as a more expensive luxury car. But for the price I am willing to overlook some small drawbacks such as cheap dashboard plastic. The interior is ergonomically perfect, not too flashy and not too sparse. Overall this has been perfect for me. One more thing, Dodge made it very easy to perform the maintenance on this car and save money.

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  Pure Awesomeness - 2006 Dodge Stratus
  By Mac - July 20 - 9:16 am

  This case has a rear spoiler and is SO sporty looking for a sedan. I am in college and wanted a car that was reliable, roomy, and good on gas. Didnt want a coupe! So sporty, smooth ride, and UNBELIEVABLY cheap. Great car, would suggest!

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  Stratus R/T Coupe - 2005 Dodge Stratus
  By Carol - July 10 - 1:59 pm

  Got the car used with about 24,000 miles on it. Pretty much like the car except for the fact that the paint is peeling off the front bumper - dont know why - and estimates are approximately $600+ to get it repainted. Also, in really cold, wetter weather, the automatic windows freeze which is inconvenient when pulling into the parking garage at work where I have to scan a card for entrance - new mechanics in door did not help. Otherwise, the car runs great!

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  Love my Stratus - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By Love the Stratus - July 10 - 12:10 am

  Okay so Im 18 and I just graduated high school. Im a typical teen and I really push my car like all teens do lol. I have the 2001 Dodge Stratus 4 door SE Sedan with the 2.4L V4 and i love it! It was my cousins car and its mine now. It was originally a rental car so tons of people have driven it including my cousin and me and lets say were not the best drivers ha ha. I love my stratus. For a midsize sedan with only a V4 its a great little car. I love the interior and exterior. I love the aggressive dodge look it has from the front. Also for a V4 it preforms well. Its not bad on gas, its 20 city and 28 highway. It could be better but its okay for me. I love it and i would recommend it to anyone!