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 with great mods - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By sam - July 6 - 6:52 pm

  I bought the car for my wife, we have had it for 6 months and the only thing it has needed was an oil change. It came with after market mods like act Clitch and AEM air intake and Borla exhaust system. And aftermarket stereo system.

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  Fun car - 2006 Dodge Stratus
  By pacer71 - July 4 - 7:17 pm

  I really have been enjoying this car. We bought this car as a fixer for our credit, and had a choice between this and a Dodge Neon, no comparison. I am the primary driver for this car and have found that I make excuses to do things just so that I can drive it. Its a blast to drive and seems pretty sporty for a 4 cylinder.

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  Patricks R/T - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By Patrick N - July 1 - 7:49 pm

  I bought my Stratus R/T a few days before Mothers Day and have loved driving it ever since! The car only had 19,426 original on it, not bad at all for a five year old car. My deep red baby drives like a champ and the sport suspension keeps me firmly on the road with no worries. The black leather looks great and is pretty comfortable on long drives. The automatic shifts with ease and the exhaust note sounds awesome (just loud enough not to be ricer). The trunk is surprisingly large and the cargo net is a nice touch.

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  trust me this IS the car youll want! - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By JOHN JOE - June 28 - 10:00 am

  I got a prearly white 2 door coup sxt and now.....IT HARD TO LEAVE FROM THE DRIVERS SEAT! EXELLENT DRIVING! The one thing to note is tha I live in NYC and get more comments and questions about my car than the cadillacs! very furteristic body style white the modern .....excellent sound system...i cant stand it! typing this mankes me want to run out side and drive somewhere! You dont see too many of them on the road so people always catch it with their eye and ask " what kind of car is that?

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  I Loved my STRATUS! - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By emille772 - June 23 - 12:13 pm

  My 04 stratus was my baby. I bought her from a dealer that was a close family friend as my first real car. My stratus held up amazingly well! I really enjoyed driving it, and all of the room in the car and trunk area! I thought it got really good gas mileage usually 22/25, however when driving on the turnpike I got 32 mpg! I only had a few problems with it. One being that at around 100,000 miles I had to replace the transmission pan and my transmission fluid would leak. My car also stalled out on me once. I was in an accident and hit by a drink driver on the drivers side. I have to say this car held up wonderfully! I wasnt hurt, however my car was totaled!

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  My Wonderful Green Machine - 1997 Dodge Stratus
  By Dave Perry - June 20 - 6:53 pm

  I purchased the car new with about 12,000 miles on it. I believe a salesperson from the dealership used it, however, the car drive and looked like brand new when I purchased it. My wife fell in love with it. She worked about 75 miles from our home and drive it 5 days a week which equated to about 150 miles per day and more than 36,000 mile a year. She now has another car (for the sake of a new one) and I now drive it. It has close to 220,000 miles on it and is still running strong. The biggest cost was the head gasket replacement once it passed 55,000 miles at my expense ($1250.00). Other than that, repairs were only routine as with any reliable car. I love this car!! Its part of me.

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  Best Coupe 4 the money - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By Sals Dodge - May 12 - 9:50 am

  Bought this car new. Great fuel economy:32HWY, 24CITY. Still has original battery and rear brakes. This car is fully equipped with sunroof, power drivers seat, great CD player and all other expected options. Im getting ready to buy a new coupe, but havent found any car that could compare to this Stratus in ANY price range, Only draw back is not 4 wheel disc brakes. Still the best bargain for under $18000 (out the door). If dodge can come up with a new FWD coupe, Im a buyer. No need to shop around. What a WINNER !!

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  Love It! - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By tnelly2001 - May 8 - 4:02 pm

  I bought my car in 4/03 had 24,000 miles on it at the time it has 99,000 miles now. Have had a good time. Only thing took it into the dealer under warranty at 56,000 for transmission issues. Sticky but since seems still New!! Thank goodness!!

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  I love this car! - 2005 Dodge Stratus
  By ktracy03 - April 25 - 10:26 pm

  I owned my stratus for 2 years, the ONLY reason I traded it is because my husband wanted a Charger, only because he would have done it for me, did I do this for him. I did absolutely love this car though, it was sharp looking, comfortable, and just "fit ME" like it was made for me. I highly recommend this car for reliability, comfort, looks, etc.

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  Mopars pre-Challenger performance coupe - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By Huether - April 25 - 12:41 pm

  FAST! Keeping my Stratus R/T stock for 4 years, this thing has been a rocket. My Indy Red R/T has seen top speeds of 135, and great braking and handling characteristics. Its an aerodynamic shape, with a great coupe design. Its interior needs more pizazz in its design, but still useful, and spacious. I have 55,000 miles on it now, and plan to drive it until I reach 100,000! Go Mopar!