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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  Best new car I ever had - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By Rick P. - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I bought the 2004 Dodge Stratus on a limb. I had test drove other cars of its class, and just couldnt get the warm fuzzy of spending $20,000 on any of them. I went to my local Dodge dealership, test drove this, and knew right away this was the one. Great handling, sporty looks, very comfortable. I would recommend this car to anyone who is looking for a great car enjoyment/price ratio.

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  Was a Great Car for Me - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By JimW8 - July 16 - 9:20 am

  My experience with my 1998 Dodge Stratus (2.4 liter 4 cylinder engine) was very good. The car was completely reliable and gave me only one problem at about 40K miles (transmission cooler hose leaked and was quickly and inexpensively repaired) until it hit 143,800 miles. Then the transmission went bad, so I sold it rather than spend the $1800 to have a rebuilt transmission put into it.

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  1998 Stratus w/Auto+Slap Manual Trans - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By FishTale - July 12 - 5:42 am

  I originally bought this car for my wife to drive. But, when I realized what the "Slap Stick" trans was all about, she had to get in line. This transmission is the best Ive driven, not only for the enjoyment, but for safety. You can be going 60 mph or more while in automatic and then slap into the manual on the fly. The manual trans kicks in, but only as the speed and synchromesh allows. It will bring the car to a slow speed very rapidly, as you slap those gears down. Couple that with the all-ABS, and this is one easy and safe car to control. Ive maintained the trans without fail, periodically getting the full flush treatment. Ive experienced no problems with this unique trans.

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  My Purple Lilac Car - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By btbowl - June 27 - 2:00 am

  My Stratus is a 1996. It has over 164,000 miles and running great. It is my second home. I did not travel far the first several years but then my job took me to farther away places. My car has been my magic blanket taking me there.

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  Indy Red R/T - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By jacob - June 19 - 10:11 pm

  I ended up test driving a lot of cars and the Stratus R/T had style and speed to back it up and it wasnt too expensive. Ive owned the car for about two years already and I still love driving it. The leather interior and Infinity sound system make the ride all the more enjoyable.

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  Love this car! - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By TomStratRT - May 20 - 8:27 am

  Very fun to drive. Easy to pass on the highway. I got the ATX and its not bad at all. Its a little sluggish off the line, but makes up for it while accelerating. 3.0 V6 makes a nice rumble with a few mods and a nice muffler. This car gets plenty of looks and I love the Dark Metallic Gray color. Goes really good with gunmetal wheels. I compared to Accord coupe, Tiburon, Monte Carlo SS and other V6 coupes. This one trumped them all. The R/T coupe is also very rare amongst the cookie-cutter cars on the road.

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  Great Car overall. - 2005 Dodge Stratus
  By jrv14 - May 14 - 11:39 pm

  I have only had it a few days. I seems to drive well. It has great handling and a smooth ride. I have always owned Mitsubishi cars I was shoping for an Eclipse and I changed my mind because the 2 door coupe Stratus has the same Mitsubishi built drive train as the Eclipse. I like the body better than the Eclipe because it has more room in the back seat. I really am enjoying my car.

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  Great car - gonna miss it! - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By stratusgirl - May 5 - 8:47 am

  I loved my Dodge Stratus - the reason I say "loved" is because Im about to sell it to my brother. Im upgrading to an SUV with 4 wheel drive, but if I wasnt, I would keep my Stratus. I also owned a 98 Dodge Stratus before I was in an accident and totalled it out, but my first choice was again, another Stratus. They are great looking, smooth confortable rides, good fuel economy, great get up and go and overall fun to drive. I never once had any maintenance issues with either Stratus I owned. I only had regular oil changes and that was all I ever had to do - these are great cars!

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  Nice Change - 2005 Dodge Stratus
  By Brian - April 22 - 11:10 am

  Bought on a whim!, Styling and price caught our eye. Have had for 1 year and 12,000 miles and still extremely happy with all aspects.

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  Wifes car - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By mls - April 17 - 8:58 pm

  This was an excellent purchase. The car has outpeformed our previous vehicle a 2000 Ford Taurus. It is peppey and fun to drive and the gas mileage is excellent. Not as comfortable on a long trip as the bigger car, but not unbearable either. We have had no mechanical problems with this car with 91K on the odometer right now.