1995-2000 Dodge Stratus: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1995-2000 Dodge Stratus and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Antilock brakes (ES)
- Acceleration
- Ride
- Steering/handling
- Passenger and cargo room
Cons
- Noise
- Rear visibility
Vehicle Highlights
Introduced early in 1995, Stratus is a close cousin of the more luxury-oriented Chrysler Cirrus and the less costly Plymouth Breeze. All three sedans sported unique grilles and different taillights, and Stratus offers a wider engine selection than its mates. Marketed in base and ES trim, Stratus sedans came with standard antilock brakes and dual airbags. Base powertrain was 132-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and a 5-speed manual transmission. Optional was a new 2.4-liter 4-cylinder with dual overhead camshafts. Also optional, but only on the sportier ES model, was a Mitsubishi-built 2.5-liter V6. Both optional engines drove only a 4-speed automatic transmission, which was not available at all with the base 4-cylinder engine.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Dodge Stratus ES 2.0-liter 5-speed Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3 | |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 45 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1995-2000 Dodge Stratus. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1995-2000 Dodge Stratus.
Year to Year Changes
1996 Dodge Stratus:
Few changes appeared this year. A power sunroof became available later in the year, but didn't last long. Also later in the season, a V6 Stratus could be equipped with Chrysler's Autostick transmission, permitting shifting up or down through the gears by tilting the shift lever to the left or right.
1997 Dodge Stratus:
Stratus entered its third season with little change, apart from a new floor console between the front seats.
1998 Dodge Stratus:
In a cost-cutting move, antilock brakes were made optional on both models. Sound insulation was beefed up, and a sunroof was again available on all models.
1999 Dodge Stratus:
Stratus got a revised suspension designed to increase ride comfort and standard 4-wheel antilock brakes. Also available were new alloy wheels and a power driver seat.
2000 Dodge Stratus:
A new base model called SE joined the Stratus lineup. With automatic transmission, the SE sedan included the previously optional 150-horsepower 4-cylinder engine. Manual-shift models got a 132-horsepower engine instead. Newly optional was an emergency escape release inside the trunk.
Our road test for the 1995-2000 Dodge Stratus includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1995-2000 Dodge Stratus and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1995-2000 Dodge Stratus is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Although Stratus has the exterior dimensions of a compact car, it offers the interior room of a midsize model. In fact, there's plenty of leg space fore and aft, and sufficient rear-seat width for three medium-size adults to travel without feeling like sardines. Visibility is great to all angles except the rear. The high rear parcel shelf makes it hard to see out the back window. A large trunk with a flat floor and low liftover gives the Stratus good cargo-carrying ability. The driving position is comfortable, and the dashboard layout logical. The sedan's abundant, airy interior is well-designed; however, some trim pieces on the dashboard and door panels look and feel cheap. Of the several engine choices, we recommend the V6s for their smoother running and livelier acceleration. It's not the quietest engine around, but the 2.5-liter V6 takes off from a standstill with spirit. However, you're likely to experience a long pause before the automatic transmission downshifts for passing. Despite being shy two cylinders, the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder offers nearly as much punch as the V6, though at the expense of some refinement. The 2.0-liter four is noisier and a trifle slower, but gets great mileage with the 5-speed manual. Stratus rides and handles more like a sports sedan than a typical American car. That means more interior noise and road vibrations than people may be used to. You benefit from agile handling with little body lean and good grip, making it easy to thread along twisting roads. An ES, in particular, takes corners and curves adeptly. Ride comfort is generally good on both models, despite the firmer suspension on the ES, and the Stratus does feel smoother than a Ford Contour.
Value for the Money
Overall, the large, comfortable interior; moderate price; and attractive styling make the well-equipped Stratus a good buy. Our only reservation might be Chrysler's past reputation for poor build quality.
Overall, the large, comfortable interior; moderate price; and attractive styling make the well-equipped Stratus a good buy. Our only reservation might be Chrysler's past reputation for poor build quality.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Dodge Stratus ES 2.0-liter 5-speed Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3 | |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 45 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Dodge Stratus includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Dodge Stratus .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Air conditioner:
Air conditioning compressor fails on cars with 2.5-liter engine. (1995-96)
Air conditioner:
Air conditioning may be intermittent or stop due to failed pressure transducer. (1995)
Automatic transmission:
Transmission may shudder when accelerating from a stop, thump when coasting down to a stop, or slip when shifting. (1995)
Brake wear:
Pulling to left when braking plus premature wear of the left front brake pad and right rear brake shoes caused by overheated brake fluid because brake line is too close to exhaust pipe. (See also: recalls) (1998-00)
Headlights:
Poor illumination from headlights corrected by replacing both headlamp modules. (1996-97)
Oil leak:
Oil leak from gallery plug(s) on the 2.7-liter V6 can be fixed by adding an additional plug. (2001-02)
Steering noise:
A bad pinch bolt on the coupling between the steering intermediate and gear shafts may cause clunking or rattling noise in the steering column. (1996-00)
Water leak:
Water leaks in between the door and interior door trim panel or from the cowl/plenum/floor/A-pillar seams. (1995-96)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $425 |
| Alternator | $300 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,115 |
| Brakes | $325 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $545 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $345 |
| Exhaust System | $290 |
| Radiator | $440 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $375 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $190 |
Our price chart for this generation Dodge Stratus details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2000 | |||
| Stratus ES | $2,900-3,500 | $2,200-2,700 | $700-800 |
| Stratus SE | $2,600-3,200 | $1,900-2,400 | $500-700 |
| 1999 | |||
| Stratus | $2,300-2,900 | $1,700-2,100 | $400-600 |
| Stratus ES | $2,600-3,200 | $1,900-2,400 | $500-700 |
| 1998 | |||
| Stratus | $2,000-2,500 | $1,400-1,800 | $300-400 |
| Stratus ES | $2,200-2,700 | $1,600-1,900 | $400-500 |
| 1997 | |||
| Stratus | $1,700-2,200 | $1,100-1,500 | $300 |
| Stratus ES | $1,900-2,400 | $1,300-1,700 | $300-400 |
| 1996 | |||
| Stratus | $1,500-2,000 | $1,000-1,300 | $200-300 |
| Stratus ES | $1,700-2,200 | $1,100-1,500 | $300 |
| 1995 | |||
| Stratus | $1,300-1,700 | $800-1,100 | $200 |
| Stratus ES | $1,400-1,900 | $900-1,200 | $200 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Dodge Stratus include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door coupe | 4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase, in. | 103.7 | 108.0 |
| Overall Length, in. | 190.2 | 186.0 |
| Overall Width, in. | 70.3 | 71.7 |
| Overall Height, in. | 53.7 | 54.1 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3012 | 2899 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 16.3 | 15.7 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 16.3 | 16.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.5 | 38.1 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.3 | 42.3 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 36.0 | 36.8 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 34.0 | 37.8 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Only 5-speed manual shift was offered with the Neon-originated 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. Both optional engines, the 2.4-liter dual-overhead-cam four and the Mitsubishi-built 2.5-liter V6, came only with a 4-speed automatic transmission.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohc V6 | 2.5 / 152 | 164-168 | 161-170 | 4-speed automatic: 20/28 | 4-speed automatic: -- |
| ohc I4 | 2.0 / 122 | 132 | 129 | 5-speed manual: 25/36 | 5-speed manual: 24.7 |
| dohc I4 | 2.4 / 148 | 150 | 165-167 | 4-speed automatic: 20/29 | 4-speed automatic: 20.3 |
| ohc I4 | 2.4 / 143 | 147 | 158 | 5-speed manual: 22/30 4-speed automatic: 20/30 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Dodge Stratus include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1999 Stratus |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 3 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1995-2000 Dodge Stratus directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1995:
Rear-seatbelt anchors will not withstand loading required by federal standard.
1995-96 w/2.4-liter:
Oil leakage could cause engine-compartment fire.
1995-96 w/ABS:
Corrosion of ABS hydraulic control unit can cause solenoid valves to stick open, so car tends to pull from a straight stop when brakes are applied.
1995-96:
Brake master cylinder can leak fluid, due to damaged seal; warning light will signal impairment prior to partial brake-system loss.
1995-97:
Lower ball joint can separate due to loss of lubrication; could cause loss of control.
1995-98 w/automatic transmission:
If operator presses button to shift out of Park with key in locked position, pin can break; "ignition-park" interlock would then be nonfunctional.
1996-97:
Secondary hood latch spring can disengage if hood is slammed.
1998-99:
Right rear brake tube can contact exhaust system clamp and wear a hole in it; tube could then leak, reducing braking effectiveness.
2000:
Incorrect child lock instruction label could cause confusion as to whether the childproof safety lock was activated.
2000:
Some of the owner's manuals for these vehicles are missing instructions for properly attaching a child restraint system's tether strap to the tether anchorage.
2000:
The right front-brake tube may get damaged.
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