2001 Dodge Stratus: Road Test
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2001 Dodge Stratus ▼
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- MSRP: $17,810 -$20,805
- Invoice: $16,549 -$19,245
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Our road test for the 2001 Dodge Stratus includes a full evaluation of the 2001 Dodge Stratus from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2001 Dodge Stratus, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2001 Dodge Stratus help you decide if a 2001 Dodge Stratus is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| SE cpe, 4 cyl auto. | R/T, manual | SE sdn, 4 cyl auto. | ES sdn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 7 | 4 | 5 | 4.9 |
V6s have adequate power, but are slower than rivals' larger V6s. Four-cylinders are slow and noisy but better than last year's. Automatic transmission changes gears with little fuss, though could be quicker to downshift. AutoStick improves throttle response some.
FUEL ECONOMY
| SE cpe, 4 cyl auto. | R/T, manual | SE sdn, 4 cyl auto. | ES sdn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.4 |
Test V6 sedans averaged 17.5-18.3 mpg. With V6 and manual transmission, test R/T coupe averaged 19.2 mpg, test Sebring coupe 23.3. Expect slightly better with 4-cyl. versions of both.
RIDE QUALITY
| SE cpe, 4 cyl auto. | R/T, manual | SE sdn, 4 cyl auto. | ES sdn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5.3 |
Comfortably absorbs most bumps, but coupes don't filter out bad pavement as well as sedans or the Sebring convertible. Coupes do ride better than shorter-wheelbase Eclipse cousins.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| SE cpe, 4 cyl auto. | R/T, manual | SE sdn, 4 cyl auto. | ES sdn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 5.1 |
Competent on twisty roads but uplevel models with their larger tires are better than base models. Coupes and convertibles are slightly more nimble than sedans. Steering is good, though 4-cyl versions feel a bit overboosted. Stopping power is sure and stable, pedal modulation good. All models tested had ABS.
QUIETNESS
| SE cpe, 4 cyl auto. | R/T, manual | SE sdn, 4 cyl auto. | ES sdn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5.2 |
Less refined than Japanese-brand rivals, but quieter than previous generation Stratus and Sebring. Wind noise well muffled.
CONTROLS
| SE cpe, 4 cyl auto. | R/T, manual | SE sdn, 4 cyl auto. | ES sdn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
Clear and readable in sedan and convertible. Coupe's mirror gimmicky design of the Mitsubishi Eclipse. Driver has no blind spots, but lane changes would be easier with larger outside mirrors. Sedans use better-quality materials than coupes, but neither fully up to import rivals.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| SE cpe, 4 cyl auto. | R/T, manual | SE sdn, 4 cyl auto. | ES sdn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5.5 |
Sedan and convertible have airy-feeling cabins with good space for even larger adults. Coupe drivers sit near floor, beneath low roofline that hampers entry/exit and limits head room for taller folks. Side curtain air bags in sedans is a plus, rare among like-priced midsize cars.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| SE cpe, 4 cyl auto. | R/T, manual | SE sdn, 4 cyl auto. | ES sdn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 4.1 |
Three adults ride in sedan with only a little squeezing. Head room is a bit snug, but leg and foot room is ample. In coupe, space is tight, cushion low, seatback too reclined. Unlike most convertibles, Sebring's has room for two adults, a big plus.
CARGO ROOM
| SE cpe, 4 cyl auto. | R/T, manual | SE sdn, 4 cyl auto. | ES sdn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.5 |
Sedan trunk is average for the class. Sedans have a small center console and lack rear-door map pockets. Coupe's trunklid hinges dip into luggage bay. Interior storage is adequate in coupe.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| SE cpe, 4 cyl auto. | R/T, manual | SE sdn, 4 cyl auto. | ES sdn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 5.8 |
Improved new design still lacks the polish of some import-brand rivals, but all three body styles fulfill their mission and are competitively priced. Stratus R/T appeals for performance image, though real gem here is the roomy, stylish Sebring convertible.
Total Score
| SE cpe, 4 cyl auto. | R/T, manual | SE sdn, 4 cyl auto. | ES sdn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 41 | 46 | 50 | 51 | 51.8 |
Total Score: 47
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