2001-2006 Dodge Stratus: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Dodge's midsize sedans and coupes were redesigned for 2001, with fresh styling, new V6 engines, and optional side-curtain airbags for sedans. Formerly known as the Dodge Avenger, the Stratus coupe shared its design with the similarly restyled Chrysler Sebring coupe. Both used powertrains and platforms derived from the Mitsubishi Eclipse and Galant. Sedans again shared their Chrysler-bred design with the Chrysler Sebring sedan and convertible. No Stratus convertible was planned, however. Despite all-new sheetmetal, styling was familiar. Exterior and interior dimensions changed little, though coupes were lighter by about 100 pounds and sedans heavier by a similar amount. Sedans came in SE and ES trim. SE sedans retained a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. Optional on those models, and standard on the ES, was a 2.7-liter V6 borrowed from the Dodge Intrepid. Both engines came only with a four-speed automatic transmission. ES models used Dodge's AutoStick with a separate gate for manually-selected gear changes. Stratus coupes came in SE and R/T models. A 2.4-liter four-cylinder was standard for SE coupes, with an optional 3.0-liter V6 that was new to the Stratus line. That engine also went into the performance-oriented R/T coupe. Both coupes used a five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic. R/T automatics incorporated Autostick. Sedan powertrains were built by Chrysler, but coupe powertrains hailed from Mitsubishi and were shared with that company's Eclipse and Galant. Optional curtain-type airbags on sedans deploy from above the side windows and were designed to inflate in side collisions, protecting the upper body. No lower-body side airbags were offered. Antilock brakes were optional on all models except the SE coupe. Sedans had standard lower anchors for rear child seats, as well as an emergency release inside the trunk. Wheel diameter on sedans increased by an inch. Chrysler said new headlamps on coupes and sedans were 25-percent brighter than before, adding that thicker front door glass improved sound insulation. Competitors included the Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry/Solara, and Chevrolet Malibu.