2003 Dodge Stratus: Road Test
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2003 Dodge Stratus ▼
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- MSRP: $18,080 -$22,205
- Invoice: $16,807 -$20,505
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Our road test for the 2003 Dodge Stratus includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Dodge Stratus from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Dodge Stratus, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Dodge Stratus help you decide if a 2003 Dodge Stratus is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| SE cpe, 4-cyl auto. | R/T cpe, man. | SE sdn, 4-cyl auto. | ES sdn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 7 | 4 | 6 | 5.2 |
Midsize V6 rivals from Honda, Nissan, and Toyota are faster, but 2.7- and 3.0-liter versions of the Stratus have good power for most duty. Test manual-transmission R/T sedan did 0-60 mph in 7.5 sec; automatics are slightly slower. Models with 4-cyl engines feel more lethargic relative to the competition. The automatics change gears with little fuss, though they could be quicker to downshift. AutoStick improves throttle response some. Manuals suffer by comparison to import-brands' mechanical smoothness.
FUEL ECONOMY
| SE cpe, 4-cyl auto. | R/T cpe, man. | SE sdn, 4-cyl auto. | ES sdn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.3 |
Test V6 sedans averaged 17.5-18.3 mpg. With V6 and manual transmission, test R/T coupe averaged 19.2 mpg. Expect slightly better mileage with 4-cyl versions of both.
RIDE QUALITY
| SE cpe, 4-cyl auto. | R/T cpe, man. | SE sdn, 4-cyl auto. | ES sdn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 6.3 |
Sedans with 16-inch tires comfortably absorb most bumps. Coupes don't filter out bad pavement as well, but do ride better than their shorter-wheelbase Eclipse cousins. Low-profile 17-inch tires and firmer suspensions make R/T models feel agitated on all but smooth pavement.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| SE cpe, 4-cyl auto. | R/T cpe, man. | SE sdn, 4-cyl auto. | ES sdn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 6.1 |
Competent on twisty roads, but uplevel models with their larger tires handle better than base models. Coupes slightly more nimble than sedans. R/T versions' wide tires tend to follow road grooves. Too much power-steering assist for some testers, though V6 models have a degree of road feel lacking in 4-cyl versions. Stopping power is sure and stable, pedal modulation good. All models tested had ABS.
QUIETNESS
| SE cpe, 4-cyl auto. | R/T cpe, man. | SE sdn, 4-cyl auto. | ES sdn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 5.5 |
Less-refined overall than Japanese-brand rivals, but 2.7-liter V6 surprisingly smooth. Wind rush reasonably well-muffled, but no model filters out tire noise well.
CONTROLS
| SE cpe, 4-cyl auto. | R/T cpe, man. | SE sdn, 4-cyl auto. | ES sdn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 6.5 |
Sensible, pleasant layout in sedans, except for low-mounted position of available CD changer. Coupe's '03 revamp trades gimmicky design for a pleasant arrangement with easy-to-reach controls. 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 cpe, man. | SE sdn, 4-cyl auto. | ES sdn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 5.9 |
Sedans have airy-feeling cabin with good space for even larger adults, though some test drivers find the steering wheel too close. Coupe drivers sit near floor, beneath low roofline that hampers entry/exit and limits head room for taller folks. In no model does driver have large blind spots, but lane changes would be easier with bigger outside mirrors. Available side curtain airbags in sedans is a plus and rare among like-priced midsize cars.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| SE cpe, 4-cyl auto. | R/T cpe, man. | SE sdn, 4-cyl auto. | ES sdn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 4.4 |
Three adults ride in sedan with a little squeezing. Head clearance is a bit snug, leg room ample, but foot space tight for some. Coupe is confining, with low cushion and overly reclined seatback.
CARGO ROOM
| SE cpe, 4-cyl auto. | R/T cpe, man. | SE sdn, 4-cyl auto. | ES sdn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.7 |
Sedans have an average-size trunk for midsize cars. There's a small console between the front seats, but only the front doors have map pockets. The coupe has a larger trunk than most 2-dr cars, though the lid hinges dip into the luggage bay. Interior storage is adequate in coupe.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| SE cpe, 4-cyl auto. | R/T cpe, man. | SE sdn, 4-cyl auto. | ES sdn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 7 | 7 | 6.2 |
Stratus sedans and coupes are competitively priced and fulfill their particular missions. Sedans represent the better value by far and, in V6 guise at least, do credible duty as sporty-feeling family cars. What all these Dodges lack is the mechanical refinement and design polish of the top import-brand rivals.
Total Score
| SE cpe, 4-cyl auto. | R/T cpe, man. | SE sdn, 4-cyl auto. | ES sdn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 46 | 48 | 55 | 59 | 56.1 |
Total Score: 52
Scores for all Midsize Cars
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