2004 Dodge Stratus: Road Test
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2004 Dodge Stratus ▼
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- MSRP: $19,850 -$22,695
- Invoice: $18,385 -$20,946
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Our road test for the 2004 Dodge Stratus includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Dodge Stratus from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Dodge Stratus, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Dodge Stratus help you decide if a 2004 Dodge Stratus is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| SXT cpe, 4-cyl auto. | R/T cpe, man. | SXT sdn, 4 cyl | R/T sdn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 6 | 4 | 6 | 5.2 |
Midsize V6 rivals from Honda, Nissan, and Toyota are faster, but V6 versions of the Stratus have good power for most duty. Four-cyl models feel more lethargic relative to the competition. Automatic transmissions change gears with little fuss, though they could be quicker to downshift. AutoStick improves throttle response some. Manuals don't shift as smoothly as import rivals'.
FUEL ECONOMY
| SXT cpe, 4-cyl auto. | R/T cpe, man. | SXT sdn, 4 cyl | R/T sdn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.3 |
Test V6 sedans averaged 17.5-18.3 mpg. Test manual R/T coupe averaged 19.2 mpg. Expect slightly better mileage with 4-cyl versions.
RIDE QUALITY
| SXT cpe, 4-cyl auto. | R/T cpe, man. | SXT sdn, 4 cyl | R/T sdn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 6 | 4 | 6.2 |
R/T versions feel more agitated on uneven surfaces than other sedans and coupes because of their firmer suspension settings and low-profile 17-inch tires vs. SXT. Sedans comfortably absorb most bumps. SXT coupes don't filter out bad pavement as well, but ride better than their shorter-wheelbase Eclipse cousins.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| SXT cpe, 4-cyl auto. | R/T cpe, man. | SXT sdn, 4 cyl | R/T sdn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 6.1 |
Competent on twisty roads, but R/Ts with their larger tires handle better than SXTs. 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 sure and stable, pedal modulation good. All models tested had ABS.
QUIETNESS
| SXT cpe, 4-cyl auto. | R/T cpe, man. | SXT sdn, 4 cyl | R/T sdn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 5.8 |
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
| SXT cpe, 4-cyl auto. | R/T cpe, man. | SXT sdn, 4 cyl | R/T sdn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.4 |
Sensible layout in sedans, except for low-mounted CD changer. Coupes have 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)
| SXT cpe, 4-cyl auto. | R/T cpe, man. | SXT sdn, 4 cyl | R/T sdn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
Sedans have airy-feeling cabin with good space for even larger adults, though some test drivers would prefer the steering wheel closer to the dashboard. 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 curtain side airbags in sedans is a plus and rare among like-priced midsize cars.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| SXT cpe, 4-cyl auto. | R/T cpe, man. | SXT sdn, 4 cyl | R/T sdn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 4.5 |
Three adults ride in sedan with a little squeezing. Head clearance a bit snug, leg room ample, but foot space tight. Coupe is confining, with low cushion and overly reclined seatback.
CARGO ROOM
| SXT cpe, 4-cyl auto. | R/T cpe, man. | SXT sdn, 4 cyl | R/T sdn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.6 |
Sedan trunk space average for midsize cars. Interior storage limited to small console and glovebox and front-door map pockets. Coupe has a larger trunk than most 2-dr cars, though lid hinges dip into luggage bay. Interior storage adequate.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| SXT cpe, 4-cyl auto. | R/T cpe, man. | SXT sdn, 4 cyl | R/T sdn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
Stratus sedans and coupes fulfill their particular missions. Sedans represent the better value 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
| SXT cpe, 4-cyl auto. | R/T cpe, man. | SXT sdn, 4 cyl | R/T sdn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 46 | 48 | 54 | 55 | 56.1 |
Total Score: 51
Scores for all Midsize Cars
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