Dodge Stratus Review

Dodge Stratus is offered in two versions: the midsize Stratus Sedan and the compact Stratus Coupe. The two are built on entirely different platforms with the Coupe resembling Mitsubishi Galant's platform. There are similarities between the two Stratus when it comes to styling but the Coupe is built on different design with its own sheet metal. The Sedan is larger and it shares its design with the Chrysler Sebring sedan and convertible while the Coupe, with the restyled Chrysler Sebring coupe. The four-door Stratus Sedan's lineup includes SE, ES, SXT and R/T. For the 2003 model year, Dodge dropped the SE Plus version but added the value-priced SXT. Its crossbar-style grille distinguishes the Stratus Sedan from the Chrysler’s Sebring Sedan, which shares same roof and side panels. It perches on a 108-inch wheelbase and measures about 19 inches long overall. The R/T version, which is the sport model, features a rear spoiler, a specially tuned suspension and 17-inch tires. Sedan’s powertrain are built by Chrysler while Coupe's hails from Mitsubishi. For the Sedan, 2.4L 4cylinder and 2.7L V6 engines are offered with 4-speed automatic transmission.

The Coupe on the other hand is powered by a 2.4L 4 cylinder engine for the SXT and 3L V6 engine for the R/T, both with manual and automatic transmission. AutoStick transmission is available for the R/T of both the Sedan and Coupe models. The Stratus Sedan delivers a pleasant driving experience but it is simply a family car. The V6 engine on the R/T is potent and quiet though, and performs efficiently to the owner's satisfaction. It offers a generally smooth and easy drive but not as refined with the Coupe, which prides itself with the taut and confident suspension.