Pros :
- Almost as refined as its Japanese midsize rivals.
- Value-packed power interior options.
- Smooth V6 engine.
- Very sleek and attractive styling.
- Fairly roomy interior.
Cons :
- Not much difference in performance between R/T and lower ES trim.
- Falls behind on power when compared to Japanese rivals.
- Not the most ergonomic interior.
- Build quality is decent, but still behind class leaders.
- Rearward visibility is somewhat restricted.
Press Coverage :
The totally redone 2001 Dodge Stratus sedan is as good as the top-rated midsize Toyota Camry and Honda Accord family sedans—not to mention top-selling domestic sedans such as the Ford Taurus. That's saying an awful lot for the Stratus because popular rivals—especially the Camry and Accord—have gold-plated reputations. The 2000 Stratus looked good and had a generally winning design, but was short on refinement and power. That's no longer the case, although the duller Camry still is a little smoother.
The Stratus sedan is not to be confused with the new, above-average Stratus coupe—about all they share is a name. The Michigan-built sedan uses DaimlerChrysler components, while the Illinois-built coupe utilizes Mitsubishi parts. The sleek front-drive Stratus sedan is similar to the new Chrysler Sebring four-door but has a bolder look in keeping with the performance image of DaimlerChrysler's Dodge division.
Dodge's traditional role is offering affordable, dependable cars for average wage earners. But it does far more than that with the new Stratus, which often feels like a foreign sport sedan. Beauty is more than skin deep with the well-constructed Stratus, which gets available side curtain airbags and a new 2.7-liter 200-horsepower V6 from the larger Dodge Intrepid. It is a sophisticated engine has dual overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder and can operate on 87-octane gasoline.
The Stratus has a stiff body structure that helps it deliver excellent ride and handling and contributes to its refined feel. It has thicker front door glass for a quieter interior, brighter headlights and higher-quality interior materials. One reason the Chrysler PT Cruiser is so popular is because it has a nice interior and refined feel— attributes that are not generally associated with DaimlerChrysler's U.S. vehicles.
The Stratus offers plenty of standard equipment. It includes air conditioning, AM/FM/cassette stereo, cruise control, tilt steering column, 60/40 split-folding back seat, rear defroster, and power windows, door locks, outside mirrors and trunk release, and items such as power driver's seat, remote keyless entry and 16-inch aluminum wheels. Leather upholstery is available.
Importantly, the R/T has the V6 as standard. It provides lively acceleration, although the Stratus is fairly heavy at 3,226 pounds. A sport-tuned suspension helps make the Stratus fun to drive. Control on slippery roads is good even without a traction control system. The steering offers a nice amount of power assist and good road feedback. The firm all-independent suspension provides a supple ride and handily absorbs most bumps. Brake pedal action is easily modulated and helps provide quick, sure stops.
The interior is quiet, thanks partially to foam injected in the body to provide extra sound insulation and full wheelhouse shields to lessen road noise. The interior is spacious, although tall drivers with long legs may wish that the power seat would slide back more. The rear seat may be too low for shorter occupants and a bit too firm for occupants of any height. The back windows don't lower all the way. And rear seatbacks don't fold flat enough when you flip them forward to increase the cargo area.
Excellent forward visibility is provided by a large, sharply raked windshield and low dashboard, although the top of the dash is excessively long. A driver can't see where the back of the car ends through the rear window—a definite drawback when in reverse gear. Gauges can be quickly read, and controls work smoothly. Cupholders are large, but front ones invite spills because they're too low. Radio controls are too small for safe driver operation and aren't positioned above the heating/ventilation controls for easier use.
The trunk is plenty roomy, but its opening is too high for quick loading of larger cargo. However, the lid has hydraulic struts that don't let it bounce back and hit you on the head if opened quickly, as is sometimes the case with manual hinges.
Safety features include an internal emergency release in the trunk, optional side curtain airbags for all outboard occupants, multi-stage front airbags, front seat belt pretensioners, rear center shoulder belt, and lower anchors for rear child seats.
It's nice to see a moderately priced midsize Dodge sedan that offers far more than basic transportation.
Carpoint.com
History:
1995-2000 Dodge Stratus ES
2,497 cc / 168 hp / 170 lb-ft / 3083 lbs / 0-60 mph 9.0 sec.
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