EDMUNDS.COM 2004 DODGE STRATUS
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 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
The Stratus is a stylish and affordable alternative to the mainstream models that dominate this segment.
Pros
Exceptional value, attractive shape, fun to drive.
Cons
Doesn''t have the build quality or reliability reputation of its Japanese competition.
What''s New for 2004
Chrysler and Dodge have restyled most vehicles this year to bring out similarities and cohesiveness among the Chrysler group cars. To that end, the Stratus sedan receives a new front fascia, and R/T sedans get a monochromatic grille. Sedan interior changes include the addition of steering wheel-mounted audio controls and an auto-dimming rearview mirror, along with new door panels, new seat fabric and three new interior choices. Two new 16-inch wheel options, plus two new exterior colors have been added as well. Also this year, Stratus sedans without optional antilock brakes receive a downgraded braking system with rear drums in place of discs. On the plus side, traction control is now available when combined with antilock brakes. A manual transmission is no longer available. Changes to the coupe are minimal. The interior features a new "Satin Silver" finish on the center stack bezels, and door accents.
Overview
Introduction:
The Stratus is available as both a coupe and a sedan. The coupe began as the Avenger, introduced in 1995. The Avenger remained virtually unchanged until 2001, when it was replaced with the Stratus coupe. Based on the Mitsubishi Eclipse platform, the Stratus coupe differs from its Japanese cousin mainly in its sheet metal. The Stratus sedan was also introduced in 1995, as an all-Chrysler creation, and shared virtually everything save its grille and taillights with the Chrysler Cirrus. The Stratus sedan was then also revamped in 2001, employing more powerful engines than its predecessor as well as crisp new styling. With the Stratus facing recently revamped versions of the Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima and, most recently, the Honda Accord, the Stratus sedan needs to offer more than good looks. Fortunately, it does. Provided one orders the V6, the Stratus sedan can hold its own out on the road and is worth considering if something different from the status quo is desired. It''s also a good bet if you''d like to save a little money on your next family or commuter car.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
Coupes are available in base SXT and sporty R/T versions. The SXT comes with a generous list of standard features, such as air conditioning, power windows and locks, cruise control, a four-disc CD changer, keyless entry and 16-inch alloy wheels. Stepping up to the R/T brings a 200-horsepower V6, a specially tuned suspension and 17-inch alloys wrapped with performance tires. Sedans come in SE, SXT, ES and R/T guise. The base SE can only be ordered with the "optional" 2.7-liter V6 and comes with air conditioning, power windows and locks and cassette player. The SXT costs less than the SE but adds cruise control, a CD player and 16-inch alloy wheels. The catch is that it comes with a 150-horsepower four-cylinder instead of the V6. Luxury-themed ES models have 16-inch chrome wheels, foglamps and an eight-way power driver seat. R/T models go a step further by adding a sportier suspension and 17-inch wheels. A sunroof is optional on all trims, except the SXT, and the ES and R/T offer leather upholstery.
Powertrains and Performance:
Stratus coupes share an engine with the Mitsubishi Eclipse; the SXT uses a 2.4-liter inline four producing 147 horsepower and the R/T sports a 3.0-liter V6 rated at 200 ponies. Both engines can be had with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. The sedans have Chrysler engines. Only the SXT has an inline four (2.4 liters, 150 horsepower) while all others have a 2.7-liter, 200-horse V6. An automatic tranny comes on every sedan. Expect adequate, albeit noisy, acceleration with the four-cylinder engine. We recommend going with the V6, which gets the Stratus up to speed quite nicely in most situations, though not as quietly as a Camry''s V6. Fuel economy is a bright spot for the Stratus, as V6 models get up to 28 mpg on the highway.
Safety:
Side curtain airbags are optional on all Stratus models, as is ABS with traction control (ABS comes standard on R/T sedan trim models). Crash test scores for the Stratus sedan are mostly excellent; it garnered a "Good" (the highest possible) rating in frontal offset testing as well as five stars (out of five) ratings in front crash tests. Side impacts were rated at just three out of five stars, but this is without the optional airbags. The coupe hasn''t fared quite as well. It scored four stars in frontal impacts and, for side impacts, three stars for front passengers and five stars for rear-seat passengers.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
The Stratus is one of the roomiest sedans in its category. While the number of front legroom inches falls in the middle of the segment -- which includes the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima -- rear-seat legroom is substantially greater than all Stratus competitors. The Stratus also boasts 16 cubic feet of space -- which is second only to the Camry''s class-leading trunk. The interior of Dodge''s midsize sedan feels pretty basic alongside those of the top imports, but white-faced gauges give it a mildly sporty feel.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
Neither the sedan nor the coupe stands out in its segment in terms of outright performance, but the Stratus does provide a relaxed, moderately entertaining drive (when configured with V6 power) along with an easily digestible out-the-door price.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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