They weren't terrible cars depending on your tolerance level for minor flaws and maintenance - The 2.7L V6 models should be avoided even though their negative reputation is largely misinformed, but 4cyl models were generally sturdy although they had timing belts that should be replaced every 100k which most owners never took the time to learn, and were generally less refined than Japanese competitors overall although less expensive, but fairly reliable nonetheless.
I had a 2004 Dodge Stratus SE with the front end was revamped but the interior stayed the same. The 2.4 l inline 4 is the one that have, but if you have a leaky water pump, you have to change that and the timing belt. That's the most hated thing about repairing this car. That and the poor placement of the battery. It was placed on the left front wheel behind the in the bumper. If your battery dies and have to replace it, you have to take that tire off and the wheel well off to replace the battery, and it's a pain. The interior was so roomy and it was comfortable and somewhere quiet on the road. But and gas mileage wise it's somewhat saved gas for me in the long run but overall the Dodge Stratus was a okay car to own. But the 2.7 l V6 was a dreadful engine because of its oil sludge and it tends to fall apart under 70,000 MI
Right about everything except the 2.7L issues, they had internally designed water pumps which would seep coolant into the oil when they began to fail, usually at lower mileage, and contaminate the oil creating "milkshake/sludge" which killed the vast majority of those engines prematurely. Very poor design overall, but it was ultimately only the water pumps which gave the 2.7L it's negative reputation.
I still have this Stratus (2.4, 2002)to this day. Four and a half years. I can’t say anything about reliability, but the car is very beautiful for its time. I don’t know from which state she was brought to my city (St. Petersburg, Russia), but I found in the car a photograph of an African-American girl addressed to her grandfather. I think he was the owner. Signed Simone Blackly approx. To date, I have repaired everything possible except the engine and gearbox. Overall I'm happy, I don't plan to sell even after breakdowns).
I always wanted a Plymouth Breeze with the 2.0/ manual. I'm sure they have all gone to the crusher, but teenage me wanted to build a touring car for the street.
Cant compare the coupe to the sedan as they were completely different cars. Same as the first gen sebring convert and coupe. The stratus coupe was essentially a 3g mitsubishi eclipse. In my experience id avoid the sedan but the coupe would be a decent buy as long as u look out for rust and typical car things
By the early 2000s, this is when I knew Chrysler products were going down the drain. I used to rent Chrysler & Mitsubishi Vehicles in the early 2000s. And almost every vehicle, something was broken, popped off or was cracked. And these were brand new vehicles 🤦♂️
Back in 2010 a colleague of mine had the previous model. Accoring to him he was keeping his on the road using Mitsubishi parts, because Chrysler isn't very popular in Europe and spares were available only in the dealership with pre-order. It had a smooth ride, and better interiour than Jeep Cherokee and Chevys from that era I have seen in the USA.
John grades on one hell of a curve 😂 These had trash fit and finish when they were new! Piss poor reliability to say the least. Seeing one of these still on original powertrain would be a real unicorn.
The fit was (relatively speaking) pretty good compared to ford and GM of that era, you'd have to buy somthing way past the $23k level in either lineup to reach this level of standard equipment and interior quality. Although I'd personally grab an impala or grand prix anyways because they had much better power trains than these chryslers. Ford was building the taurus around this time and I've always assumed they were pretty hit or miss, people either love em or hate em and I don't see them very often. No idea if they were good honestly. The interiors on them were depressing to say the least, even compared to chevy and Pontiac. But they seemed to fit together slightly better, maybe...
If only they had designed these to fit the 3.2 and later the 3.5 instead of the horrible 2.7, their reputation would have been spared (that and if Daimler would have chosen to sell of Chrysler's troublesome transmission division instead of Huntsville Electronics and used an Aisin-Warner unit in this that also would have helped).
That is awesome! I hope that you enjoy driving it! 🙂 But I do have to let you know that those 2.7 engines sludge up if not maintained. Piece of advice. Make sure to get your oil changed regularly, (every 3k-4k miles) and use either Mobil 1 Synthetic or Royal Purple synthetic oil. As well as a decent synthetic oil filter. Supertech premium synthetic is what I have used. Incredible filter for $6!
@@SURENITY yeah money timing chain and water pump being done and I don't really have any slush issues it always change always been done with 3,000 miles to look around you inside for a 2003 with 160,000 miles on it
I think one of these in black would look good with the coupe rt chrome wheels on it. Or maybe pt cruiser chrome wheels too from either the 01-03 limited or the 03-05 gt pt cruiser.
Ewwww, chrysler 2.7L V6.......need I say more? Sad to, because the rest of the car seemed nice enough at the time. I still see a few of these on the road occasionally, but they are all the 2.4L I4 cylinder versions, all the 2.7Ls waterpumps would eventually start leaking, and since it was driven by the internal timing chain, instead of an external drive belt, nobody wanted to pay the high price to fix it. So people just kept driving them and adding water until the leak got so bad that it wasn't just coming out of the weap hole and leaking externally, it would start leaking from the seal around the waterpump's drive shaft, leaking into the crankcase and mixing with the oil, washing out the bottom end bearings, and overheating to the point of blowing head gaskets. That's why alot of these ended up crushed at the local scrap yard. If chrysler had put the 3.8L V6 out of the grand caravan in these, you'd still see alot of them on the road today, just like you still see dodge and chrysler minivans from back then on the road still.
Never seen a MW review of the Stratus - These weren't terrible cars depending on your tolerance level for minor flaws and maintenance - The 2.7L V6 models should be avoided if there's even any left, but 4cyl models which were more common were generally sturdy cars although they did have timing belts that had recommended replacement intervals of around 100k miles and were "interference" designed engines so most of these ended up junked simply due to neglected timing belt replacements/owner ignorance - Overall they were generally less refined than Japanese competitors although less expensive, but fairly reliable nonetheless
@@ronhoover5516 going to have respectfully disagree; never had a problem with this car or several other Chrysler that me, my family and my friends have owned.
These were hateful cars, especially with the 2.7 V6. I'm all of 5'6" and hit my head several different times getting in/out of the front doors of a rental Stratus/my grandpa's Chrysler Sebring. Also inside I hated the way the interior was laid out, dash too long, windshield too sloped and top of windshield too close to my forehead, the roof rail was too close to the left part of my skull. That's all fine and dandy in something like a Corvette, felt awkward/uncomfortable in what was supposed to be a comfortable as house slippers midsize sedan.
Dude I’m 5’ 10” and have plenty of space in my ‘97 Stratus. You’re so full of hot air. Even my 6’ 2” brother has plenty of room. Ever consider that you need to adjust the height adjustable seat or move the seat back? From your description it seems that you must have the seat all the way forward and 2” away from the steering wheel, come on now… Also considering these cars had more passenger volume than a Taurus.
@@tjackson686 the 1995-2006 all share the same underpinnings therefore it is the same chassis. The 2001-2006 is nothing more than a mid cycle refresh. The undercarriage is the same. The only difference is the refresh had a 2.7L rather than the 2.5L V6 and the 2.0L SOHC was no longer the standard powertrain. Interior dimensions were unchanged between the two.
The Chrysler 2.7L V-6 was one of the worst engines Chrysler ever built. Known for sludge issues, water pump and timing chain issues too. On top of it, mated to Chrysler’s garbage 4AT.
As a retired Automotive Journalist, I drove nearly everything from this era. The Stratus was a great looking and driving vehicle . The interior had some cheap plastics, however, and the 2.7 V6 had a mixed record on reliability. . Some with Autostick transmissions were less than stellar , (reliability wise) as well. They weren't quite as good as the 2001 Honda Accord overall, but fairly close, and competitive imo.
Can’t speak for its quality but it sure looked great! 😮
It was rubbish
They weren't terrible cars depending on your tolerance level for minor flaws and maintenance - The 2.7L V6 models should be avoided even though their negative reputation is largely misinformed, but 4cyl models were generally sturdy although they had timing belts that should be replaced every 100k which most owners never took the time to learn, and were generally less refined than Japanese competitors overall although less expensive, but fairly reliable nonetheless.
I agree. Great looking but quality was garbage.
@@Stressless2023how were the transmissions on these ????
My 02 Chrysler Sebring is still going with 200k kilometers even though it’s been kinda neglected
I had a 2004 Dodge Stratus SE with the front end was revamped but the interior stayed the same. The 2.4 l inline 4 is the one that have, but if you have a leaky water pump, you have to change that and the timing belt. That's the most hated thing about repairing this car. That and the poor placement of the battery. It was placed on the left front wheel behind the in the bumper. If your battery dies and have to replace it, you have to take that tire off and the wheel well off to replace the battery, and it's a pain. The interior was so roomy and it was comfortable and somewhere quiet on the road. But and gas mileage wise it's somewhat saved gas for me in the long run but overall the Dodge Stratus was a okay car to own. But the 2.7 l V6 was a dreadful engine because of its oil sludge and it tends to fall apart under 70,000 MI
Right about everything except the 2.7L issues, they had internally designed water pumps which would seep coolant into the oil when they began to fail, usually at lower mileage, and contaminate the oil creating "milkshake/sludge" which killed the vast majority of those engines prematurely. Very poor design overall, but it was ultimately only the water pumps which gave the 2.7L it's negative reputation.
I still have this Stratus (2.4, 2002)to this day. Four and a half years. I can’t say anything about reliability, but the car is very beautiful for its time. I don’t know from which state she was brought to my city (St. Petersburg, Russia), but I found in the car a photograph of an African-American girl addressed to her grandfather. I think he was the owner. Signed Simone Blackly approx. To date, I have repaired everything possible except the engine and gearbox. Overall I'm happy, I don't plan to sell even after breakdowns).
How are the transmissions on these ?
2001-2006 In my opinion is the nicest looking generation of the Dodge stratus and Chrysler Sebring
I always wanted a Plymouth Breeze with the 2.0/ manual. I'm sure they have all gone to the crusher, but teenage me wanted to build a touring car for the street.
You're not the only one. I STILL want one. I'm sure there's some still running around in the south somewhere.
The infamous 2.7 V6
These cars were actually pretty solid. I had the 2 door RT - and it was such a blast drive. Lasted up until 250,000 miles.
Cant compare the coupe to the sedan as they were completely different cars. Same as the first gen sebring convert and coupe. The stratus coupe was essentially a 3g mitsubishi eclipse. In my experience id avoid the sedan but the coupe would be a decent buy as long as u look out for rust and typical car things
This Stratus was the last vehicle my Chrysler loving grandfather (who used to work at a Dodge dealership) drove until his death.
Holy crap I had completely forgotten about the existence of Speedvision.
One of the best looking Chrysler sedans ever made. A friend of mine had a red one in hs and boy was it crappy lol
Beautiful
Very nice and great car
By the early 2000s, this is when I knew Chrysler products were going down the drain. I used to rent Chrysler & Mitsubishi Vehicles in the early 2000s. And almost every vehicle, something was broken, popped off or was cracked. And these were brand new vehicles 🤦♂️
90s and early 2000s cheap plastics. Awful.
These cars at that time was more reliable than Toyota. Stop lying.
@@trudownsouth8490 Shure
Thank Diamler
@@dontelindsey5846 They were already crappy when they merged with Daimler.
4 cylinder great, 2.7 v6 sludge monster
Back in 2010 a colleague of mine had the previous model. Accoring to him he was keeping his on the road using Mitsubishi parts, because Chrysler isn't very popular in Europe and spares were available only in the dealership with pre-order. It had a smooth ride, and better interiour than Jeep Cherokee and Chevys from that era I have seen in the USA.
John grades on one hell of a curve 😂 These had trash fit and finish when they were new! Piss poor reliability to say the least. Seeing one of these still on original powertrain would be a real unicorn.
The fit was (relatively speaking) pretty good compared to ford and GM of that era, you'd have to buy somthing way past the $23k level in either lineup to reach this level of standard equipment and interior quality. Although I'd personally grab an impala or grand prix anyways because they had much better power trains than these chryslers.
Ford was building the taurus around this time and I've always assumed they were pretty hit or miss, people either love em or hate em and I don't see them very often. No idea if they were good honestly. The interiors on them were depressing to say the least, even compared to chevy and Pontiac. But they seemed to fit together slightly better, maybe...
This interior was worlds better than what GM was offering at the time. Especially with the Malibu
I know these had amazing stereo systems in them.
Yup
If only they had designed these to fit the 3.2 and later the 3.5 instead of the horrible 2.7, their reputation would have been spared (that and if Daimler would have chosen to sell of Chrysler's troublesome transmission division instead of Huntsville Electronics and used an Aisin-Warner unit in this that also would have helped).
Diamler was the issue
I have an 2003 convertible Sebring GTC with a 2.7 and 5 speed manual super rare
2.7 engine is rubbish though. Nice it is manual though
That is awesome! I hope that you enjoy driving it! 🙂
But I do have to let you know that those 2.7 engines sludge up if not maintained.
Piece of advice. Make sure to get your oil changed regularly, (every 3k-4k miles) and use either Mobil 1 Synthetic or Royal Purple synthetic oil. As well as a decent synthetic oil filter. Supertech premium synthetic is what I have used. Incredible filter for $6!
@@SURENITY yeah money timing chain and water pump being done and I don't really have any slush issues it always change always been done with 3,000 miles to look around you inside for a 2003 with 160,000 miles on it
@@ixevaztyan The water pumps were what gave the 2.7L's their negative reputation so you've essentially bullet-proofed yours by replacing it.
They should’ve kept the Mitsubishi engine… more reliable
I think one of these in black would look good with the coupe rt chrome wheels on it. Or maybe pt cruiser chrome wheels too from either the 01-03 limited or the 03-05 gt pt cruiser.
The first gen looked so much better.
Ewwww, chrysler 2.7L V6.......need I say more?
Sad to, because the rest of the car seemed nice enough at the time.
I still see a few of these on the road occasionally, but they are all the 2.4L I4 cylinder versions, all the 2.7Ls waterpumps would eventually start leaking, and since it was driven by the internal timing chain, instead of an external drive belt, nobody wanted to pay the high price to fix it. So people just kept driving them and adding water until the leak got so bad that it wasn't just coming out of the weap hole and leaking externally, it would start leaking from the seal around the waterpump's drive shaft, leaking into the crankcase and mixing with the oil, washing out the bottom end bearings, and overheating to the point of blowing head gaskets. That's why alot of these ended up crushed at the local scrap yard.
If chrysler had put the 3.8L V6 out of the grand caravan in these, you'd still see alot of them on the road today, just like you still see dodge and chrysler minivans from back then on the road still.
100% correct. Not many people know that about the 2.7L's.
Good looking cars but I haven't seen one in years.
Never seen a MW review of the Stratus - These weren't terrible cars depending on your tolerance level for minor flaws and maintenance - The 2.7L V6 models should be avoided if there's even any left, but 4cyl models which were more common were generally sturdy cars although they did have timing belts that had recommended replacement intervals of around 100k miles and were "interference" designed engines so most of these ended up junked simply due to neglected timing belt replacements/owner ignorance - Overall they were generally less refined than Japanese competitors although less expensive, but fairly reliable nonetheless
My friend got one as his first car with a 5 speed; he got 300k and 12 years out of that car. Dare I say it was a fun car to drive?
Take it easy! Everyone knows Chrysler only ever made deathmobiles. :) :)
@@ronhoover5516 going to have respectfully disagree; never had a problem with this car or several other Chrysler that me, my family and my friends have owned.
@@coolcatr Right on. I was trying to be funny and go with the typical comment you see on here. We've had good luck with our Chryslers as well. TY Ron
These were hateful cars, especially with the 2.7 V6. I'm all of 5'6" and hit my head several different times getting in/out of the front doors of a rental Stratus/my grandpa's Chrysler Sebring. Also inside I hated the way the interior was laid out, dash too long, windshield too sloped and top of windshield too close to my forehead, the roof rail was too close to the left part of my skull. That's all fine and dandy in something like a Corvette, felt awkward/uncomfortable in what was supposed to be a comfortable as house slippers midsize sedan.
Dude I’m 5’ 10” and have plenty of space in my ‘97 Stratus. You’re so full of hot air. Even my 6’ 2” brother has plenty of room. Ever consider that you need to adjust the height adjustable seat or move the seat back? From your description it seems that you must have the seat all the way forward and 2” away from the steering wheel, come on now…
Also considering these cars had more passenger volume than a Taurus.
@@jeremystout412 97 is a different platform compared to the 01-2006 Stratus
@@tjackson686 the 1995-2006 all share the same underpinnings therefore it is the same chassis. The 2001-2006 is nothing more than a mid cycle refresh. The undercarriage is the same. The only difference is the refresh had a 2.7L rather than the 2.5L V6 and the 2.0L SOHC was no longer the standard powertrain. Interior dimensions were unchanged between the two.
The Chrysler 2.7L V-6 was one of the worst engines Chrysler ever built. Known for sludge issues, water pump and timing chain issues too. On top of it, mated to Chrysler’s garbage 4AT.
Awesome engine
When they came out with this generation everyone thought it was the same as the Intrepid because they looked so similar.
Obviously didn't age well 😂
Junk.
Boot lickin john never met a car he didnt like
The Hellcat versions are better.....
Yeah. Because there’s definitely a hellcat stratus you dumb fuck
@@dabnisbrickey6527 lol, hey everyone look at the retard that let the Titanic fly over his head......☝️
As a retired Automotive Journalist, I drove nearly everything from this era. The Stratus was a great looking and driving vehicle . The interior had some cheap plastics, however, and the 2.7 V6 had a mixed record on reliability. . Some with Autostick transmissions were less than stellar , (reliability wise) as well. They weren't quite as good as the 2001 Honda Accord overall, but fairly close, and competitive imo.
The 2000 Sebring,Stratus and eclipse were all ugly looking and bad reliability
I can remember back in '95 my ex girlfriend Lynn had the previous generation of this car it was boxy based off the original kcar
Man that 2.7 is such a turd, they always sound like they want to die if you make them work.
2.7 is so infamous