2002 Dodge Stratus SE review from North America
"Good car, bad motor, get 4 cylinder"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The engine overheated and ceased up. There was nothing wrong with the cooling system though, the dealer told me that there were plugged oil passages in the engine and it was starved of oil. After doing some research I have found that this is a common problem on Chrysler's 2.7 liter V6. I have only owned Dodge products until now, I believe they make a good vehicle, but not a good 2.7 V6. If you buy a Stratus, get the 4 cylinder or the extended warranty and dump it before it's up. My last car was also a stratus with the 2.4 liter 4 cylinder. Never had ANY trouble with that motor, should have kept it.
General comments?
Avoid 2.7.
Rides great, very quiet, handles like a sports car.
Comfortable, makes you feel sophisticated.
Hard to back up, poor rearward visibility due to high rear end.
Headlights fill up with water vapor in the carwash... becoming stained.
Engine sounds like a spaceship toy.
Recommended reviews
  | A great bargain, but poor mechanics |
| Affordable performance coupe |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model Year | 2003 |
| First year of ownership | 2005 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2005 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.7 Liter V6 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 9/10 |
| Reliability marks | 0/10 |
| Comfort marks | 7/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 1/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 6/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 57000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 61000 miles |
| Previous car | Dodge Stratus |
| Date of Entry | 27th March, 2005 |