2005 Dodge Stratus SXT 2.4 4 cylinder

Summary:

Solid

Faults:

The brakes on this car are junk. At around 75,000 miles or so, I bought slotted rotors and ceramic pads and there have been no problems since.

When you let off the brake pedal, there is a quick "squeak." Dealer cannot find it, but there have been no problems caused by this, so I'm not to worried about it.

General Comments:

This is actually my second Stratus, the first being a 1996 that was totaled in an accident. I then purchased a 1999 Toyota Camry. It wasn't the worst car I've ever had, but it was not near the best, either. It seemed that everything that went wrong with it, cost a million dollars to fix, so when I got a deal on my 05 Stratus, I was able to dump it, not to mention it was by far the most boring car I have ever driven.

Although I'm being forced to trade this car tomorrow morning (it's time, unfortunately, to step into the minivan world) I just wanted to let everyone know how much I've enjoyed it.

I have put 136,798 miles as of this very second on my Stratus, and this car has never once let me down. The 2.4 engine is quite "zippy" if you will and makes enough power for most driving. I have also averaged 30+ miles to the gallon doing mostly highway driving.

There is tons of room in this car, although once again, not enough for three kids and their baggage =(

This car came with everything power, and for the price I paid, other cars the same price still had crank windows! So I think it's good value also.

One other thing I would like to mention, is that this car is also handles very well in all conditions. Living in MN, the winters get brutal, and this car never left me in a ditch.

I will miss this car. I truly believe that I got my money out of this car and would definitely buy another if they still made them. I would say that if you can find a used one for a decent price and mileage, buy it.

Hopefully I can enjoy my sweet new Dodge Grand Caravan just as much (Snickers) =)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th July, 2009

2005 Dodge Stratus SXT 2.4

Summary:

Fantastic little car!

Faults:

As I'm finding out, the brakes on this car seem to be notorious for being junk. I've been having to replace the pads about every 12,000 miles or so, but I plan to upgrade the rotors and pads shortly after finding out it's not just me with this problem, and that seems to be the fix.

Other than that, I have not had one single problem with this car.

General Comments:

After owning this car for a few years and putting quite a bit of miles on it, I just feel that I should give it some credit. I bought this car after vowing to never own a Chrysler Product. However, after a horrendous experience with a 2003 Nissan Altima, I've lost most of my faith on imports. I now own two Chryslers and am very pleased with both of them.

After my nightmare with the Altima, I decided to just take a loss and dump it off. I ran through a lot that sells Fords and Dodges and found this car for 12 grand with only 7,000 miles. Plus it was certified, so that was a selling point. I thought for 12 grand, I would risk it. Turns out it was one of the dealers cars, so that was the reason for the low mileage. Regardless, I was impressed. Bought it the next day.

My Stratus has the 2.4 four cylinder engine. Although it's not incredibly powerful like my 3.5 Altima, it has enough power for merging and passing. Plus, it's very efficient. We've taken this car on road trips and with four people and luggage, I've been averaging about 30 mpg. I've gotten 33 traveling to work and back.

It's also very roomy, plenty of room for four adults, five would be pushing it. Huge trunk. Also, tall people might have some issues with this car. I'm 6 foot, but any taller than that, you might be hitting your head on the ceiling :z.

Interior is laid out well, everything is easy to use. The stereo is fantastic, my kids of course like this. Seats are comfy and everything seems to built and put together pretty solid.

As far as handling, it is pretty good for this class of car. Sharp turns at all speeds, good suspension. This car handles great in the snow, which is good for driving in Wisconsin during the 6 months of winter we have!!!

Believe me, this car has been through hell and back with both my 16 and 17 year old driving it like maniacs. One of them decided that it would be a brilliant idea to drive while talking on his cell phone and eat a sandwich all at once. He swiped a guard rail and ended in the ditch after launching the car off the road. The right front fender was replaced and I had the car checked over and it held up great. Needless to say, he no longer drives my vehicles!

I got his car with most features, power everything and keyless and such. I believe this car is a fantastic deal. I got a great warranty and the dealer has been very good. After three bad experiences with Nissan and two Toyotas, this car has reassured me that Detroit can produce a capable car. The brakes are the only thing that I've had issues with, and if all I have to do is replace the pads every 12K, that's something I can live with. Between this car and my wife's 300C, I think we'll be driving Chrysler products for a while, that's assuming they don't go under :)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th April, 2009

19th Apr 2009, 03:35

Nissan Altima is not an import vehicle. It is American, coming right out of the Smyrna, TN plant.

19th Apr 2009, 10:41

Nope. Nissan = Japanese = import. Doesn't matter where it's built, the design, engineering, and build is Japanese.

20th Apr 2009, 02:02

I love my Stratus too!!! Shame about the brakes though, but I can't wait to get the new Avenger! I'm still going to keep my Stratus though, I just can't give it up!

11th Jun 2009, 12:30

I just traded my Stratus in for a new Chrysler Sebring because of all the deals now with Chrysler. I must say that I love the new Sebring, but my Stratus will always have a place in my heart:) lol I got 135,000 trouble free miles out of my 2005 Stratus, but I must say that the brakes suck! At about 75,000, I bought slotted rotors and cannot even begin to describe to you the difference it made. The better rotors cost me about $120, but it helps so much. Hope that helps!

14th Jun 2010, 21:54

I really do hate my 2005 Dodge Stratus SXT. Ever since I got it it has been one thing after the next. First my brakes go out. Then the struts go out, then spark wires and spark plugs. Then the drivers side rear window comes off the track. Following that is the drivers side front window motor burning out. That's not all either, following all that the transmission is starting to pop out of gear while I'm driving down the highway.

I also disagree highly with the placement of the battery, it is so bad that you have to take off the tire and then the plastic cover just to get to the thing.

On a positive note though I will say I enjoy the large trunk and the stock sound system, but that's all I have good to say about this vehicle.

22nd Mar 2011, 20:34

Nope, the Altima was designed, engineered, and built in the US. It's only a Japanese car in name (and engine).

2005 Dodge Stratus SXT 2.4L 16v DOHC

Summary:

Make sure you take the extended warranty!

Faults:

Aluminum rim bent at about 45,000 miles.

Valve covers redone at 61,000.

Head gasket at cam seals currently being redone at 62,000.

Resonator is shot after having the car for 1 year.

Lights behind the HVAC controls stopped working.

Brake rotors warped fast from being too small for the car... Dealer says that's a common problem.

General Comments:

The car has okay acceleration... nothing breakneck, but it will get up to speed if needed.

Very roomy and the trunk also has a lot of room.

Sporty looking on the outside, but kind of blah on the inside, except for the gauges.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th January, 2008

2005 Dodge Stratus SXT Coupe 2.4 4 cylinder

Summary:

If they were still making the Stratus Coupe a few years down the road, I'd buy another

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

I have the Special Edition, which includes power drivers seat, power sunroof, and leather interior. This is a sharp looking car that handles great, has decent performance for a 4 cylinder, and has a huge trunk for my golf clubs.

I'm 6'5" and there is plenty of room for me. The car has a Mitsubishi drive train based on the Gallant, but shares its looks with the Eclipse, but with a bigger back seat.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th September, 2007