Faults:

We first purchased this car for a replacement for our Mazda 626. The 626 had almost 150000 miles on it and we decided it was time for a replacement. We went to a local dealer and saw the Stratus and we decided for the price it would be a good choice.

Since that time, many things have went wrong with the car. The car needed new wheel bearings and fuel sending unit within a month of owning it. The car then needed new front brakes and rotors about a month later. After that the entire transmission blew out and with the torque converter punching through the transmission house, the entire transmission and mounts had to be replaced with a new Mopar unit, which was on backorder for almost a month. After the car was back on the road with the new transmission, the rims needed to be replaced because it was found that they were all bent and the lug nuts would not keep torque on the rim. We also put new tires on the car. After about a month of good service it began to have and extreme miss and nobody could figure out what the problem was. Our local Chrysler garage ran computer diagnostics on it and proceeded to tell us that we need a complete valve job on our car. Knowing as much as I do about vehicles knew this was a bogus attempt to make money. Turns out that the entire intake needed rebuilt from the intake manifold seal the whole way to the air cleaner. I also put a new MAP sensor and a new Throttle Position Sensor. It also needed the vacuum hose for the cruise control replaced and a new set of plugs and plug wires. As of right now the car is running good, but it is leaking some oil from the head gasket region and this will most likely be the next repair on the car.

General Comments:

This car handles great and runs very well, if you can keep it on the road for more than 3 months. This car has cost us many major repairs and will nickel and dime you to death. If you are thinking of buying a 95-00 Stratus, don't do it, you will regret it.

Faults:

Hood/trunk started rusting at 55,000 miles which the dealer would not fix under warranty.

Head gasket went at 85,000 miles.

Replaced brakes every 20,000miles.

Replaced wheel bearings at 85,000 miles

Gas mileage was horrible for a 4cyl.

Seats were uncomfortable for trips over 1hr.

Transmission was about to go at 100,000 miles, (which is why I got rid of it).

General Comments:

I thought this was going to be a good college car, with good luggage space, 4doors, good gas mileage, and reliable... However it has caused me more headaches and money than the car is worth.

Faults:

The only thing that I have had go wrong on my Dodge is the tachometer doesn't always work when I start the car. (Mouse semi chewed through wiring)

And before I bought the head gasket was blown, but they fixed it at no extra cost.

General Comments:

I love to drive this car! It is fast for a 4 cylinder (tops out at 110 mph)

For not having a lot of options for a base model it is still a great car it is fast and peepy, but if you have a lead foot it can be hard on gas, but it does great on the highways (35mpg)