1996 Dodge Stratus 4 cylinder from North America

Summary:

A Chrysler high priced piece of junk

Faults:

EVERYTHING!

The whole front end went.. it leaked, belts broke... just a big piece of junk!

General Comments:

Junk.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 28th June, 2003

1st Sep 2004, 22:17

Well I owned a stratus that was in a almost perfect condition, but to begin with, lower ball joints cause for an accident because when they brake the arm falls off and hit the wheel stopping it, besides hey are expensive to replace.

Second oil leaks from everywhere in the engine, transmission doesn't last longer, ad all parts you have to replace are expensive even when you do the job your self.

Third so many of the parts you will replace you will find them only in the dealer, which they cost way more.

Fourth my car was totaled in an accident and I'm so glad it happened.

1996 Dodge Stratus 2.4 from North America

Summary:

New engine 3.3 V6

Faults:

Engine cracked head and cylinder walls. Coolant and oil starting leaking out from the engine from the underneath, while heading on a 600 mile trip. What a reliable piece of junk.

Seats are comfortable.

It's a good thing I already had been taking automotive classes before all this happened. Towed it at my school and removed engine, transmission, replaced suspension, brakes, axles, transmission mount, radiator... over 2000 dollars of new parts. Instead of using the same engine, we drop in a engine that I restored. A Pontiac Grand AM Restored 3.3 V6 engine with 0 miles, and a restored transmission model N from the same Pontiac was dropped into this car. This car performed a lot better then the Chrysler engine. I should of bought a Grand AM. This car has a lot more power now. I can't believe how smooth it rides.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 15th June, 2003

13th Jul 2003, 15:55

I've had my Stratus for going on six years now and the only problem I ever had was a faulty oil pressure switch (a $20 fix). Then again I do have the 2.5L V6, but the car still performs and handles exceptionally well. Also, it would definitely cost much more than $2000 to cram a 3.3L GM motor in there. Besides the obvious space deficits, completely new motor mounts must be fabricated as well as correcting the many problems with linking a new transmission to the engine. Not really feasible at all...

1996 Dodge Stratus ES 2.5 V6 from North America

Summary:

Sporty, roomy and very comfortable

Faults:

Replaced head gasket 40,000 miles, (expected from reports)

In the process of replacing leaky oil pan gasket (expected from reports)

"Check Engine" light came on twice for no reason, problem went away.

Replaced brakes normal wear.

Aluminum alloy rim cracked, replaced with a used one from junk yard and saved $300, can't tell the difference.

Key-less entry control both failed after 40000 miles- too expensive to replace ($50 each)

Rear door gasket worn out after 50000.

Air conditioner needed recharging at 80000

General Comments:

I love my car. I knew Dodge put in bad gaskets so I expected them to fail. Very peppy and sporty design. The old design is much better looking and better performing than the new one. Warning to used buyers- parts are expensive and good maintenance is a must!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th May, 2003

1996 Dodge Stratus from North America

Summary:

Bargin

Faults:

Mother of all Cars!

First off, I got the extended warranty when I bought the car!

At 23,000 I had the front ball bearing replaced under recall at no expense to myself.

At 54,000 the did the Stratus head gasket repair. I waited until they had the right one and they only had to replace it once.

I have a regular oil change at 4,000 miles and a minor tune up at each 50,000 mile interval.

I also had a noise from the power steering. They just overfilled the power steering and it went away.

General Comments:

In general, if you get a good car and you treat it OK, it will run for you. If you get a lemon, bummer. My dealer is great. I bought the oil change package and have reduced my car expenses considerably. I have had 31 oil changes for free. I'm way over warrenty now, but nothing has gone wrong with the car since it went over 100,000 miles

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th March, 2003