2004 Dodge Stratus Sedan SE 2.4L from North America

Summary:

Fun to drive, but maintenance intensive

Faults:

Driver's side power window regulator was making a thunking sound and needed to be replaced. The other three are now making the same sound.

Windshield seal leaks water in a high pressure car wash.

Brake switch (cruise control) needed to be replaced.

Transmission was shifting from 4-3 VERY roughly, needed to be reprogrammed. Was told that the fix was a patch to the old trans programming; why should I pay $170 to fix their faulty programming?

Blower motor resistor needed to be replaced. I would not recommend getting the Mopar part for this - it's a known issue. Just get an aftermarket and install it yourself. You might have to do a little cutting into the duct to make it fit, but you'll be better off.

General Comments:

Despite all of the problems in just 20,000 miles, this is a very fun car to drive. It's no roadster, but as far as getting from point A to point B, it's one of the most fun cars I've ever driven for that purpose. I do enjoy getting into this car and driving it where I need to go.

Fuel economy is not bad for a mid-size. I average 25 MPG and can easily get over 30 MPG on the highway with a little careful driving.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 8th August, 2009

2nd May 2010, 03:09

OP here. Shortly after typing this review, I took it to another dealer. They found that the transmission needed to be rebuilt. Unfortunately, after rebuilding, they then found it shifted worse than before, so they replaced it with a NEW unit. While doing this work, they also found a head gasket leaking oil, and a water pump seeping coolant.

Good thing this bucket o' bolts was covered by my Chrysler Certified Used Warranty, or I would have been out about $5k.

I am now driving a 2010 Ford Fusion, a car with many of the Stratus' favorable handling characteristics, but without the headaches.

2nd May 2010, 10:36

Watch out for transmission failures in the '10 Ford Fusion as well. Reviews and comments from this site indicate most automatic transmission failures in the 2010 Ford Fusion to happen around 12,000 miles.

2004 Dodge Stratus SXT Coupe 2.4L from North America

Summary:

Amazing!

Faults:

Transmission oil needs changing, which according to the shop will be about 140.

General Comments:

The car looks good, and I get a lot of compliments.

However, it's not as quick as I would want it to be.

Definitely recommend it!

Great car!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th March, 2009

2004 Dodge Stratus SXT Coupe 2.4L 4 cylinder from North America

Summary:

Good basic transportation

Faults:

Dash pad came loose from around defrost vents.

Check engine light came on several times after initial purchase. Dealer said scan test showed #1 cylinder misfire. Dealer replaced all spark plugs, spark plug wires, and one of the coil packs over a period of 4 visits. Check engine light still continued to come on. I added a super concentrated fuel injector cleaner to the tank and the light never came on again. I guess #1 injector was clogged.

No other problems.

General Comments:

This car has great looks and is fairly fun to drive. The 4 cylinder engine is pretty weak, making the car slower than it looks. It accelerates similar to a V8 powered mid 80's Olds Cutlass.

It's not as comfortable as I'd like, but it has decent front seat comfort. The back seat on the other hand is only suitable for small children.

The stereo is great. It has a in-dash 4 disc CD changer.

Guzzles quite a bit of gas for a 4 cylinder. I averaged around 20 mpg.

The ride quality is not good at all. But it's a sports car so I can't complain.

It's a good car. It's actually manufactured by Mitsubishi so it's not a real Dodge Stratus. I haven't had any real problems with it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 1st January, 2009

29th May 2009, 15:03

This car is not made by Mitsubishi, not this year model.

29th May 2009, 22:34

To 15:03, you erroneously said "This car is not made by Mitsubishi, not this year model."

I assume that you meant that the Stratus Coupe was not made by Mitsubishi.

Well, in fact the Stratus Coupe was indeed a Mitsubishi design as the powertrains & platforms are from the Mitsubishi Eclipse/Gallant). The Dodge Stratus shared the basic design with the Chrysler Sebring Coupe as well.