2005 Dodge Stratus SXT review from North America

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.

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 :)