2004 Dodge Stratus Sedan SE review from North America
"Fun to drive, but maintenance intensive"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
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.
Recommended reviews
| Fun and comfortable, but a lemon |
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| 2004 - Stratus SXT Coupe 2.4L 4 cylinder Good basic transportation |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| Model year | 2004 |
| Year of manufacture | 2003 |
| First year of ownership | 2008 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2009 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.4L Automatic |
| Performance marks | 6 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 6 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 9 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 7 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 6 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 52000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 71000 miles |
| Previous car | Dodge Caravan |
| Date of Entry | 8th August, 2009 |