1996 Dodge Stratus Base review from North America
"Great to look at, reasonably fun to drive... but I won't buy another one"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The head gasket blew at approximately 90K miles, but has been fine since.
The air conditioning switch does not work.
The back-lighting of the air conditioning panel is burned out.
The radio display is burned out.
The brakes squeal constantly, and the front end groans when making left turns.
The 5-speed manual is sloppy-shifting... and I don't know if that's normal or not. As I have not driven any other Stratus, I have no basis for comparison.
The headlamp units have broken aiming mechanisms.
General comments?
The styling is great. It's fluid and sleek, unlike some other US mid-sizes.
The interior is stylish and uncommonly roomy given the compact exterior dimensions.
Gigantic trunk for the size of the car.
I've averaged 35-MPG since I've owned the Stratus, which is better than my '95 Escort!
Recommended reviews
| Buy something that wasn't made by Dodge! |
|
| Would be very good car without electrical gremlins! |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Year of manufacture | 1996 |
| First year of ownership | 2000 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2001 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.0 4-cylinder Manual |
| Performance marks | 5 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 2 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 4 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 4 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 9 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 88000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 108500 miles |
| Previous car | Ford Escort |
| Date of Entry | 25th November, 2001 |