1997 Dodge Stratus Base review from North America
"This is one thing that does not get better with age."
What things have gone wrong with the car?
At about 30,000 miles, the transmission went out.
Brakes too often to count.
Around 70,000 miles the head gasket was replaced along with the timing belt.
2 days after head gasket repair check engine light came on, oxygen sensor was bad, I couldn't afford to fix it, and it wasn't covered under our extended warranty.
At 90,000 miles both oxygen sensors needed to be replaced, spark plugs and wires were also bad.
At 101,000 miles, just over warranty, the transmission went out for the second time, this time it came out of my pocket.
At 105,000 miles the transmission went out AGAIN, paid for by the repair facility's warranty.
At 110,000 miles tie rod replaced.
Now, at 114,000 miles I need to have the water pump, thermostat, timing and serpentine belts replaced.
This car has had almost $5000 in repairs done to it in the last 6 months. It's not even worth $3000, if I'm lucky.
Oh, and the trunk release works only when it wants to.
General comments?
A good car in the beginning, too many repairs toward the end.
I like how well it accelerates for a 4 cylinder, and it is a comfortable and roomy car as I am able to fit my 3 small children easily in the back seat.
Recommended reviews
| Finally someone has made a good, American, car |
|
| A fun car to drive with great fuel economy |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| Year of manufacture | 1997 |
| First year of ownership | 1998 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.4L Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 3 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 8 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 2 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 19000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 114000 miles |
| Date of Entry | 6th May, 2003 |