2001 Dodge Stratus RT from North America - Comments

This car has had only two problems. The first problem was an odd clicking noise which turned out to be a loose battery mounting bolt. The second problem was something related the front suspension. I don't remember what caused the problem. The dealer fixed both quickly. Both problems were within 1000 miles of delivery. Since then, it has been completely trouble free.

I primarily use this car to commute about 35 miles a day to and from work. It is very comfortable with plenty of power for passing and accelerating up on ramps. The stick feels very precise. A flick of the wrist is all that is needed to change gears.

I average 29-30 miles per gallon on the highway.

The car will handle corners fairly well. It does not handle as well as my old 1987 Trans-Am WS6. However, it is also a much more pleasant ride. The car provides a good road feel without being harsh. A much more refined ride than my old car.

The car is reasonably quick for a 3 liter six cylinder. It will easily outrun a 6 cylinder mustang, camaro, firebird. It was dead even with an older boxy style 5.0 mustang a couple weeks ago. I was quite impressed.

The interior is spacious with above average back seats for a coupe. The dash is will laid out with everything within easy reach. The only negative is the location of the cup holders.

The infinity sound system is probably the best factory system I have ever heard. The 4 disk in dash compact disk changer is easy to use and quite useful.

Overall this is a great car for the money. It looks great, handles well, and has plenty of power.

I recently acquired a similar stratus also with the five speed and 3 liter. I unfortunately did not take as much interest in it. I'm surprised by your comparison to your "old 87 Trans Am WS6". My sister owns an 88 firebird formula with an original 5 liter and five speed. Even with seventy thousand odd miles on the car, the car is a much better ride. Sure the stratus has a good feel and looks sharp. I just think for an R/T, its too mild. The formula at least had some spunk, which really fooled me. Both cars ride smooth and calm at lower rpms, a distinction between average cars and these so called sports cars. But when I would let out the clutch and sunk my foot into the gas with the formula, I didn't feel so bad because the car moved! The stratus doesn't give me the same feel. I'm sure the performance numbers on these two cars are similar. But for me, there is nothing like having v8 power at the rear wheels, even if it is scraping to push 200 hp. I live in a family of v8's, and in each, the power reverberating in the frame of the car, steering wheel, and shifter gives you a feel of what you can put those wheels without stepping on the gas. It will make you hang on when driving, quite literally. The stratus is quite respectable in it's own right. It just doesn't put up the same fight. I guess to each his own. Have fun with your stratus, I'm sure mine will grow on me eventually.

I have heard a lot of hype about these cars lately, and I think that they are overrated. The only 5 liter you could keep up with is an automatic with about 200,000 miles on it. I have a V6 that you can't keep up with, and it has 4 doors. GTP. Enough said.

GTP? That also costs about 10k more than the stratus and it's a 3.8 supercharged engine. I would sure hope its faster.

People seem to think it's a big deal when they beat an older V8 like a 302 or 305 but it isn't much of an accomplishment. Reason being that those engines were 2 valves per cylinder and that's why they were only pushing a little over 200 horsepower. Now take your 4 valve (newer v6s have 4 I'm pretty sure) per cylinder v6 and you get a lot more out of it with more valves.

But if you tried taking on a 3 newer 3 valve 4.6 or the cobra DOHC 4.6 you'd get killed. Or any 5.7 for that matter.

But seems like a great inbetween sports car.

I recently aquired a 2001 R/T, and am very happy with it. I was able to find a model with every factory option, with the exception of the side impact air bags (it turns out those were only available at Mitsubishi dealerships.)

The handling is great... but the turn radius leaves much to be desired. Only 200hp is discouraging, but the wealth of aftermarket parts available makes up for that (Since the engine is basically an Eclipse GT).

A lot of Eclipse fans have knocked the FWD... but if you live in a colder climate, in the winter it's much better in the snow!

My buddy owns a 99 Trans-Am 5.7. I can't out speed him, but given the right curvy road, he hasn't had a chance!

Hey nice review to comment on the v8 bird issue I have a 92 formula, 305 tbi auto 2.73 gears, and got destroyed by a neon rt last week. Also I worked at a dodge dealer ship about six months ago and had to get one hot to see if it stalled and it was probably the best ride I ever had. most importantly have fun with it and don't even respond to the 3rd gen f body dudes just laugh at them putting most of their pay checks at their favorite gas station and blow them away at the local turnpike!

I am looking to buying a 2001 Dodge Stratus RT,125,000 miles excellent condition. I am a single female and need some man help and true facts and not a dealership that wants money to see overall performance of car. Buying this car today will only be a car wash and new tires. Please help: (