1997 Dodge Stratus Review
1997 Dodge Stratus Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Huge interior, great handling, excellent value, good looks
Cons
- Rear visibility, no manual transmission with V-6 engine
What’s new
Subtle styling revisions are the most obvious change to the Stratus for 1997. Sound systems have been improved, rear seat heat ducts benefit from improved flow, and the optional 2.4-liter engine runs quieter. New colors and a revised console round out changes.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1997 Dodge Stratus 4dr Sedan and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$150/mo for Stratus Base
Stratus Base
vs
$176/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
If the string of recent hits from Chrysler hasn't convinced you that a revolution has occurred within the company's ranks, then the Stratus will. Stylistically, aesthetically, and technologically, this car is a triumph in the compact class.
Actually, the Stratus isn't compact inside. Classified by the EPA as a midsized sedan, it boasts more interior volume than Ford Contour, Mercury Mystique and Nissan Altima. Ergonomics are first rate, with dials and switches that look and feel more substantial than the price tag would indicate. Patterns and textures within are satisfying, and the seat fabric is grippy, holding passengers in place during spirited driving. Rear seat room is a marvel of packaging, though the low cushion could be raised somewhat for better support.
Externally, the Stratus is more mainstream than its corporate cousin, Chrysler Cirrus. We prefer the Stratus though, because the body color grille reduces the visual largess of the car's protruding snout. The sheetmetal is very attractive, with soft bulges and extremely-cab-forward design lending the Stratus an air of character often lacking in sedans. Styling changes for 1997 are minimal, amounting to the deletion of the lower trunk lid molding at the rear, new wheelcovers on base models, and body-color fascias forward and aft.
Dodge revises the engine intake manifold and oil pan on the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine this year, resulting in quieter operation. Inside, audio systems are improved, and an in-dash CD changer is optional. Rear seat heat ducts benefit from increased air flow, and the front center console is restyled to include a covered storage bin and armrest. Orchid and Light Gold paint colors are replaced by Dark Chestnut Pearl and Deep Amethyst Pearl.
The recipe for fun resides in the Stratus ES equipped with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a five-speed gear shifter, or a 164-horsepower V6 hooked to Chrysler's new AutoStick automanual transmission. Base models can be had with a 2.0- or 2.4-liter inline four, but the smaller engine is the only one that comes with a manual transmission.
Pop the trunk and you'll find 15.7 cubic feet of storage. It's easy to load that space up with stuff too, because the lid opens up high and wide. No banged heads on protruding trunk latches here! Up front and underhood, the vital fluids are well-marked. Large block letters and yellow trim highlight the oil dipstick, coolant reservoir and windshield wiper fluid, among others.
This car is about ease of use and operation. Perhaps it isn't as soul stirring as a Ford Contour V6, or as perfectly engineered as the Honda Accord; it is a fantastic value, and we recommend that you consider the Stratus if a family sedan fits the bill.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1997 Dodge Stratus.
5 star(40%)
4 star(33%)
3 star(17%)
2 star(10%)
1 star(0%)
42 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4 out of 5 stars
Great ride, for little money.
TuxMan, 10/20/2009
1997 Dodge Stratus 4dr Sedan
Bought mine used for $2,000 with 60,000 miles on the motor, 110,000 on the transmission, passed emmissions. Spent less than $1,000 for new tires, brakes, and shocks. Serviced the transmission at 115,000 for less than $150 for new fluid and filter. Starter went out a year later, less than $300 to replace. Overall I've spent less than $3,500 for the car and all repairs.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Dependable and Reliable and Economical
jesse45, 01/09/2015
1997 Dodge Stratus ES 4dr Sedan
Purchaced a 1997 Stratus ES, 2.0, 5 speed manual off ebay for $700. Supposedly needed a fuel pump at 160k. Car had been previously well cared for and was in excellent condition. Had it shipped from Toledo, Oh to Arkansas. When it arrived, the engine was locked up due to someone pouring 2 gallons of water in the gas tank. Long story short, broke the engine free without taking it … apart, replaced fuel pump, due to the water, and have put another 40k+ trouble free miles on it.
I use it for my beater car, haul engines and parts, and drive long distances back and forth to work weekly. It can sit for months, fire right up, and drive 3-8 hours. Gets 34mpg or better, rides and drives great!
5 out of 5 stars
1 of the best cars I've had in 30+ years
Ron, 12/31/2009
1997 Dodge Stratus 4dr Sedan
Just had to retire the car today, cracked the transmission case on a pot hole, repair more than the car is worth. It will be missed, it was a very comfortable car that handled well and gave me 24mpg city and just under 32mpg at 70 on highway. Rode like a much bigger car and handled quite well. Had just under 180k on it but didn't drive like it. Good in snow. Had to buy a car today, … if not would have looked for another one, maybe a few years newer.
4.75 out of 5 stars
good car for the money
jeremy, 06/17/2009
1997 Dodge Stratus ES 4dr Sedan
got the car with 90,0000 but a timeing belt in at 120,0000 and but a water pump at 245,000 and the car now has 260,000 and is still running strong with the origanal moter and tranny car is fun to drive and good on gas
1997 Stratus Highlights
Base
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 27 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $150/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 15.7 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver3 / 5PassengerNot Rated
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver3 / 5Passenger2 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalPoor
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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