1998 Dodge Stratus Review
1998 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.
What’s new
The 2.4-liter engine with automatic transmission is now standard on the ES. New colors are available this year and numerous refinements are made to reduce noise and vibration.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1998 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 $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$159/mo for Stratus Base
Stratus Base
vs
$181/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 extreme cab-forward design lending the Stratus an air of character often lacking in sedans. Styling changes for 1998 are minimal, amounting to the addition of a spoiler-type power sunroof.
Dodge adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob to the ES model, and noise-reducing cast aluminum structural collar is attached to the oil pan and transmission case. Molded door silencers and a noise-deflecting cowl screen add to the list of sound-deadening devises, making the '98 Stratus more comfortable than ever before. New colors include Deep Cranberry, Alpine Green, Bright Platinum, Champagne Pearl Metallic and Deep Slate.
The 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 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 Civic but 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 1998 Dodge Stratus.
5 star(42%)
4 star(29%)
3 star(24%)
2 star(3%)
1 star(2%)
62 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.13 out of 5 stars
Wow what a great little hoopty!
dsilvestri, 06/21/2012
1998 Dodge Stratus 4dr Sedan
I got this car because it was a cheap manual transmission car with nice cold working AC and with gas prices at around 3.50 a gallon and the car being only $800 bucks i bought it even if i got a few months out of it i wouldnt lose, but honestly being skeptical of it at first because it was a 14yr old DODGE and i figured i would drive it until i could afford to get into a car payment again … on a brand new car honestly now im so in love with this old car that i figured why would i even need a car pymnt when this car is paid 4, super dependable, and the gas mileage i get out of it is ridiculous its over 30mpg easy ha even the stock radio is sounds good, 127k and im the 2nd owner, mine was a deal!
4.38 out of 5 stars
Great First Car
michaela96, 07/03/2013
1998 Dodge Stratus ES 4dr Sedan
I bought this 15 year old car for $1500. It had 180K on it but still runs smoothly. It handles great and should last anyone a long time so long as they keep up the maintenance and do repairs as needed. Before when I thought of the brand "Dodge", the first thing that came to mind was gas guzzling trucks. To my surprise this car gets pretty good gas mileage. I've had it over a month now … and I love it. My goal is to get it to last me through this winter with out having any major problems.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Love It!!
Carla, 08/31/2005
1998 Dodge Stratus ES 4dr Sedan
I have 168,000 miles and I'm still getting 28 mpg. First 80,000 miles were city commute but last 88,000 have been all highway. I commute 140 miles to work (M-F). I have kept up on my preventative maintenance (not religiously) which has helped. I love the way it handles in any weather. I am concerned about the miles and how much longer my car will last.
4.38 out of 5 stars
A great sedan
Tim Walters, 06/03/2002
1998 Dodge Stratus ES 4dr Sedan
I have 101,000 miles on my 1998 Stratus
ES. I bought it as a program car and
have put many miles on it. I haven't
had any mechanical problems at all.
All I've had done to it, besides
routine maintenance, is a replaced
windshield (rock from road), New trans.
gasket that was leaking (it was due for
service anyway).
1998 Stratus Highlights
Base
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 27 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $159/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 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- 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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