1999 Dodge Stratus Review
1999 Dodge Stratus Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Huge interior. Great handling. Excellent value.
Cons
- Rear visibility.
What’s new
The instrument panel gauges are now white-faced, wheels are better looking, and some work has been done to reduce the interior noise levels.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1999 Dodge Stratus ES 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 $3.64 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$221/mo for Stratus ES
Stratus ES
vs
$187/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 mid-sized 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 gripping seat fabric holds 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 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 1999 are minimal, amounting to redesigned wheels, an updated instrument panel, and two new color options.
The fun resides in the Stratus ES equipped with an available 168-horsepower V6 hooked to Chrysler's AutoStick automanual transmission, or the base model with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a five-speed manual gear shifter.
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 1999 Dodge Stratus.
5 star(25%)
4 star(56%)
3 star(12%)
2 star(7%)
1 star(0%)
41 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
3.88 out of 5 stars
Reliable Car
ahhitsanathony, 10/26/2012
1999 Dodge Stratus ES 4dr Sedan
I bought this car with 134 k miles on it, it now has 174 k miles. It has been the most reliable car I have ever owned. It has never left me stranded. It does have a sensor problem though. If you don't let it up shift to 4th the check engine light comes on and when it shifts down to second that's the highest you can go till you turn the car off and back on and it resets. It is very … annoying but if you know to let off the gas and let it shift you're fine. It's also really good in the snow but the v6 sucks on gas.
4.88 out of 5 stars
205,000 Near Perfect and going still....
2004_mustang, 11/18/2011
1999 Dodge Stratus ES 4dr Sedan
I got this car in Sept 2005 with 93k miles on it. 3rd owner. It has alomst 205,000k miles on it in Nov 2011. I have almost all the original parts still working fine on this. It has always started up, doesn't make noises, shakes or leaks. At 140k I changed the shocks, struts, fuel cleaning and all the fluids and filters. I do regular maintaince on this so that is why it has done so well. …
I did have to replace the AC unit, EGR valve, tie rod, fuel pump, water pump and that was about it other than regular tires, brakes and stuff like that.
This is a basic, simple car that when maintained. Runs as good as the day it was created, most people dont maintain there cars. All pluses here.
4.25 out of 5 stars
99 Stratus ES
J. Anderson, 06/16/2010
1999 Dodge Stratus ES 4dr Sedan
I bought this car when it was about 3yrs old with about 98,000 on it. It was my first car and not knowing a whole lot about cars back then, I haven't done any of the required maintenance but it is still going strong! I did do regular oil changes! It has really been a great car! I'm surprised it has lasted this long without the suggested maintenance! It has only been within the last 4yrs … (about 12,000 miles ago) that the repairs have been costly. The car has 147+k miles and still gets me here and there with a few long trips. 6 disc cd player skips, that is about the only annoying part.
3.13 out of 5 stars
Could have done better
pcotrash, 03/04/2003
1999 Dodge Stratus ES 4dr Sedan
My Dodge Status still gets me back and
forth to work but I have had several
problems with it that shouldnt happen
when you buy a brand new vehicle. Gas
gauge stopped working and left me
stranded in the middle of nowhere at
1130pm. Also have had to replace speed
sensor, had the rotors turned 6 months
ago and they alreadly need turning
again. Several other problems also.
1999 Stratus Highlights
ES
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 20 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $221/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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