2001 Dodge Stratus Review
2001 Dodge Stratus Review
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Used Stratus for sale
Appraise This CarDodge Stratus model years
Dodge Stratus types
- Coupe
- Sedan
See Edmunds pricing data
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Exceptional value, attractive shape, fun to drive.
Cons
- Coupe doesn't offer rear-wheel drive, no manual transmission in the ES sedan.
What’s new
The Avenger nameplate has been dropped from the Dodge lineup, replaced by the all-new Stratus coupe. The Stratus sedan continues with a full redesign but retains many of its predecessor's body lines. A new engine debuts along with additional safety features that make the Stratus a family sedan in the truest sense. Last year we marveled at the list of standard options on this moderately priced sedan; this year we're rechecking our numbers again as more features debut for 2001.
Edmunds says
A bit behind its Japanese competitors in terms of refinement, but ahead of them in pricing and the fun-to-drive factor.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2001 Dodge Stratus SE 2dr Coupe (2.4L 4cyl 5M) 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 $5.35 per gallon for regular unleaded in California.
Monthly estimates based on costs in California
$289/mo for Stratus SE
Stratus SE
vs
$251/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
Chrysler obviously adhered to the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" philosophy when they redesigned the 2001 Stratus sedan and new Stratus coupe, formerly known as the Avenger. The previous generation benefited from a roomy cabin, stylish design, and a long list of standard features that made it the clear value leader in its class. For 2001, the Stratus retains all the features we have come to expect while still managing to up the ante with even more standard options and an exciting new R/T coupe.
Dodge felt there was a "void in the market" when it came to stylish sport coupes that didn't require a second mortgage to afford. So they took their already striking Avenger coupe, gave it some new, even slicker styling and added a larger, more powerful V6 cranking out 200 horsepower and 205 ft-lbs. of torque. Mate that to a five-speed manual transmission, specially tuned suspension and 17-inch performance tires and you have yourself the new Stratus R/T, a legitimate performance coupe for under $25,000. The interior also underwent some revision with an easier to read instrument panel and more ergonomic controls meant to focus the driver on one thing -- driving.
Of course if your two-door days are behind you, the new Stratus sedan is sure to appeal to those looking for something a little more family-oriented. Dodge had a value leader on their hands with last year's model, so when it came time for a redesign they simply built on the already-established strengths and incorporated even more bang for the buck and safety along with a more refined exterior look. The interior received the same treatment as the coupe, getting white-faced gauges and new materials designed to not only look better but feel better as well.
Under the hood the base Stratus still retains the same 2.4-liter four-cylinder offered in last year's model, putting out 150 horsepower and 167 ft-lbs. of torque. This powerplant can be mated to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic and incorporates refinements meant to reduce noise at all engine speeds. Base models still offer an extensive list of standard features including A/C and an AM/FM stereo cassette while adding new 15-inch wheels and tires, larger four-wheel disc brakes and a front and rear independent suspension.
The upgraded ES model now offers a 2.7-liter V6 that adds 32 more horsepower and 20 more ft-lbs. of torque to last year's numbers, bringing the totals up to 200 and 193 respectively. Power runs through a four-speed Autostick transmission and 16-inch chromed aluminum wheels and tires. Other ES specific highlights include fog lamps, eight-way power driver's seat, and leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.
For the first time ever, the Stratus offers an optional side airbag curtain that protects both front and rear occupants in the event of a side impact. Other new safety features include a rear center shoulder belt, multi-stage front airbags to reduce the potential for injury, along with front seatbelt pre-tensioners and load-limiters for improved occupant safety.
The long list of standard features coupled with a competitive price makes it hard to overlook Stratus if you're seeking for a fully loaded four door, while the new coupe continues the philosophy of performance and functionality while still retaining an affordable price.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2001 Dodge Stratus.
5 star(58%)
4 star(29%)
3 star(9%)
2 star(2%)
1 star(2%)
89 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.13 out of 5 stars
dodge stratus se coupe 2001 the truth about it
onlythetruth, 03/02/2013
2001 Dodge Stratus ES 4dr Sedan (2.7L 6cyl 4A)
good things :when i am driving my car,it is as fast as new cars,never behind them,most time in front of. aceleration brilliant,you will be really surprised about it.really fun to drive.edmunds said the truth about it. brakes enough good,4 discs. engine sounds excelent,trunk huge for a coupe car .rear seats very comfortable,they look like sedan seats ,not like the caracteristics coupe … little seats.sound sistem enough good.i reproduce music with my phone and sounds powerful.and the last good thing,the car looks really nice for 2001.
and now the bad details,,the front bumper is too low,and sometimes hit the front line when i am parking, and the last one, turning ratio is not so good
5 out of 5 stars
LOVE MY STRATUS
stratusfan, 09/25/2014
2001 Dodge Stratus R/T 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
I bought a 2001 Dodge Stratus R/T brand new (first new car!) and absolutely LOVED it. Sadly, after 13 years, I had to retire the car. The car offered affordable luxuries (leather seats, sunroof, Infinity sound system), agile handling, and comfort. No major expenses, just the cost of routine maintenance.
3.63 out of 5 stars
Engine Blown
Jerry, 05/30/2006
2001 Dodge Stratus ES 4dr Sedan (2.7L 6cyl 4A)
Engine problems and more engine problems. At first it seemed great but at 55-56K it started to decline. I serviced every 3K and all regular maintenance. At around 90K, I needed my main gasket replaced. Then last week I was informed my engine was shot. Also, had some electrical problems with my windows and especially my radio/CD player. I purchased new with every upgrade, even … smokers package (I later learned, even though I have never smoked for xtra $20). Car still looks great, interior & exterior still looks new. This is the second Dodge that this has happened, I owned a Jeep before this and I was to dumb to learn. Never again! I am buying a Toyota! Do your homework, don't buy Dodge
3 out of 5 stars
Can't drive in snow or rain
Dana , 05/21/2004
2001 Dodge Stratus R/T 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
This car has terrible turing radius. I
have only had the car 2 years, and the
lettering on the sides of the car is
peeling off.
It handles terrible in the snow and the
rain.(hydroplanes).
2001 Stratus Highlights
Coupe
SE
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $17,810 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 23 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $289/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Stratus include:
- Alarm
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver3 / 5Passenger5 / 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 – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalPoor
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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