2002 Dodge Stratus Review
Fuel Economy
20 - 22 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
Dodge offers a stylish and sprightly alternative to the mainstream models in this segment.
Pros
Exceptional value, attractive shape, fun to drive.
Cons
Doesn't have the build quality/reliability reputation of Japanese competition.
What's New for 2002
A new R/T sedan joins the lineup, complete with a healthy V6 and manual gearbox. Other additions to the family include the SE Plus and SXT sedans and an SXT coupe. All Strati gain a "battery saver" device and new audio features. For coupes, a stereo with a four-CD in-dash changer is available in the Touring Package and is standard on the R/T model. For sedans the new option of a stereo with both CD and cassette players debuts. New color choices include Steel Blue, Onyx Green and Light Almond Pearl now available for sedans, and Dark Titanium and Caffe Latte added to the coupes' color palette.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Love it
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Dodge Stratus R/T 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
Review
This is the second Stratus I have owned and I still love it! My car has 175000 miles on it and it still is running strong. No leaks at all. I bought it used with a little under 150k miles on it. To my knowledge the only major part to be replaced is the clutch. The car doesn't handle the greatest, but then again it isn't a sports car (though I like to drive it like one). I mostly drive short trips around town and I get consistently 25 mpg. When I am traveling I get up to 28 mpg. The trunk space is fantastic! I have a big speaker box, and a wheelchair, and I can still fit all my groceries in there too! This car can hold it's own when it comes to power. If you can shift you can win!
Favorite Features
I love the overall look of the R/T models. I am partial to the 2001 and 2002 years. It has nice smooth lines and a laid back look. I also like the size of the doors and windows...it's proportionate. Today's cars have giant doors and little tiny windows.
Suggested Improvements
The cupholder system! There is only one unless you open the center consol (which is a dumb idea). When you are using the cupholder you have to reach around or over the drink to shift. Not the worst thing to have to deal with.
good car for us
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 6 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Dodge Stratus SE 4dr Sedan (2.7L 6cyl 4A)
Review
this car has been very good for us so far. We've put 105000 miles on the car since we bought and only one major complaint. We kept losing transmission fluid every few months. Problem was due to bad connectors not made for our seasons in Minnesota (so we were told). After being fixed several times under warranty and the warranty about to expire the dealership replaced the connectors with a different type and we have had no problems since. Gas mileage is not the best but when I step on the pedal I go.
Favorite Features
Just a good car all around
Suggested Improvements
transmission line connections and the visor hook faces the wrong way compared to most cars
Buyer Beware!!!!!!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 3 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Dodge Stratus SE 4dr Sedan (2.7L 6cyl 4A)
Review
I loved this car when I got it. It was used and only 3 years old w/decent mileage. Then I drove it for a while... The transmission slipped in the cold weather, the water pump and alternator went and never mind trying to fix "simple" problems on your own. This car is a total nightmare to work on, very very expensive repair costs. Over the weekend it was stolen and the joke is on them because it was a piece of junk. Don't buy these cars, I have a feeling there are more lemons than reliable builds of this model out there. Save your money and put it into somethign that will last and not break the bank to fix. Water pump alone was over $600 to replace...
Favorite Features
Comfy interior, great pickup the first year I had it and the transmission was good
Suggested Improvements
Collect every Stratus, move them to a giant field and torch them, that's the only way to improve this piece of junk...
lemon
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 6 | Fun-to-Drive: | 4 | Build Quality: | 4 |
| Comfort: | 6 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 5 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Dodge Stratus R/T 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
Review
I bought this Stratus rt new in 02,Since then I have spent a small fortune keeping this thing on the road.I had a third radiator put in this summer.Went thru 5 batteries.Two starters,alternator.The brake rotors last about 7k miles and then warp.It uses a quart of oil a week.now the egr valve is shot.This car was the biggest mistake I ever made in my life.
Favorite Features
none
Suggested Improvements
too many to list.No resale value at all.
100K, little upkeep and running strong
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 6 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Dodge Stratus SE 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
Review
After 100,000 miles this car is running strong and has never needed more than the usual upkeep [oil, brakes, tires, etc]. Car is noisier than original condition but is to be expected after 100k. Car has never overheated. Air conditioner, heater, electronics, power, control - everything is working in great condition. I have to say for the value, this car is well worth it.
Favorite Features
Interior design. Ease of reaching controls [no sloping front console like found on many Asian sedans]. The fold down rear seats [40/60 split] is a great feature.
Suggested Improvements
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2006 Dodge Stratus
- 2005 Dodge Stratus
- 2004 Dodge Stratus
- 2003 Dodge Stratus
- 2002 Dodge Stratus
- 2001 Dodge Stratus
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