2002 Dodge Stratus Review
2002 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
- Doesn't have the build quality/reliability reputation of Japanese competition.
What’s new
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.
Edmunds says
Dodge offers a stylish and sprightly alternative to the mainstream models in this segment.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2002 Dodge Stratus SE 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A) 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
$194/mo for Stratus SE
Stratus SE
vs
$181/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
Last year, 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 the company took its already striking Avenger Coupe and completely revamped it by giving it some new, even slicker styling and adding a larger, more powerful 3.0-liter V6 cranking out 200 horsepower and 205 pound-feet of torque. Mate that to a five-speed manual transmission (a four-speed automatic with AutoStick is also available), specially tuned suspension and 17-inch performance tires, and you have yourself the Stratus R/T, a legitimate performance coupe for under $25,000.
Coupe customers who don't require high-performance may consider the Stratus Coupe in ES or SXT trim, which have a 2.4-liter inline four producing 147 hp and 158 lb-ft of twist mated to the choice of a five-speed manual or automatic transmission. Either way, the coupe's interior features an easily read instrument panel and user-friendly controls meant to focus the driver on one thing: driving. The SXT adds 16-inch alloys, power driver seat, 4-disc CD changer and keyless entry/security system to the SE's standards that include air conditioning, power windows and locks, and cruise control, to name a few.
Of course, if your two-door days are behind you, the Stratus Sedan makes for a stylish four-door alternative to the coupe. The interior has the same sporty treatment as the coupe; white-faced gauges and attractive cabin materials.
Under the hood, the base Stratus SE Sedan has a 2.4-liter four-cylinder putting out 150 hp and 167 lb-ft of torque. A four-speed automatic is the lone tranny choice for the SE. An extensive list of standard features, including air conditioning, power windows and door locks, an AM/FM stereo cassette, four-wheel disc brakes and a fully independent suspension come on this entry-level Stratus.
A little more luxury comes with the SE Plus, which adds keyless entry, power mirrors and driver seat, CD player, cruise control and alloy wheels. The SXT is the same minus the power driver seat and unlike the other Strati is not available with the V6 engine. Inexplicably, the SXT lists for over $1,500 less than the SE Plus, making it the bargain of the lineup if you can do without the V6.
The upgraded ES Sedan offers a 2.7-liter V6 that pumps out 200 hp and 193 lb-ft of twist. Power runs through a four-speed AutoStick transmission and, again, no manual transmission version is offered. Other ES-specific highlights include 16-inch chrome wheels, foglamps, eight-way power driver seat and leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.
At the top of the sedan line is the R/T. This limited-production Stratus has the 200-horse 2.7-liter V6 hooked up to a five-speed manual tranny. A specially tuned suspension fitted with 17-inch performance tires completes this performance sedan's list of impressive hardware.
Safety is adequately looked after, as the Stratus offers an optional side curtain airbag system that protects both front and rear occupants in the event of a side impact. Other safety features include a rear center shoulder belt, multi-stage front airbags to reduce the potential for injury and the LATCH system of child seat-tether anchors.
The long list of standard features coupled with a competitive price makes it hard to overlook the Stratus, whether you're seeking a fully loaded four-door or an attractive performance coupe.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2002 Dodge Stratus.
5 star(55%)
4 star(30%)
3 star(9%)
2 star(4%)
1 star(2%)
121 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.5 out of 5 stars
11 years and going strong
tara0724, 08/15/2013
2002 Dodge Stratus R/T 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
I'm sad others have had bad experiences with this car because mine has almost 160k miles on it and it drives like the day I bought it.
I've had to do a few minor things, replace the radiator and the brackets that hold the rear shocks rusted through prematurely, but it really has been an awesome car for me.
11 years later I have had no issues at all with the engine or transmission.
The … only thing I hate about it is that the clip under the front bumper hangs so low that I parked too close to a parking block and broke that plastic piece in half.
Operator error.
5 out of 5 stars
Perfect car
raypierce, 11/18/2012
2002 Dodge Stratus R/T 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
This is a great little car. The dirty little secret is that the Stratus R/T coupe is built on the Eclipse GTS platform. So you get the American muscle body lines, with the Japanese reliability. I bought this car used at 100K miles, and it now has 210K miles with 0 problems. These are really built rock solid. Performance is also great and the suspension is a lot beefier than the eclipse. …
Please note, that these cars are completely different from the sedans. Which were built by Dodge.
The only downside is that these cars are very rare. If you want a Stratus R/T coupe in manual....you are going to have a hard time finding one, since according to Dodge they built only 750 of these per year.
3.75 out of 5 stars
Good Car....
Gray, 07/29/2010
2002 Dodge Stratus SE 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
I bought the car from a friend 4 years ago back in 2006. So far no major problems. Everything works, no paint problems. Small coolant leak noticed a few weeks ago. I drive the car a lot. The gas mileage is great and the drive is pretty smooth too. My only complaint is the plain interior. Changed the rear rotors once. That's the only major work we had to do. Overall, it's a good car to … have.
4.38 out of 5 stars
103K and no issues
stan, 03/08/2009
2002 Dodge Stratus SE 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
Gas, tires, oil, brakes and 1 tie rod end. Not sure I even needed the tie rod. My only expenses after 7 years and 103,000 miles.
2002 Stratus Highlights
Coupe
SE
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $18,050 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 22 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $194/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 16.3 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver3 / 5Passenger3 / 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 – OriginalAcceptable
- 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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