2003 Dodge Stratus Review
Fuel Economy
20 - 24 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 or reliability reputation of Japanese competition.
What's New for 2003
The 2003 Stratus coupe gains revisions to its front and rear styling and an updated instrument panel and center console. The SE coupe is dropped in a sense; it will only be available to fleet buyers, such as rental car agencies. Sedans continue as before except the SE Plus is subtracted and the V6 engine (with the automatic transmission) is now flexible fuel-rated, meaning it can run on ethanol as well as gasoline.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
The best car ever!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Dodge Stratus SXT 2dr Coupe (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I bought this car when it was a year old with 23,000 miles on it, and I couldn't have asked for anything better when I bought this car! I have had my car now for a little over 5 years, and I have had no problems whatsoever with this vehicle. It's never even been in the shop! Very, very spacious front seats, and I personally think the back seat has plenty of room. What can you expect with a 2-door car?? Car still rides and drives wonderfully, looks great, and I think I will probably drive it for the rest of my life because I love it so much. My only complaint is the leather on the dash is started to pull away from the plastic in areas, but that is due to sun exposure.
Favorite Features
Very sporty design and quick for a 4 cylinder, 4 disc CD player a plus, large trunk, car heats up in the winter and cools off in the summer very quickly, great gas mileage,
Suggested Improvements
Needs a better positioned front cup holder, and it is a little hard to see over backseat when changing lanes or backing up.
2003 Dodge Stratus coupe
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 6 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 6 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 5 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Dodge Stratus SXT 2dr Coupe (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I bought my 2003 Stratus SE coupe a year and half ago. It has a little over 100,000 miles. It goes through tires like crazy and the engine squeaks on random occasions and the paint is fading all over the car. The interior is the best though. It looks and feels much sportier inside and all the electronics (cd player, moonroof, windows, mirrors, locks) all work perfectly. The clothe upholstery is also really durable. Engine is fast from a dead stop but it is impossible to pass other cars on the freeway! Gas mileage is also kinda bad for a 4 cylinder
Favorite Features
cd changer, sporty interior, moonroof, backseat is larger than other coupes like eclipse, mustang, tiburon, spacious trunk
Suggested Improvements
more power, better paint, better gas mileage(its really bad for a 4 cylinder!) exterior design is awkward
Stratus still going strong
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 6 |
| Comfort: | 6 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Dodge Stratus SE 4dr Sedan (2.7L 6cyl 4A)
Review
I bought 2003 SE 4 Dr in July 2005 for $9,000. It had 54,000 miles on it. It now has 118,000 miles and I had to replace a tie rod and a blower motor in the 4 years that I owned it. Other than routine maintenance, oil changes, brakes.timing belt, I have had no major problems. This car is fun to drive and I usually get from 25-28 miles per gallon. I have the 2.4 engine. I am looking now to buy a 2006 and keep this one as a second car. This car is light brown and I will try to find a low mileage red one next.
Favorite Features
gas mileage/ ease of handling/parking
Suggested Improvements
windshield posts tend to block view
Frustrations
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 3 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 3 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Dodge Stratus R/T 4dr Sedan (2.7L 6cyl 5M)
Review
I bought the car in October of 2002. Picked it up w/ the shrink wrap still on the car and 0 miles on the odometer. I like the car and the styling, but it has become a maintenance headache. 77k miles, and I've had to replace: rear struts, rear brakes, rear strut mounts, transmission solinoid, coolant overflow, front bearings, rust repair on door and on body, and trip computer on top of normal maintenance. The car from day one has also had a fantom ground issue in which on occasions it will: not lock the doors, sunroof stays open, dash lights go bright, cylinder 5 won't fire, speedometer acts up, etc. And most resently the torque converter has started acting up. I'd be cautious w/ the RT.
Favorite Features
Exterior style, sun roof, color, leather steering wheel, autostick
Suggested Improvements
Design with long term quality in mind.
its a c+ rating at best
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 6 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 6 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 4 |
| Fuel Economy: | 4 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Dodge Stratus SXT 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
Review
Fun to put it in corners w/ 16" wheels the road ride is stiff like sporty vehicle, nice. Glass all around few blind spots. I have problems with it that Dodge can't find to fix.
Favorite Features
stereo is pretty good, no
Suggested Improvements
this car does not hold value and its crash test rating is not very good so expect to pay more for insurance company.
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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