2004 Dodge Stratus Review and Specs

Summary

What Edmunds.com says

The Stratus is a stylish and affordable alternative to the mainstream models that dominate this segment.

Pros

Exceptional value, attractive shape, fun to drive.

Cons

Doesn't have the build quality or reliability reputation of its Japanese competition.

What's New for 2004

Chrysler and Dodge have restyled most vehicles this year to bring out similarities and cohesiveness among the Chrysler group cars. To that end, the Stratus sedan receives a new front fascia, and R/T sedans get a monochromatic grille. Sedan interior changes include the addition of steering wheel-mounted audio controls and an auto-dimming rearview mirror, along with new door panels, new seat fabric and three new interior choices. Two new 16-inch wheel options, plus two new exterior colors have been added as well. Also this year, Stratus sedans without optional antilock brakes receive a downgraded braking system with rear drums in place of discs. On the plus side, traction control is now available when combined with antilock brakes. A manual transmission is no longer available. Changes to the coupe are minimal. The interior features a new "Satin Silver" finish on the center stack bezels, and door accents.

Consumer Ratings & Reviews

Decent car, decent price...

Written by: kaoticsundae on 10/10/2009

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating


Performance:	7	Fun-to-Drive:	7	Build Quality:	8
Comfort:	8	Interior Design:	7	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	7	Exterior Design:	8

Vehicle

2004 Dodge Stratus SXT 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)

Review

All in all, I cannot complain too much. I traded in a '99 Pontiac Grand Prix with 182,000 miles for this '04 Dodge Stratus with 74,000 miles. I have an incredibly long commute to and from work and I figured the MPG difference would pay for itself. I was wrong. The MPG's for the two cars during my ownership have been almost identical. Plus, I am a very tall man and have a wife and two kids to haul around and it is a tight squeeze for us all after a grocery store trip. The front floorboards are very spacious but the back are lacking. The handbrake is too far away for a driver that has to put the seat back a bit. I do like the 4 cupholders. Biggest complaint: the car shifts VERY ROUGHLY!!!!!!!!

Favorite Features

4 cupholders, presence of a handbrake, instrument panel layout and when illuminated, keyless entry, and fascia of vehicle.

Suggested Improvements

smoother shifting, better MPG's(I know its possible, this is a 4 cyl. after all!), little more roomy in the back, move handbrake to opposite side of shift knob.

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The Car I Will Die With

Written by: secretwind0w on 09/25/2009


Performance:	10	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	10	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	10	Exterior Design:	10

I bought my Stratus because it looked like a miniature Intrepid, only cheaper. Took my first road trip in it, now i take one every 6 wks. Big trunk to put a big speaker box. I fit a lotta people in such a little car. Put a Flowmaster on it: sounds mean now. Cold-air intake makes a delightful sucking noise. Great gas mileage. Drop down backseat so you can haul 10ft pieces of wood. Never left me anywhere. Just had 4 flats, needed new car stereo, a recall on a radiator hose, and one replaced battery. Man I love this car. Great cupholders. You can fit two Sonic Route 44 drinks in em. Takes me to work and school, its like driving a little growling cloud.

Cup holders, Drop down backseat, bucket seats. Big dash to fit a large pizza box

Carbon fiber or brushed aluminum interior please.

Nice car for the money

Written by: Captain Jim on 09/22/2009


Performance:	8	Fun-to-Drive:	9	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	8	Interior Design:	8	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	10	Exterior Design:	8

2004 Dodge Stratus SE 4dr Sedan (2.7L 6cyl 4A)

I have 44,000 bought it from a rental company after a year with 26,000 miles on it. I have now had it 4 years and it has only been in the shop for regular service and one additional time for front brakes about 80 dollars. I got it for a good price and it has been perfectly reliable so far. I have the extended warranty but have never had to use it so far. I had a 30,000 plus Nissan Z and it was more fun to drive but way more expensive to maintain it was always in the shop.

Gas Mileage, nice ride, nice car for the money.

Build them all as good as mine you will be fine.

No wonder Chrysler went bankrupt.

Written by: tavella on 07/17/2009


Performance:	8	Fun-to-Drive:	6	Build Quality:	1
Comfort:	8	Interior Design:	1	Reliability:	7
Fuel Economy:	6	Exterior Design:	8

From the first day I had the car it jumped forward at a deadstop almost rearending people. PCM and TCM reprogrammed six times. Now Speedometer is off. Had a caliper bolt fall out while going 70mph on a highway. Caliper came free, locked the front passenger rim. Cheap plastic parts inside car CONTINUE to break, cheap plastic cooling housing separated and started leaking, various codes kick for no reason. A/C lines clogged and flooding passenger side. Stay away from this peice of junk.

After I added the Auto-Stick and spoiler, the car was decent.

PLASTIC PARTS THAT DON'T BREAK! My door panels, dash, radio/air bezel, trim peices, et. CHEAP THIN PLASTIC!

Never Ever Buy An American Car

Written by: Newton on 05/13/2009


Performance:	8	Fun-to-Drive:	6	Build Quality:	4
Comfort:	8	Interior Design:	7	Reliability:	3
Fuel Economy:	6	Exterior Design:	6

Picked my Stratus SXT 2.7L V6 in late 2004 when the line was coming to the end of its run, it cost me $17,000. For 40,000 miles the car was fine, but suddenly everything started to go - the transmission started leaking and a pump failed, the coolant bottle ruptured, the entire brake system had to be replaced ($1,500), and the AC went out. All this on top of the cost of having to run the V6 on pure synthetic oil because of that engine's noted sludging problems. For a car that's only worth $5000 I seem to have put $2,500 into it this year alone, and all at just 47,000 miles. This is my third American car and I will never, ever buy another, they are the worst kind of unspeakable junk.

Peppy V6 when revved, comfortable seats, spacious interior.

Dump the "sludge monster" V6, needs better brakes, more reliable transmission, more reliable cruise control - everything really, this is why you guys are all going out of business, you make junk.

2004 Dodge Stratus Consumer Ratings & Reviews