2005 Dodge Stratus Review
Fuel Economy
21 - 24 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
A mediocre midsize sedan and coupe lost in a crowd of better-qualified vehicles. Still fair game for bargain hunters, but most shoppers should look elsewhere.
Pros
Low pricing, solid ride and handling characteristics, large trunk.
Cons
Unrefined drivetrains, uncomfortable backseats, subpar build and materials quality, looks positively dull next to the Magnum.
What's New for 2005
The Stratus sedan now offers a Sport Appearance Package on the SXT that mimics the look of the R/T by offering sport instruments, chrome wheels and a spoiler.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Boutght used, running well
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 6 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Dodge Stratus SXT 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
Review
Needed car for my daughter to drive for school and activities. Found this, with low miles (23,000 when we bought it). It has been a really enjoyable little car. My daughter loves to drive it, and, even with the 2.4 4 cylinder, it has decent pickup and driveability. Seats are comfortable, mileage is decent (average 25 mpg). Was not really expecting much based on reviews, but have been pleased. My daughter has driven in 12,000 miles since purchase, and it has been completely reliable so far.
Favorite Features
Sporty appearance, comfortable seats
Suggested Improvements
Engine does growl a bit (kind of loud on acceleration), but not annoyingly so.
Dodge Stratus Coupe
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 6 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 6 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Dodge Stratus SXT 2dr Coupe (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I have the 2.4L SXT version, and I purchased it with 32,000 on the clock in June 06. Not once have I ever had maintenance issues with the car. I've only ever done basic stuff (brake pads, tires, oil changes). The car handles with ease, yet at the same time, feels like a bus in terms of length. You can't see completely over the hood, which attributes to the seat designing. The car can get up and go, but don't expect this to be a high end BMW in camouflage. Its more in a competitors range of Mitsubishi Eclipses, Galants, etc. Solid car, nothing overwhelming.
Favorite Features
Fun to drive, sleek body style, good build quality and reliability.
Suggested Improvements
single cup holder is in the worst possible spot, right behind the shifter, making 2nd, 4th, reverse a pain. Not the greatest paint quality, would've been nice if there was more than the 155 HP to the car.
Stratus R/T Coupe
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Dodge Stratus R/T 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
Review
Got the car used with about 24,000 miles on it. Pretty much like the car except for the fact that the paint is peeling off the front bumper - don't know why - and estimates are approximately $600+ to get it repainted. Also, in really cold, wetter weather, the automatic windows freeze which is inconvenient when pulling into the parking garage at work where I have to scan a card for entrance - new mechanics in door did not help. Otherwise, the car runs great!
Favorite Features
4-disc CD player - great sound, sunroof, the way it accelerates!
Suggested Improvements
Driver's seat - I'm fairly tall but need a pillow, otherwise feel I am sitting too low - seat does not raise up enough.
3 out 3 people found this review helpful
DO NOT EVER BUY !
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 6 | Build Quality: | 5 |
| Comfort: | 6 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Dodge Stratus SXT 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
Review
I thought buying a car only a year old with low mileage would be a good idea. Not at all. I've had nothing but problems from day 1. The dealership and the car are awful. I've had to bring it in the shop because my check engine light won't stay off. I've had many parts replaced and now I can't pass my inspection. I will never buy anything but a Toyota, Honda or Nissan again. My old Nissan and Toyota, I bought older and with higher mileage and had no problems. I'm stuck now cause I've dumped so much money it.
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
Sharp and reliable
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Dodge Stratus SXT 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
Review
Bought this car with 6000 miles on it and now has 45,000. Have not had any trouble with the car. I have the 2.7 v6 engine which has plenty of power and gets 30 mpg highway. I only run full synthetic oil because of some of the reports of sludge buildup in the 2.7 engine. This engine runs as smoothly as the day I bought it. Quiet with no sludge problems. The only complaint I have is the car has blind spots and the mirrors are too small. On a scale of 1 to 10 this car gets a 9. Keep up the good work Dodge.
Favorite Features
Looks and MPG....
Suggested Improvements
Bigger mirrors
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
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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