1995 Dodge Stratus Consumer Reviews

Don't waste your money!

Written by: Lizzard on 08/01/2003

Vehicle

1995 Dodge Stratus 4 Dr ES Sedan

Review

We bought the car used in Feb. '01 (94K mi). By July we needed to replace the water pump. Around the same time it started leaking a lot of oil and then suddenly stopped. Don't know why. My husband hates the placement of things under the hood. VERY awkward! A few months ago, something around the rear left tire started rattling (it sounds like the car is going to fall apart or something is going to fall off). The air conditioning doesn't work if it's hot outside. The light on the clock works and then it won't. One of the air vents is broken. It's getting to be a lot of little things that adds up to a lot of pain and money. I can't wait to get rid of it!

Favorite Features

The interior is comfortable. Big trunk.

Suggested Improvements

An improvement to this car would be the scrap yard!

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Aging

Written by: DTrain on 07/22/2003

Vehicle

1995 Dodge Stratus 4 Dr STD Sedan

Review

The first years of my ownership were great. No problems were encountered, that came out of pocket, except the Catalytic convertor. Gas mileage was terrific, friends love the roomy backseat. My car has 130k miles,the last 20k miles have been terrible. Brakes are eaten like candy (especially front ones) and Dodge wouldn't fix them although there was a recall. Head gasket replaced and the oil has leaked for the past 60k miles. To many other problems to mention. I would not buy another Chrysler or Dodge, unless it was a truck. Where is the battery placed, terrible ideal..

Favorite Features

Roominess is terrific, so is gas mileage still at 130k miles.

Suggested Improvements

Placement of the battery. Rearview mirror placement. Better brakes. Interior material needs to be better - too plasticky.

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Good till 75k!

Written by: Jay-Dub on 07/09/2003

Vehicle

1995 Dodge Stratus 4 Dr ES Sedan

Review

I bought this car used with 50k. It was purchased to make a daily trip of about 125 miles for one year until college grad. That year went well. The car was smooth and fit us well. I'm 6'3" and this was the only small car that I fit comfortably in. There is something bad wrong with the electrical system. For a while the radio wouldn't work one day, then another day work fine, now it doesn't ever work. The check engine light has been on over a year, dealer can't find anything. Brake wear is horrible, at least once a year replacment. Rear end squeaks. The rpm gauge has quit working. Transmission started slipping at 85k. Can't wait to sell!

Favorite Features

Fuel economy, small car with comfort for bigger people, quick car and easy to drive.

Suggested Improvements

Suspension is good but still feels tight in corners. Don't use mitsubishi motor!

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Great Car - No Problems

Written by: Joeg on 03/30/2003

Vehicle

1995 Dodge Stratus 4 Dr STD Sedan

Review

We have put over 127,000 miles on this dependable car in over 8 years of fun driving. It is the base model so there are not many features on it, but it is still fun to drive. We have not put any money into it except for the usual (brakes, tires). It is been used by our teenagers for the last two years and even with them driving it, it has held up well. Just yesterday someone who was driving a 2002 Stratus asked us if our 1995 Stratus was a 1999 model. It is still lokking good. I just hope it makes it through my teenage kids.

Favorite Features

Size & Comfort

Suggested Improvements

None

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NOT happy

Written by: NOT happy on 03/21/2003

Vehicle

1995 Dodge Stratus 4 Dr ES Sedan

Review

Nothing but problems since the purchase date. The thing can eat brakes more than anything, crap transmission, and who thought to put the battery under the fender? Looks great, runs horribly.

Favorite Features

Semi sporty looking, but practical.

Suggested Improvements

Everything under the hood, and interior leather.

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Designed fast, fast is not always good.

Written by: gbelo on 11/26/2002

Vehicle

1995 Dodge Stratus 4 Dr STD Sedan

Review

I bought the car the 1st year it came out . It was attrative and cheap. problem is that the designers designed it so fast they did not pay attention to the engine. $800 head gasket replacement. Would I buy another Stratus, maybe ..A couple of drinks would help with the decision.

Favorite Features

Design, peppy engine

Suggested Improvements

Engine, engine, interior fabrics and interior materials

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Pretty reliable!

Written by: Kevin S on 09/02/2002

Vehicle

1995 Dodge Stratus 4 Dr ES Sedan

Review

I love this car, Ive had no proplems except for the Catalytic convertor. Im at almost 200k kms and it runs beautifully. The only bad thing I have to say would be the front brakes, this car loves to eat brakes every 3-5 months so go to Midas and get the lifetime warrenty.

Favorite Features

Great performance and fun to drive.

Suggested Improvements

none

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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180k and still going

Written by: 4Man on 08/05/2002

Vehicle

1995 Dodge Stratus 4 Dr ES Sedan

Review

I'm glad I picked the SE with the Mitsubishi V6. After 184k I've only had to replace the water pump and AC compressor. The only other problems include inoperable power remote on the passenger side mirror (drivers' side is still OK) and a broken air recirculation selector knob on the heat/AC console (stuck in the outside air mode). 95% of the miles have been highway and I use only Mobil 1 synthetic. Even the receptionist at the dealership seemed amazed to find a Stratus still kicking with 150+k miles on it. Hmmm - makes one wonder. Overall, this has been a very good value.

Favorite Features

Reliability.

Suggested Improvements

The light rear end tends to allow wheel hop when turning. The suspension with factory Michelin MXV's transmits the slightest road imperfections and noise to the cabin.

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jinxed?

Written by: Beth on 07/04/2002

Vehicle

1995 Dodge Stratus 4 Dr ES Sedan

Review

I've had nothing but problems since purchase. Luckily I got an extended warranty, which Chrysler has lost A LOT of money on. The powertrain control module was replaced twice, and took six trips to the dealership to be completed properly. Keyless entry unit has not worked since just after purchase. Apparently the computer will not respond. The body control module was just replaced last month (NOT under warranty) and transmission soleniod replaced this week. I would enjoy the car if not for the almost monthly trips to the mechanic(milage is 80k-not 100's) Wish could recommend a Stratus to other buyers, but would be VERY wary at this point.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

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Think before you buy...

Written by: Pam on 06/04/2002

Vehicle

1995 Dodge Stratus 4 Dr STD Sedan

Review

This car has had its share of time in the shop. I have replaced the head gasket twice and am working on a third time, and this time someone else can pay for it. I have found no easy fixes to this car as every little thing is part of a bigger package. You can't buy little parts as they are all part of a bigger part that can't be broken down. This vehicle leaks oil constantly.

Favorite Features

Was a good car during the first 40,000 miles, after that it was a major expense.

Suggested Improvements

Head gasket needs to be overhauled. All mechanics know about head gasket prolem and think that it is unacceptable but Dodge doesn't stand behind its product enough to recall something like this.

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