Used 1996 Dodge Stratus Sedan Consumer Reviews
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This car saved my life numerous times!
CheekyWeeSarah, 04/30/2010
1996 Dodge Stratus 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Hi there! I bought this car after my crappy old van died and left me and my BABY stranded in the creepy part of town. I was nervous about getting another used car for fear that this would happen to us again, but low and behold---this Dodge Stratus turned out to be my DREAM CAR! Not only does this car completely suit me both as a college student, graphic designer, and single mom, but it's SO FAST and yet SAFE at the same time. I can't even tell you how many times I've had to slam those reliable brakes to avoid some jerk on the road or how often I've just barely started to proceed from a red light to a green when my Stratus GUNS forward like it's got an EIGHT cylinder under the hood! LOVE!
Decent family transportation
Pete_S4, 06/11/2004
1996 Dodge Stratus ES 4dr Sedan
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I had this car from 1996 to 2000 and put about 65,000 miles on it in that time. The motor and transmission were trouble free for the entire time I owned the car. The steering rack was replaced under warranty along with the tie rod ends. I also had to have the interior control module replaced under warranty due to a failed dome light. This car was basically fun to drive, but I do wish I had bought the VR6 GTI I had also been looking at.
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See all 0 listingsDon't buy Stratus
ssevim, 05/09/2002
1996 Dodge Stratus 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this car like 15 months ago. The engine leaks oil (parts are only $30, but the repair cost is $650), There is a noise I don't even understand what it is ($450), Driver window is not working ($350) etc. The car is made out of junk and there are problems everywhere. If you decide to sell it, it doesn't worth that much. I think I should give it away and forget Dodge forever!
Cloud car grounded too often
Stvkrenim, 10/05/2002
1996 Dodge Stratus 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Stratus is a great-looking car with superb road manners. There's plenty of room for people and the trunk is huge. Visibility forward is incredible. But the car's tendancy to blow head gaskets, have electrical problems, have brake problems, have transmission problems, etc. all contribute to a car that never inspired confidence. I always wondered if it would start when I needed it to.
Great car for the money
bfulmer, 06/09/2003
1996 Dodge Stratus ES 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I've had my Stratus ES for almost 4 years now and I absolutely love it. Even though I had to put a new tranny in it at 115K, it's been extremely reliable. I put at least 25K on it a year driving from MD to Cape Cod several times a year plus to clients as far as 150 mi. per day. It's strong, great in the snow and the Auto Shift is awesome. Very spacious inside, room enough for 5. I have 171K on it now and it's still going.
This car is HORRIBLE!!
cutiechick, 04/14/2002
1996 Dodge Stratus ES 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have only had this car for just over a year and I have had HUGE problems with it. It was back at the dealership 5 days after it was purchased because it was leaking transmission fluid.A year later, the same thing happened my transmission leaks only this time when it goes in for repair at a Dodge dealership, they find that I'm also leaking oil. Now my engine is burning oil internlly and I need a whole new engine!!!!!!! Fortunately for me I bought an extended warranty that will (hopefully) cover the cost of the new engine and transmission repair.I found out that this model year is well known for transmission problems as well as head gasket problems.
Both A Clunker & Junker Combined!
achaulk, 04/30/2002
1996 Dodge Stratus ES 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This vehicle is by far the worst that I've owned. From the undersized rotors that need to be replaced annually, to the leaky engine, this car never ceases to need service. The 4-cylinder engine is notorious for head gasket failures as I've had to have the dealer-replaced head gasket replaced yet again. Also, the oil galley plug, also originally replaced by the dealer, leaked again. I've also had to replace the rear motor mount since the oil ate away at the rubber parts. I also have to contend with yearly rotor and brake replacement. Not only was the car poor to begin with, but each of items replaced by the dealer failed again. This vehicle is terrible!
1996 Dodge Stratus ES
misanthropicelle, 05/24/2002
1996 Dodge Stratus ES 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just bought this car a few days ago, but it is great! I love manual cars, and this one is definitely perfect for my needs. I drove the car 45 miles on the highway and the gas gauge didn't even move. The mileage is amazing and perfect for anyone that has to drive distances often!
dodge stratus es
Reazonz, 05/25/2009
1996 Dodge Stratus ES 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought it in 1997 ive only had to replance the radiator, water pump and radiator hose everything else is still great I just hit 140,000 miles and im still goin strong I get the oil changed every 3,500 miles the a/c compresser just wen out this summer and its lookin at about $300 to fix I never really used it often so I wont get it fixed until I need to.
best car ever
first time dodge car, 07/17/2009
1996 Dodge Stratus 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had this car for over 13 years, and I hate parting with it. It has been very reliable, but, since I am getting older, and my knee joints ache, I will have to part with it for a vehicle that has higher seats, such as an SUV. However, if they were still making them, I would buy another one in a second.
This car stinks
angrydodgeowner, 08/07/2002
1996 Dodge Stratus ES 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have spent over $3,000 in repairs on this vehicle during a three-year period. I have had to replace the head gasket and have a new transmission put in. Plus, I just had to have new transmission seals replaced after 40,000 miles. The mechanic told me there is no air that gets to these seals so fluid builds up on them and they heat up and crack. These cars are pieces of crap. I would not recommend this car to my worst enemy. Don't buy this car!!!!
Excellent Vehicle for commuting
ltpwf, 09/13/2002
1996 Dodge Stratus 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This vehicle has over 136000 original miles on it and it is still going strong. I have made sure proper preventitive maintenance has been performed and other than replacing the rear brakes this year I have had no problems with the car. I would definently by another one when the time comes.
1996 Dodge stratus
VAYASTEVE, 09/15/2002
1996 Dodge Stratus 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Good car well bulit but many minor problems which can be a headache.Better off with the V-6 for more power.2.4 4 cyl is good for local driving but it,s not enough power for passing and acclerating.Brakes good.All in all it's a good car and Chrysler has doone a lot to inprove their automobiles.But I feel that the service at bayside Dodge after I biught the car was poor.
Brakes Stop Short of Brilliance
andymac, 06/14/2002
1996 Dodge Stratus 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The brakes were replaced at 43000 miles, just prior to my purchase of the vehicle. They were replaced again 10 months and 20000 miles later. They were replaced again at 99000 miles in June 2002. The head gasket had a leak which went from bad to worse from 43000 miles until its replacement 60000 miles. Heat and A/C only work from windshield and floor, not from dash. Check Engine light appears every other month, sometimes disappearing on its own, other times requiring a trip to the garage. Great gas mileage, comfort- -even on long trips, appearance, room, and handling.
Mr
Junglejim, 12/03/2002
1996 Dodge Stratus ES 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchased as a lease return in 1998. Since trhen I have had only 1 problem - head gasket failure which was a common thing for this era of Chrysler cars. In spite of being out of warranty Time wise, it was repaired for only a deductible charge to me. It has been very reliable, and the finish is still spectacular. It has been an excellent car for me.
FRobyne
FRobyne, 12/31/2002
1996 Dodge Stratus 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I am the first registered owner of this vehicle. I have been very pleased with the ride and styling. I expected better gas mileage. At 50000 the head gasket began leaking on the 2.4 ltr engine. I know of four other owners who have experienced this same problem with the same size engine. The other vehicles were 1998, 1999, and 2000.
Stratus 96 2.4L
asdfjkl, 02/01/2003
1996 Dodge Stratus 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Overall car is good. Love the look and interior space.
good car in the city
todd recker, 06/11/2003
1996 Dodge Stratus 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i've had this car for a year and have not had one problem. i am the second owner and i bought it w/ 65,000 miles and have 78,000 on it now. the paint quality is awesome with no rust spots. the car still has the original battery after 7yrs. the car is beautiful inside and outside. the 1st owner only had regular maintence plus a new A/C UNIT put on it and a steering pump. NO HEAD GASKET PROBLEM AND NO TRANSMISSION PROBLEM AT ALL!!!!! the only two problems i have is that the door rattles everytime i hit a bump and the tires stink too.
$675 TO REPLACE ALTERNATOR & BATTERY?!?!
CATAJE, 08/25/2003
1996 Dodge Stratus ES 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We bought this car w/ 44,000 miles on it In 01/2000 I loved this little car, summer of '01 had to replace A/C parts, $635.00, have had replace about 4 relays switch, $50. Dec '02 car had 92,000 miles on it, waterpump went out, $600.00 to fix, june '03 Alternator and battery replaced, $675!!!! $300 tune up!! This car is so expensive to work on!! It is too expensive for me to keep, all this $ into it, and it now needs a Fuel pump, God only knows what that will cost.... Sitting in driveway waiting to get be gotten rid of!!!! I am scared to death to drive it, it seems to cost me about $600 everytime I've touched it in the last couple of years
Multiple repairs
jmcg, 07/30/2003
1996 Dodge Stratus 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased this vehicle in 1999 as a 3 y/o with 36K. I have since replaced the head gasket (at 37K), power steering rack (at 56K) and now the AC at (57K). Not to mention little stuff like the interior trunk release doesn't work and the display on the radio went out at 40K. Overall a disappointment in reliability. I am unlikely to own another Chrysler product based on this experience.
my junk car
lokie, 12/25/2003
1996 Dodge Stratus ES 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car used with 112,000 miles on it, I had only driven it 3,000 miles when the trans went on it. and then serious of other problems with the engine, and service lights that would come on and off followed. I was really disappointed in this car for being a dodge I expected more.
courier's car
jthull, 03/03/2004
1996 Dodge Stratus 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased this car in 96 and rarely used it until 98 when I started to use it for work. I have the 2.0 sohc base model 5 speed manual. At 65000 it did need a new headgasket. The only other major expenses have been the front bearings or hub assembly. (part is a lot). replaced alternator once. fixed ac unit once but after 52000 miles it started to leak again THIS CAR HAS THE ORIGINAL ENGINE AND THE ORIGINAL CLUTCH!!!! LAST FRIDAY 2/27/04 MY STRATUS TURNED OVER 300000 MILES AND STILL GETS 31 MILES TO THE GALLON. I DRIVE ABOUT 200 MILES A DAY AROUND 52000 MILES A YEAR. THE SIZE OF THE CAR IN CONNECTION WITH THE MPG,LOVE IT
meh
hoeun, 03/25/2004
1996 Dodge Stratus 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
got it brand new back in 96. ive been driving this car for 4 years. my mom had it before me. before i started driving, it was taken goodcare of and was driven very softly (never over 3000 rpm). when i took over, i abused the 2.4lt engine. i put it throught alot of tests and trials. i do give it regualr oil changes, but my average peak rpm when im accelerating is 4500. i get bad gas milage only due to my driving style. we had to replace the head gasket, transmission twice, and whole lot of brake jobs. but considering my driving style, it was reasonable. right now it has little ove 150000miles, and its still going strong.
It kind of works, but keeps breaking dow
FIrstnicecar, 05/15/2004
1996 Dodge Stratus 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought it in 98' with 24,000 miles. It's been fairly reliable, except we've had to replace the Steering Rack 3 times, yes 3 times. And everytime we do that, you need a new Steering Pump, as well as Ti-rods. Car has now about 120,000 miles and we just put the 3rd Steering rack in February, and it's started making a funny noise that may be the struts or the steering. Just waiting for something major to happen, and this car is done for.
El Junk Mobile
sam t, 07/01/2004
1996 Dodge Stratus ES 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Stratus was my dad's first car. At about 3-,--- miles it needed a new head gasket, needed another head gasket at 66,000. nearly everything started needing replacement at 60,000. It is noisy. We had the 2.4l and it only got 20city/29 high. that's pretty bad. There is a lot of torque in the engine and so so horsepower, 150 to be exact. The catalytic converter went bad at 66,000. steering column and wheel bearings needed replacement at around 64,000. iterior plastics were hard and cheap. steering wheel vibrated when idling.
96 stratus good car
jennig, 07/15/2004
1996 Dodge Stratus 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car so far for me has bee pretty good. I bought it with 107000 miles and it now has 113000. I have had no major problems with it execpt normal age/miles related problems (tires, brakes).
Love my car
tylerpalti, 09/28/2004
1996 Dodge Stratus 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had my car for nearly six years now. The car has remained very responsive over the years, and reliable. I have been able to to most work on it myself although it has been extremely tight under the hood at times. I love my car, and I would and have recommended it to anyone who will listen.
Cloud car grounded too often
stvkrenim, 10/05/2002
1996 Dodge Stratus 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Stratus is a great-looking car with superb road manners. There's plenty of room for people and the trunk is huge. Visibility forward is incredible. But the car's tendancy to blow head gaskets, have electrical problems, have brake problems, have transmission problems, etc. all contribute to a car that never inspired confidence. I always wondered if it would start when I needed it to.
it's been good to me
from the rocks, 05/22/2003
1996 Dodge Stratus 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i bought this car a year ago and so far no problems and i use for city driving about 8,ooo per year and it's at 77,000miles. it's not very smooth as it has 14 inch tires and you feel every bump plus the door pins wore out which causes the door to rattle with annoying noises. the car is great on gas, about 24 miles per gallon in city. air condtioner very cold,heater blows with force, seats are very comfortable. OK POWER for a 4 cyl. A year from now i will post more.