Used 2002 Dodge Stratus Consumer Reviews
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Can be fun, but...
I like how this car looks and how it handles, especially in slippery conditions, but I've had to bring it to a dealer for warranty repairs about every 3 months since I've owned it. The front suspension, interior wiring, pretty much every interior switch, radio, heater, transmission components, and other things have been replaced, some multiple times. It's also leaked transmission fluid, coolant, and power steering fluid. Now I need a steering rod replaced. Once the warranty on this car expires, I'm done with it.
Love it
I love the look of this car. I love the pickup it has and everything. I wish they would have made the interior a little sharper and the brake dust has got to go!
- ES SedanMSRP: $2,99057 mi away
- SE Plus SedanMSRP: $2,500584 mi away
- SE Plus SedanMSRP: $1,9991,164 mi away
TIMELESS FUN
THE BEST CAR I HAVE EVER OWNED!
Nice look
I've had my R/T for 3 years. Only problem I had was bad rotors and my auto dimmer rearview mirror (just started disappearing) and the the wiring for the mirror is loose somewhere. But other than that it's been a great car and looks good!
I loved it, just a couple minor issues.
I bought one of the first cars available. I loved the muscle car look. I buy my cars probably 75% on appearance first and go from there. The Dodge Stratus R/T has been fun to drive and still is. As far as problems in my fourth year as a Florida resident (heat) my dash started cracking in 3 spots and continues to worse all the time. The turning radius is awful with all the U-turns required in Florida. Front bumper catches on parking curbs constantly almost ripping it up. Other than these minor issues the rest of the car has been awesome and at that time in my life would do over again.
LoveMyCar!
Since the re-design, I have been an admirer of the Stratus R/T. A few weeks ago, I decided it was time to purchase a new car. With three different models in mind, I test drove the R/T and my search was over! I finally purchased my dream car and I absolutely LOVE it! Very fun car to drive. I purchased the 2002 Stratus R/T. Black with 17 inch polished crome rims, automatic sunroof, 4 disc changer, grey leather and tinted windows. A lot of car for little money!
Great car, bad tranny.
After 5 years and over 100,000 miles this has proven to be a surprisingly comfortable and reliable car in general, and it has even aged very well. I've replaced niggling stuff like the wiper arms and washer nozzle, but everything else has held up. It's very easy on brakes and tires (each replaced only once in 100,000 miles), and the engine has always been smooth and quiet and required no unscheduled maintenance at all. The scary part is the most expensive part of the car. The transmission has been the leakiest I've ever seen in my life! It has leaked from day one and after replacing $1000 worth of hydrolic hoses and modules it has a bad leak again!
Unbelievable!!!
I bought this car after owning a 97 Avenger ES Coupe. I thought that car was great. This one is 10 times better than that one. It has a very fast 2.7L V6 Magnum engine. The handling is the best I have driven in a car (and that includes the BMW 3 Series). There is plenty of room in the trunk and in the interior. Great styling and an awesome ride all for under $25K.
Awesome Car!
Great car, fun to drive, yet functional with a toddler. A lot of trunk room too. I've had the car one year, and there are no rattles or squeeks of any kind. I haven't had one bit of trouble with anything.
Excellent Value
This is the car to have if you want it all. Performance, economy, and reliabilty. It is not overstated in the looks department, (no plastic cladding like on some cars in its class) and yet does not have the square utilitarian look of some other cars. The fit and finish is very well done, the interior is laid out quite nicely, everything is within reach, and the instruments are colored white and easy to read. This is not just a grocery getter.
Stratus V6 sedan
Have some brake issues such as warped rotors and a little shakey on stops. Other than that the car has been a good car with no other problems.
Slamming R/T
Great car and blast to drive and didn't cost a mint!
Stratus RT 2dr coupe
After the 36,000 mile warranty expired it had 10 problems including motor mount, air pressure engine sensor, trottle position sensor, starter motor, cam belt tensioner, 3 gear syncro, 5th gear synchro, A/C, battery, electric rear view mirror (twice), before reaching 66,000 miles. The front brake pads and clutch ($1,400) were replaced due to wear. I am 59 years old and drive mostly highway miles. This car has had more problems than the combined problems of the previous 6 Chrysler product cars I have owned over a 24 year period.
Get the most
I love being able to get the engine to respond when I need to move quickly or just show off what an R/T is all about, but you've gotta get the manual, that auto-stick thing is a joke. I was considering an Eclipse as well, but once I realized all my friend actually HAVE legs, I thought it'd be nicer to get the extra 4" in the back. Plus, being a young adult, I researched car insurance and found that the rates are much higher for the Eclipse.
0-60 in 1min
Although I didnt buy the Stratus for its performance, I was figuring it would have a little more "get up and go." The car handles like a dream though. Very good choice of tires. The car handles bumps and potholes very well with little or no kickback from the suspension. I am a fairly large man, and I am very comfortable in the cars seat. I upgraded the stereo. The interior is very durable. The woodgrain dash and the white face gauges are a nice adddition.
Happy driver
Has been a very good car, 65,000 so far. Will buy another one. Its fun, good fuel economy, reasonably fast, looks good, been reliable. Is holding its looks well. Has been much more fun with a set of Contis on it versus the OEM tires. Great in the MI snow.
lemon
I bought this Stratus rt new in 02,Since then I have spent a small fortune keeping this thing on the road.I had a third radiator put in this summer.Went thru 5 batteries.Two starters,alternator.The brake rotors last about 7k miles and then warp.It uses a quart of oil a week.now the egr valve is shot.This car was the biggest mistake I ever made in my life.
Vehicle rating
The Dodge Stratus has lots of style on the outside and the inside is nice, but poor quality. My carpet is lifting off the floor and some of the molding near the roof is not snug. Unfortunately, just recently had some problems with a leaky transmission and had to have the transmission pump replaced. Inspite of excellent maintenance the drivability of this car has deminished greatly.
YIIIIPPPPEEEEE
Ilove this car. My fiance has a ram 1500 and I had to put it in the shop and they gave me a stratus on loaner. I fell in love with the car, I didnt want a car because I didnt think they would have enough room for my two kids but this one was. I went back the next week to look more into it....well I ended up leaving with a 2002 black sxt with a sunroof...this car is excellent and fast and cute!!
Like all but Electrical Problems
No rattles after 40000 miles and handles beautifully but the electrical system is quirky.
Awesome Car
This is my first new car. Its so much fun to drive and the speakers handle awesome. Its a fun and easy to drive car !
great car
wonderful car fun to drive
Love this car
Embarassed a Mustang, when he caught up I was suprised to se the GT on the rear. Have got 30 MPG on a 75 MPH trip, regularely get over 25 even with kayak and/or bike on top. Have received unsolicited comments from passengers on comfort. Not the best at any on thing but the best combination of features, comfort and performance. 50,000 miles and no squeeks, rattles or any other problems.
Best value for the money, stylish, and unique
The car will provide you the best value for your dollars. The car is so stylish and head turner. People will ask if it's really a Dodge. A lot of power and fun to drive, either. This car is awesome!
Stratus Coupe RT
The Stratus Coupe is a fun car to drive. Power, style and comfort are all a plus. The sleak, low to the ground design helps it performance at high speeds. I would recomend this car.
Stratus ES
My 2002 ES is fun and reliable. Performance with the 2.7L engine is great and it gets good gas mileage. It also looks sporty with my added spoiler.
Stratus R/T 5 Speed
I wasn't necessarily looking for a car this big when I started, but when it was all said and done the bang-for-the-buck of the Stratus R/T was really hard to pass up. It shifts smoothly and everything feels "tight", it's very responsive and fun to drive. Initially I hadn't planned on getting one of the factory radios (had planned on putting in my own), but I listened to the Inifinty speakers and decided that the bass and clarity they deliver was more than sufficient for the relatively- little extra they cost.
Stratus beats the competition
I have had my Stratus for a year now, and I love it more every day. Even though the Stratus doesn't sell as well as the wildly popular Mitsubishi Eclipse, it provides just as much fun and excitement. You definitely need to get a manual to enjoy the powerful V6 to its full potential. The handling on this car is spectacular, it's comfortable, and it gets great mileage. I highly recommend this car!
My Baby Stratus
I really like this car....Its very reliable over the last 1 1/2 years. Great power, great look, great performance!! There are only 2 drawbacks to this car.....really only one MAJOR gripe! The front rims become FILTHY.....after any kind of trip. The brake dust is just disgusting....I love to keep my car in PRISTINe shape, but the front rims are the only downfall.
Good fun for the buck.
Dodge hit a triple with this car! Good road feel and lots of get up! Good spacious interior and great sport look.
This car is HOT!!
I just bought this car in July. It was first pick car and let me tell you, I love it. It's silver w/ leather, sunroof, cd/cassette/equalizer, 7 infinity speakers, chrome 17 inch wheels. It's a good value. I love the exhaust sound and it's quick.
My Second Dodge
The car is very dependable even in the coldest, wettest weather in the northeast, especially when very cold temps. Starts up without a problem even at 15 degrees. The car handles very well in blizzard conditions.
R/T
I didn't expect much when I got the car, it reminded me of an intrepid and I figured it would drive like one. However, this R/T is powerful, and has the potential to be a sports car when it wants to be, and at the same time can be a comfortable ride around town. I've had no problems with my R/T, and no real complaints. I'm extremely happy with my car.
Stratus R/T
I bought the Stratus R/T 5sp and loved it from the day I saw it. Very quick, fun to drive. Lost it in a accident and I can't wait to get another one same year
whine in drive train
has a disturbing high pitched drive train whine between 60 -70 mph. Have to turn on radio or open window to drown it out. Took it to dealer and they said all the 4sp od do it. Not satisfied with that and am going to pursue it.
Airwolf of the road
This car is awesome. I have a 79 Dodge Little Red Express. I have always been a Mopar fan. I love the styling and looks of the exterior and interior. It is one sharp car. Yes, it does impress the women. As far as the mechanical aspect, it is all in how you treat the car. Changing the sparkplugs on the R/T is nothing at all. The sound system is great. A/C performs well. I just don't have much to complain about the 2002 Dodge Stratus R/T. It is just a great car. Super car for a single person and for the money.
That's a Dodge?
This car has lively excelleration and a 5 speed manual transmission. lots of fun to drive. The rear seat has ample room, but it can be a chore to get in and out of. It's very pretty to look at, and the handling and steering make long trips fun. People ask me "Is that a Dodge?"
Fun to drive
The R/T package on the Stratus has one of the best handling suspensions I have ever driven. The 2.7 liter engine has very nice performance for this class. I find the interior design well thought out and attractive, much better than any of the Japanese cars I have been in in this class. My car gets driven pretty hard and in some pretty atypical conditions, but it has never let me down.
Awesome Car
This is the best car I have driven when it comes to speed and curves. Had a little trouble with the clutch after 36,000 miles. Got it repossesed, regret that and can't wait to get another one.
i love my little sports car
i love my little sports car. I fell in love with it the first time that I drove it and knew I had to have it. It has the perfect amount of get up and go and can get you in lots of trouble if you're not careful. Knock on wood that I have not had any trouble since I bought it. Now that I have gotten married I need a bigger car but I just can not stand the thought of someone else getting my baby. If I could I would keep it as my little run around car. Also I was told that I would not get better than 25 mpg on the highway. Well my little silver sports car fooled them. I get 31 mpg. I am very satisfied.
Everything Breaks
I had less then 36,000 miles on my car and the heat and air conditioning stopped working. The car gets a moldy smell that I have brought back to the dealer 5 times for and they can't figure out what the problem is. The break sensor started going off 3 months into ownership and I have had the breaks looked at and now replaced but the light continues to go on around corners. The guy at the dealership says we can disconnect the fuse-great what happens when there is a real problem. The car
Wow...My first new car!
I've owned a 1969 Plymouth Valiant for 10 years. This is my first "new" car and I'm loving every moment. I do agree with everyone on here writing good reviews. I'm surprised at the great fuel economy for a v6 and love the tight suspension. I just put 18 inch wheels with 225/40/18 tires on it and man do they grab the curves of the road. I have not seen many of these cars around the Medford Oregon area. I get a lot of compliments on my car and everyone wants to know what it is. All in all I can't complain. I pray that I don't have the head gasket problem that I've read about in the late '90s models.
Reliable car
Purchased my Stratus R/T in 2002 w/about 2K miles. It's now 3/2007 and I have 214K miles on it. So far, I've had no problems with the car. The only repairs that were done to it were those necessary due to wear and tear. Thank God it has a Mitsubitshi engine...if it were a Dodge/Chrysler engine, I don't think the car would have lasted this long.
Great while it last!
I purchased 2002 stratus with only 86k back in 2007 great car wood grain inside keyless entry, didn't have it for a year they car broke down needed head cover gasket, timing belt, water pump, oil pan needed be replaced, took it to the dealership paid almost 2g's to repair didn't have anymore issues. check engine light has been on past two year keep saying gas cap replaced it 3times never went off, come to find out it was the emissions hoses. I was few month paying it off, but to much was going on with it I traded it in for a 2007 chrysler sebring needed a upgrade! but i got my fun out of that stratus its a good car just dont dog it out!!
Wonderful~
I bought 2002 Stratus SE 2.4lb last week. It is not so powerful, but it is enough. the design is very pretty, I love it. engine sound is so quiet. two things I don't like is fuel economy and poor sound system.
Dave's Thoughts
I bought thisd car for my wife. She test drove 13 vehicles from all different manufacturers and chose this car. She loves it and is very happy with it. She gets many compliments, and is very proud of her Stratus R/T.
R/T Rocks!!
I purchased this vehicle because of the extraordinary incentives being given at the time. 0% financing for 3 yrs & 7yr, 100,000 extended warranty. I was very pleased with the deal that I made. The car itself has been a flat-out blast to drive on a daily basis. It's very quick, agile & easy on the eyes. I firmly believe that american cars are at least the equal of any foreign competition. My wife drives a '98 Intrepid that we couldn't be happier with.
2002 Stratus SXT a good value
This is my 2nd Stratus, and for the money it is a great deal. I had only one minor electrical problem with the A/C unit and the dealer fixed it promptly. The car should come standard with window guards as the roofline will leak the water in without them. The seating is very comfy as well as the ride. The sound system is more than adequate for a base vehicle. Fuel economy is reasonable at 25 city/30 highway. it's a nice vehicle for the money. Chrysler cars will be parked in my driveway for a long time if they keep this price/value relationship
pretty good car
This is a company car, so I didn't really have much of a choice. I probably wouldn't buy one myself. That said, I do think this is a pretty decent car. The seats are very uncomfortable (I do a lot of driving for work), and the interior is unimpressive. But I do like the speedy engine. This car has gotten me through quite a few bad passing decisions on my part with flying colors. Other than a freak problem with all of my tires unexplainably and constantly losing pressure, I've had no problems.
Good car with great mods
I bought the car for my wife, we have had it for 6 months and the only thing it has needed was an oil change. It came with after market mods like act Clitch and AEM air intake and Borla exhaust system. And aftermarket stereo system.