Used 2002 Dodge Stratus Coupe Consumer Reviews
11 years and going strong
I'm sad others have had bad experiences with this car because mine has almost 160k miles on it and it drives like the day I bought it. I've had to do a few minor things, replace the radiator and the brackets that hold the rear shocks rusted through prematurely, but it really has been an awesome car for me. 11 years later I have had no issues at all with the engine or transmission. The only thing I hate about it is that the clip under the front bumper hangs so low that I parked too close to a parking block and broke that plastic piece in half. Operator error.
Perfect car
This is a great little car. The dirty little secret is that the Stratus R/T coupe is built on the Eclipse GTS platform. So you get the American muscle body lines, with the Japanese reliability. I bought this car used at 100K miles, and it now has 210K miles with 0 problems. These are really built rock solid. Performance is also great and the suspension is a lot beefier than the eclipse. Please note, that these cars are completely different from the sedans. Which were built by Dodge. The only downside is that these cars are very rare. If you want a Stratus R/T coupe in manual....you are going to have a hard time finding one, since according to Dodge they built only 750 of these per year.
ASWESOME
Just bought it. i don't know what these babies are complaining about my brother owned it before I did and it never went through all the high numbers these other peoples vehicles have. Maybe if they were to take care of it correctly they wouldn't be throwing away so much money.
Great car
Bought new, 275,000 miles, no squeaks, rattles or recalls. 30 MPG on trips, embarrass a couple Mustang GT (to about 40 mph). Only unusual repair was replaced radiator.
Love it
This is the second Stratus I have owned and I still love it! My car has 175000 miles on it and it still is running strong. No leaks at all. I bought it used with a little under 150k miles on it. To my knowledge the only major part to be replaced is the clutch. The car doesn't handle the greatest, but then again it isn't a sports car (though I like to drive it like one). I mostly drive short trips around town and I get consistently 25 mpg. When I am traveling I get up to 28 mpg. The trunk space is fantastic! I have a big speaker box, and a wheelchair, and I can still fit all my groceries in there too! This car can hold it's own when it comes to power. If you can shift you can win!
I love my Stratus
I absolutely love my Stratus. It is beautiful! I get compliments on it almost daily. And it is one of the most fun to drive cars I've ever had.
Dont' buy one
Worst car I have ever purchased. The car eats batteries and tires, burns a quart or so of oil every month. Replaced the tube that goes into the gas tank, rusted through. Motor on the power window on drivers side had to be replaced, sun roof sticks so you have to push it up to open it while holding the button down. Clear coat on the car is turning white so now I have a black car with big white spots on it. Turning radius? There is none, a semi is easier to turn. The front end needs work constantly & I drive like an old lady. The front end is so low to the ground it constantly bottoms out entering & exiting drives, parking lots, etc. Horrible traction in snow or rain.
black stratus
Exactly what it is an affordable sporty car.
Stratus Coupe, the Four Cylinder Kind
Edmund's reviews mention two things that attract young buyers: low price, high performance. The same things also attract not-so-young buyers (me). The four-cylinder has acceptable power, and the five-speed enhances the driving experience.
Dodge needs some work
I bought this car 05/2006 and when I test drove the car it was flawless. I fell in love! But months down the road, one thing after another happened. First it was the awful windshield complications, then the noisy dashboard which in actuality cracked somehow, the brake rotors I have to constantly get replaced, the rear view mirror wiring is really awful I have to rig it everyday just to get light in my car at night, my radio completely went out had to completely buy a new radio system, motor mount, don't even get me started on engine complications. Too much to detail. Couldn't pay me enough to buy another Dodge. Wouldn't recommend Dodge. Period.
Dodge Makes One Great Car
I have a 2 DR SE model and it is awesome! Not only does it turn heads with it's sleek exterior, it has the performance to back it up. (V6, 200 HP). The car handles like a foreign sports car, very nice ride. Definitely recomend.
Happy Stratus Cp. Owner
I am totally satisfied with my Stratus Coupe which is very tight and well made. One little known fact to most consumers is that the Status Coupe (2 dr.) and Status Sedan (4 dr.) are two completely different vehicles; the Coupe is Mitsubishi built (an Eclipse/Galant chassis). Even the seats and dashboard are totally different.It bothers me to see this vehicle reviewed and they only test the American 4 dr. which is very average, in my opinion, as compared to the Coupe. This car is Chrysler's best kept secret. The SE can be had for $20K.
Don't waste your money!
I bought the car because I loved the look, and it seemed great durning the test drive It's had issues since I bought it! The steering wheel mysteriously locks up, then releases it's self, the brakes and rotors have been changed many times, by different people, so the constant squeaking and grinding I know has to be a problem with the car. The dash board rattles, the road noise is horrible, the windshield wipers are a joke (not the blades, the bolt holding them on, the part that squirts the cleaner, etc) And now the tranny's going out. There's so much more to complain about but I'll just leave it as I'll never buy another and highly suggest no one else does either!
cool car
For the most part I have never had any problems with this car. I just never really enjoyed the ride and handling, especially for this to be a sport coupe. This car is not a great handler.
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.
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.
Stratus R/T coupe
This car is a fun car to drive. The 5 speed manual is smooth and precise. The 3.0 has a broad powerband and you don't have to be constantly shifting down to keep it in it power range. It will suprise 5.0 mustangs. The car is nice to look at from the outside. I am not crazy about the interior I feel it has to much plastic. I drive 75 miles one way to work mostly driven at 75MPH and get ~27MPG. The R/T is not a family vehicle can get very cramped with 2 adults and a child seat in the back.
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.
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.
I love this car!
I bought this car used with about 38,000 miles and have not had many problems so far. The car handles and accelerates well and is easy to find performance and aftermarket accessories for it. Mileage is good and so is the sound. I have noticed that sometimes my sunroof will not open and my rearview mirror rattles when i turn up my subs which is something that I need to fix. Overall I am very satisfied with this car.
great car all around
great handling car, but in quick turns, tires get pretty loud, but a quick change of tires will correct it. ive got 20k miles on mine now and love it so far.
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 !
Honest Review
both exterior and interior are visually appealing. however, had to replace all 4 tires within first 18 months - any impact(gravel, curb) messes the tires up -they are expensive to replace. can't pull up to regular parking spots - front end sits so low it scrapes and eventually can tear and drag
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.
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!
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
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
Slamming R/T
Great car and blast to drive and didn't cost a mint!
Dodge Stratus R/T
Great performer, not much for comfort. Cluch,and transmission not what expeted. Otherwise great car.
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.
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.
Still going strong
Bought this car new, no problems, fun to drive, great gas milage, and a very strong motor..
Excelent Car for the price
I just bought this car about a month ago and absolutely love it. Blind spots a bit more difficult than I am used to, but not too bad. Other than that no complaints yet.
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.
Black R/T
Bought the car as a primary, but quickly picked up a winter beater because I couldn't stand to see my baby in the salt and snow. Have had minor problems (tire bulge from previous owner, rearview mirror lights not working all time) but the good far out- weigh the bad. You can't get a better looking car for the money. It will turn heads...even when its parked!
Great looking and performing car!
I bought my 2002 Stratus R/T Coupe in October 2001 because I loved its looks, performance, and value compared to some competing models. I've had it for almost a year now and have no real complaints about it. The 3.0L V6 is a great performer although I think Dodge should have upped the horsepower slightly for the R/T model. I could get a plain SE Coupe with the same engine if I wanted. The R/T badge has always been on the top performance vehicles at Dodge. I get tons of looks and great comments from other people when I drive the car. I'm very happy with my decision to purchase this car.
great car
wonderful car fun to drive
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.
Fun Fun Fun
I bought my 2002 Caffe Latte R/T because of the heritage that comes with the R/T badge. Realizing of course it is not of the same true muscle car blood of the 60's and 70's . The styling is what got my attention first, then the options that came along. My R/T has all the options. I am 6 ft. two inches tall and found it to be rather difficult to get use to at first as I also own a Ram 1500 SWB SLT 1500. BUT for what it is I find this car to be worth the money and tons of fun to drive on any highway here in North Florida. The performance I must say , is nothing like the 340 Dusters or 6pack Cuda's. But quick and responsive for a V/6 . I
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.
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.
A mere 8
The stratus coupe handles nicely, yet it's missing something, it tends to hestitate when you kick it down. It handles great around corners and is very quite inside. The four disk CD stero has anice sound system.
TIMELESS FUN
THE BEST CAR I HAVE EVER OWNED!
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!
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.
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?"