Used 2003 Dodge Stratus Coupe Consumer Reviews
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Stratus RT Coupe 2003
Karlie, 01/22/2007
2003 Dodge Stratus R/T 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I liked the features that came with this car from day one. I have had it just over a year now and have never had it into the mechanic shop for anything more than routine maintainance.
2003 Dodge Stratus RT 5 speed
Sean, 11/21/2015
2003 Dodge Stratus R/T 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I love this car which I purchased used with around 19k miles in 2005 for about $14k. Ten years later with 196529 Miles it's still purring. Replaced clutch only once few thousand miles ago and little to no repairs... mostly just usual and simple maintenence. This car is simple as it has no ABS or any high tech which I actually prefer; I have a removable gps and CD player with blutooth which is all I need; no expensive electronics to break and worry about spending lots of money on. The dashboard has curled up years ago from sun exposure but whatever... No big deal anymore. My suspension went and it's a rough ride and rattles and shakes on rough roads, as something went, but I can't exactly pin it down and it's not in my opinion worth the money or headache to repair. I can deal with it as I have gotten used to it and its not that bad. I've had this car ten years @ one third of my life so that says a lot about how much I like the car, it's dependability and me not wanting to buy another as I purchased it in full @ about $14k and never had car payments... Who wants car payments? Also, the cloth driver seat is in rough shape but that is to be expected with all these Miles. It burns a some oil too which is pretty typical for an old car with this many miles; not worth fixing now as I'll just cheap oil. I drive this car for work very hard and with this manual transmission I've never had any real issues, repairs or anything go wrong which would go wrong with an automatic. I'm forever staying with manual transmissions. Great vehicle
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Minnie Pearl (satin white pearl)
John McKinney, 05/21/2019
2003 Dodge Stratus R/T 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Check for maintenance done. Always replace the thermostat after purchase. Purchased the car last Feb. Drove it 16 days and transmission went into limp mode. Replaced all 4 motor and transmission mounts , front brakes , front hub assemblies , transmission neutral safety switch , cleaned and serviced the other transmission solenoids , replaced thermostat , both hood windshield washer jets , recharged the AC , repaired the infinity amp plugin and finally a ecu plug in performance chip. . Payed $1300 and spent another $350 on Amazon for lifetime warranty parts. Car now runs amazingly well for a 16 yr old 170k mile car. The wife Nick named her Minnie Pearl for the white paint and 2 door model. Gets 30 mpg on highway with plenty of power and I love those S curved roads !
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Patrick's R/T
Patrick N, 07/02/2008
2003 Dodge Stratus R/T 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
I bought my Stratus R/T a few days before Mother's Day and have loved driving it ever since! The car only had 19,426 original on it, not bad at all for a five year old car. My deep red baby drives like a champ and the sport suspension keeps me firmly on the road with no worries. The black leather looks great and is pretty comfortable on long drives. The automatic shifts with ease and the exhaust note sounds awesome (just loud enough not to be ricer). The trunk is surprisingly large and the cargo net is a nice touch.
The best car ever!
Jamie, 06/24/2009
2003 Dodge Stratus SXT 2dr Coupe (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought this car when it was a year old with 23,000 miles on it, and I couldn't have asked for anything better when I bought this car! I have had my car now for a little over 5 years, and I have had no problems whatsoever with this vehicle. It's never even been in the shop! Very, very spacious front seats, and I personally think the back seat has plenty of room. What can you expect with a 2-door car?? Car still rides and drives wonderfully, looks great, and I think I will probably drive it for the rest of my life because I love it so much. My only complaint is the leather on the dash is started to pull away from the plastic in areas, but that is due to sun exposure.
I would love to have mine back!
2003 Stratus SXT, 12/19/2007
2003 Dodge Stratus SXT 2dr Coupe (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I absolutely loved this car! Had no problems what so ever. Took it to the mechanic only for oil changes and check ups. I bought the car one year old with 38k miles on it and just recently was in an accident that totaled it with 102K. My accident involved 2 Semi trucks and me and my passenger walked away without even a scratch or an ache! Would recommend this car in a heart beat. Only negatives: turning radius, hard to see out back window, lack of space in back seat.
I wan't expecting to buy a Stratus STX
bevans, 11/12/2002
2003 Dodge Stratus SXT 2dr Coupe (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
We went the the dealer with a Stratus R/T with a large V6 and auto trans in mind, but met the 5 speed manual STX version and drove it. I was shocked when the salesman told me it was a 4 cyl. It was a beautiful car and extremely fun to drive. We only have 2000 miles on it so I can't comment about problems. So far, we haven't had any.
Stratus R/T Coupe
2003 R/T, 11/18/2002
2003 Dodge Stratus R/T 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I came from a Grand Prix GTP, 240HP 280 Torque. I'm impressed with this car. It's only 200HP and 205 Torque, but with the manual, it feels faster. It's comfortable and fun. It's smaller than I'm used to, and I don't think anyone will ever want to sit behind me. It's a little restrictive on the view, hard to see right behind me, but I've adjusted. It's a great car (with my 200 miles so far) and I would recommend this to anyone (so far). It's got a new look that I like much more than the 2002.
Love the car, but a few complaints.
Lana, 03/30/2008
2003 Dodge Stratus R/T 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Since I got my stratus in March of 2006 I've put about 20,000 miles on it, so far it has caused me no problems. It's a lot of fun to drive, but sometimes it feels like the transmission slips when I accelerate. When I bought my car the dealership sold it to us telling us it had ABS, after about 6 months of driving it I noticed it actually had no ABS. The car actually handles really nice in the snow... Surprising for a sports car!
2003 Dodge Stratus coupe
jack, 06/14/2009
2003 Dodge Stratus SXT 2dr Coupe (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought my 2003 Stratus SE coupe a year and half ago. It has a little over 100,000 miles. It goes through tires like crazy and the engine squeaks on random occasions and the paint is fading all over the car. The interior is the best though. It looks and feels much sportier inside and all the electronics (cd player, moonroof, windows, mirrors, locks) all work perfectly. The clothe upholstery is also really durable. Engine is fast from a dead stop but it is impossible to pass other cars on the freeway! Gas mileage is also kinda bad for a 4 cylinder
Exellent
Ryan Sewell, 07/26/2003
2003 Dodge Stratus R/T 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Fun car to drive, little body roll.
Don't dodge this Stratus
KeithFLA, 08/02/2003
2003 Dodge Stratus SXT 2dr Coupe (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
What a surprise. I bought this car a little over a month ago. So far, so good. This car sits really low, and hugs the road. The cockpit of this Stratus surrounds me well. I have a stocky build, but I am comfortable in this car. You will notice more head room than it's cousin, The Eclipse. The 4 cylinder provides adequate acceleration. The outside road noise is quiet. The shape of the car cuts right through the wind at high speeds. Overall, I am pleased, and I did not break my bank.
Nat's Stratus
NATALYEANNE, 09/06/2003
2003 Dodge Stratus R/T 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I really enjoy my Stratus b/c it has a lot of get up and go. There is a slight delay when you are taking off but once you do...look out. The 6 disk cd changer in the dash with the oontrols behind the steering wheel is very convenient. I like it much better than having the controls in the front. It could stand to have a litte more leg room in the back though!
awsome car
stever k, 09/19/2003
2003 Dodge Stratus SXT 2dr Coupe (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is a dream to drive. For the amount of money I paid for this car. I'm 6'2" tall and this car fits me perfect. The 2.4L engine runs like a champ with the 5spd. I love the 32mpg on ave. A car this size getting that good of gas mileage. WOW!! I would not tell any one not to get this car..
Stratus R/T
BobALoo, 09/26/2003
2003 Dodge Stratus R/T 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchased a Deep Red R/T and have had lots of compliments. The new look is cool. A lot of options installed, makes it fun to drive. The Infinity sound system is awesome too. A very efficient, safe, and reliable car. Well worth the money.
Awesome distinguished ride!
Daniel M., 03/02/2003
2003 Dodge Stratus R/T 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car has been the best thing that I have had in a long time! No one knows what it is, they always say "Hey thats a nice....uhm?...Pont...Ch...What is that?". The car turns on a dime and at times shocks me with its power (it really moves, pending you know how to shift then it's untouchable). The cool thing about this car is the aftermarket goodies, I've already purchased an air- raid intake system and will be purchasing a supercharger as well!! (even though the car does not need it at all). When driving this car it feels as luxury as my parents Infiniti Q45, so it's sporty and good looking.
2003 Stratus R/T Coupe
bilmato, 11/26/2003
2003 Dodge Stratus R/T 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Handles great, smooth and quiet. Could use another 25 - 50 HP, but the performance is adaquate for most drivers. I'm a bit disappointed in braking performance, but after driving an IROC Daytona for ten years it would be hard to find a car that stopped as well as that one.
Worth the purchase!
Sarah B, 06/11/2005
2003 Dodge Stratus R/T 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We were in the market last August for a car, and came to Edmunds.com. Of all the cars we looked up that we were considering, the 2003 Dodge Stratus R/T coupe had the best review. So we made the purchase and have not been let down! I would tend to agree with the other reviews regarding the emergency brake placement, but other than that we can't complain! Definitely worth the purchase!
Great Little Car
KAB, 07/23/2005
2003 Dodge Stratus SXT 2dr Coupe (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have the Stratus SXT Coupe. I purchased it 1.5 years ago and I love it! I have the ocean blue color. I am always getting comments on how "pretty" my car is! My only complaint is that it is very small. I definitely do not recommend it for someone who has children. Car sits a little too low to the ground. The trunk is huge and mine came with a 4 disc CD player which is very nice.
Classy, Snappy Performer
2Evil4U, 12/28/2003
2003 Dodge Stratus R/T 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Love the car so far. No problems at all. Plenty of power and 30MPG to boot. Stock, I've gotten a 15.178 @ 89.99 mph at the drags. Fun to drive.
Smooth Operator
CLDone, 01/09/2004
2003 Dodge Stratus SXT 2dr Coupe (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this SXT for interstate commute (mpg) and was't dissapointed. Handling is crisp, passing is effortless,and cruising at 3,000 rpm could get you a ticket. Short throw shifter is excellant. My car is black with 5 spoke alloys and never fails to get those appreciative stares.
03 R/T Coupe
StratusOwner, 01/24/2004
2003 Dodge Stratus R/T 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love my stratus. It looks great, rides great, and there are so many aftermarket modifications available due to its common engine with the sebring and eclipse.
WOW
Dan Wall, 03/02/2004
2003 Dodge Stratus SXT 2dr Coupe (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I went looking for a Extended Cab fullsize pick-up when I saw this baby sitting in the showroom floor. I couldn't help but look it over. I didn't really know that Stratus came in a 2 door, but had to have it well before I even drove it. After driving it, there was no way I could leave with out the car. It's a large enough car to not feel cramped inside, and still a very sporty car that gets some serious attention all passer-bys.
glad to have a car
mguinn, 03/06/2003
2003 Dodge Stratus R/T 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
after having a 93 ranger standard cab i was in awwww driving the 2003 R/T stratus. its a smooth quite ride and it moves. the handling is great and it looks sporty. its also great on gas
Not your daddy's old Dodge
budnelson, 03/21/2005
2003 Dodge Stratus SXT 2dr Coupe (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Had this car 15 months....15,000 mile - no problems...lots of compliments on the looks....pearl white color looks sharp when washed....fun to drive
Hot Red R/T by Tom in TN
TVBAR, 07/02/2005
2003 Dodge Stratus R/T 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my R/T new 16 months ago with 87 miles on the car. I now have a total of 50,000 miles on it. I have not had any repair issues with the car. I change the oil every 3000 miles and follow the required maintinance schedule. I just changed my first set of tires at 48,000 miles. The car runs great, and has a dependable 3.0 ltr engine. This is my 2nd Stratus. I had a 2000 stratus and put over 150,000 miles on it, and it ran great.
I love my car
I love this Car, 12/03/2005
2003 Dodge Stratus SXT 2dr Coupe (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had this car 18 months. It's fun to drive and beautiful. Mine is red and got me two tickets shortly after purchase. Since the warranty expired I have noticed quite a bit of wobbling in the front end, and during a traffic jam it over heated. Not sure it's going to be economical in the long run. But maaaaaaaaan I love this car.
Love my Stratus
Lori, 11/07/2006
2003 Dodge Stratus SXT 2dr Coupe (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car about 5 months ago. I was looking for something descent on gas since I was driving a 2001 Ford Explorer. I found the Stratus (mine is black) and I had to have it. I love the interior and the way it drives. The only problem I have is I need to get new rotors because since I bought the car my front end shakes when I apply the brakes. I guess that will only cost me around $200. I have taken my car on a few road trips and I love the stereo and my sunroof.
Amazing car
travis, 11/24/2006
2003 Dodge Stratus SXT 2dr Coupe (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had this car for a couple of months now and I am in love with it. Iit is the best car I have ever owned and I feel like a king driving it. I would suggest it to anyone. The only problem is the blind spots and it's hard to see out of the back when backing up. Other than that. it's an amazing car
Great sleeper car
Komomo, 01/29/2007
2003 Dodge Stratus R/T 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought this car with 35K miles on it in a great-looking rare steel blue color. The car looks great, sounds just as good, has a quick, well-placed shifter and is much quicker than you'd expect given the specs. My only significant complaint is that it is unforgivable for a car like this not to have ABS standard. Also a trip computer would be nice (rented a much cheaper PT Cruiser once that had a very good trip computer. Go figure.). Still, the overall driving experience is unparralled at the price, and it is the only American vehicle in this class (coupe versions of Grand Am/G6, Alero, Accord and Camry, but Mustang is a different type of car) to offer a manual with a V6. Shame on GM, bravo Dodge!
Love It!!
Kansas, 03/29/2003
2003 Dodge Stratus SXT 2dr Coupe (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just bought my Stratus coupe and I love it! I had a '96 Cavalier before this and what an improvement. This is the most fun car I have ever owned. It's quiet, stylish, and the even with the 4-cyl engine, it still zips around good enough for me. I would recommend this car to anyone interested in one. Since I just bought mine, I can't speak for it's reliability.
Sweet Car
Tanya, 03/16/2007
2003 Dodge Stratus SXT 2dr Coupe (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I commute about 100 miles a day and have been very happy with this car.I have had the same front end problem with the shaking and also had to have my inner tie rods replaced but with as many miles as I have put on it I have to expect some maintenance. When it's really hot and I have the ac on it tends to want to stall when I come to a stop light but has never died. Great gas mileage, love the 4 disc CD changer, and love the style of the car. I upgraded the wheels and rims and it makes it look extra sharp. The trunk is huge and great for groceries. It is kind of low for my parents to get in but I like it because it adds to the sporty look. Overall a great, sporty, reliable and economical car
Indy Red R/T
jacob, 06/20/2007
2003 Dodge Stratus R/T 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I ended up test driving a lot of cars and the Stratus R/T had style and speed to back it up and it wasn't too expensive. I've owned the car for about two years already and I still love driving it. The leather interior and Infinity sound system make the ride all the more enjoyable.
A good sporty car for the price
R/T fan, 10/01/2007
2003 Dodge Stratus R/T 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I got my dark blue (great color) R/T coupe about a year ago and have very much enjoyed it. Has plenty of power without having so much that it's wasted, very precise handling with little roll, great looking and pretty good standard 4-cd sound system and moonroof. The shifter is in a great location with excellent feel although the clutch is a little heavy and tricky in first, and bravo to Dodge for actually offering a manual with the V6 version of the coupe (unlike GM Grand Am or Alero which had no manual with V6 nor Toyota for the Camry Solara; the Mustang has one but the 03s are primitive and I have yet to find a used Accord V6 coupe with the manual). Great mileage (25/30) too!
hmmmmm
Ka0sZombie, 05/02/2003
2003 Dodge Stratus SXT 2dr Coupe (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Good car but the cup holders are in a bad place.
lala
B-rizzle, 05/08/2003
2003 Dodge Stratus SXT 2dr Coupe (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
the cup holders should be in a better place hard to find the right size cup for them and hard to shift with a big cup in the way but i like the short shifter very nice
stratus
Mick, 01/17/2003
2003 Dodge Stratus R/T 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
this car is fun to drive, awesome handiling and performance, great styling. its a blast to own.
step's review
stephan, 06/13/2003
2003 Dodge Stratus SXT 2dr Coupe (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
excellent quality for price excellent choice for people looking for sports look with some of the performance without the price
stratus
mick, 01/17/2003
2003 Dodge Stratus R/T 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
this car is fun to drive, awesome handiling and performance, great styling. its a blast to own.
Awesome car!
slickchros, 06/29/2003
2003 Dodge Stratus R/T 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just bought this car and absolutely love it!! It has tons of power and handles like a dream! I almost bought a 2002 r/t but am glad I waited. It is SO much fun to drive and very attractive car! I already got a couple of "nice car" compliments. It has everything you could want in a car and more. I got the 5 speed and would recommend it on this car.
Fun but a lot of problems
Cargurl, 06/20/2008
2003 Dodge Stratus R/T 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought the car new and had nothing but problems.They did not give me a new car. They rewired the whole thing and it just wouldn't run.