Exceptional value, attractive shape, fun to drive.
Cons
Doesn't have the build quality or reliability reputation of Japanese competition.
What’s new
The 2003 Stratus coupe gains revisions to its front and rear styling and an updated instrument panel and center console. The SE coupe is dropped in a sense; it will only be available to fleet buyers, such as rental car agencies. Sedans continue as before except the SE Plus is subtracted and the V6 engine (with the automatic transmission) is now flexible fuel-rated, meaning it can run on ethanol as well as gasoline.
Edmunds says
Dodge offers a stylish and sprightly alternative to the mainstream models in this segment.
this car has been nothing but a nightmare to own i am a person that likes to do maintenance on my own but that's pretty much impossible. the water pump is on the inside of the engine and costed me $800 to get replaced, the thermostat is on the bottom of the engine and requires you to remove the alternator, battery is located inside the wheel well and you have to remove the tire and … splash guard to get to it, just about anything you work on with this car will take 2 times longer than a normal car it was built A$$ backwards i would not tell anyone to buy this car unless they have a LOT of time and money on their hands to fix it.
Car shuts down on freeway
2.13 out of 5 stars
sarahleigh, 10/04/2010
2003 Dodge Stratus SE 4dr Sedan (2.7L 6cyl 4A)
I have had my stratus for four years. I have had to replace the cold air intake, transmission parts, fuses, water pump, timing belt, and starter. Every few months something else is wrong with this car. The latest episode was the car engine shut off in the middle of th freeway going 70 leaving me without power steering or braking. My car did not give any warning signs before this. no … smells, sounds or rough handling. Not only did this car almost kill me but has often left me stranded.
Stratus RT Coupe 2003
4.5 out of 5 stars
Karlie, 01/22/2007
2003 Dodge Stratus R/T 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
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.
206,000 miles a good solid car
4.13 out of 5 stars
mopar350, 10/26/2012
2003 Dodge Stratus SXT 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
I bought this car with 50,000 miles on it six years ago. so far I have only done some normal maintance. changed timing belt twice and front brake pads once. now at 206,000 mile mark i have had to change one front wheel bearing. and the transmission is slipping. would have lasted longer if i had changed the fluid and filter like i should have. i have beat this car into the ground and it … is still going. i put 36,000 to 40,000 miles a year on this car for the last three years. so i will be putting a transmission in it and keep on driveing it. and i plan on driveing it till the body rusts away. i live in south carolina and there is no rust on it yet so i will be driveing this car for a long time
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