2005 Dodge Stratus Review
Price Estimate: $1,711 - $2,673





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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Low pricing, solid ride and handling characteristics, large trunk.
Cons
- Unrefined drivetrains, uncomfortable backseats, subpar build and materials quality, looks positively dull next to the Magnum.
What’s new
The Stratus sedan now offers a Sport Appearance Package on the SXT that mimics the look of the R/T by offering sport instruments, chrome wheels and a spoiler.
Edmunds says
A mediocre midsize sedan and coupe lost in a crowd of better-qualified vehicles. Still fair game for bargain hunters, but most shoppers should look elsewhere.
For sale nearby
7 listings
- Photos not available
- 203,765 miles
- Odometer issue reported, 7 owners, rental vehicle
- 19 City / 26 Hwy MPG
- New Start Motors (670 mi away)
- Alarm
- Rear Bench Seats
- Fold Flat Rear Seats
- Audio and cruise con...
Close
Located in Montezuma, IN
2005 DODGE STRATUS SXT FWD... 2.4L 4CYL.....AVAILABLE AT NEW START MOTORS AT US HWY 36 MONTEZUMA,INDIANA TERMS $2733 OR $499 DOWN PLUS TAX/FEE AND $79...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Issue reported
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
21 Combined MPG (19 City/26 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 1B3EL46X55N697704
Stock: 697704
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 03-15-2025 - Photos not available
- 226,025 miles
- Frame damage reported, 6 owners, rental vehicle
- 19 City / 26 Hwy MPG
- National Motors Spokane (935 mi away)
- Alarm
- Rear Bench Seats
- Fold Flat Rear Seats
- Audio and cruise con...
Close
Located in Spokane Valley, WA
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Issue reported
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: Yes
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
21 Combined MPG (19 City/26 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 1B3EL46R65N616730
Stock: N616730
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 01-19-2025
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota
$162/mo for Stratus SXT
Stratus SXT
vs
$164/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Reliability
The 2005 Dodge Stratus has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 6 recalls. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Recalls
6 recalls foundChecking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
- Recall Number:
- 15V338000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- SR-15-005
- Manufactured from:
- 2005-02-22 to 2000-04-17
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 459618
- Defect Description:
- Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2000-2005 Eclipse vehicles manufactured April 5, 1999, to December 17, 2004, 2001-2005 Eclipse Spyder vehicles manufactured January 19, 2000, to March 18, 2005, 2001-2005 Chrysler Sebring vehicles manufactured April 17, 2000, to February 21, 2005, and 2001-2005 Dodge Stratus vehicles manufactured April 17, 2000, to February 22, 2005. In the affected vehicles, the passenger side sun visor may be folded down in such a position that, if the passenger frontal air bag deploys, the passenger side sun visor may detach.
- Defect Consequence:
- If the passenger side sun visor detaches and is propelled rearward, there is an increased risk of occupant injury.
- Corrective Action:
- MMNA will notify their owners, and Chrysler will notify the Chrysler and Dodge owners. Dealers will install a tether strap to retain the passenger sun visor, free of charge. The recall began on July 20, 2015. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-15-005. Chrysler and Dodge owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R30.
- Recall Number:
- 10E059000
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 22689
- Defect Description:
- FEDERAL-MOGUL IS RECALLING CERTAIN REPLACEMENT CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLIES, PART NUMBERS K7425, 10945, FA4510X, K7427, 10946, AND FA4611X, SOLD FOR USE ON VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE BALL JOINT ON THE CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLY CAN FAIL CAUSING THE BALL STUD TO WEAR THROUGH THE CONTROL ARM HOUSING RESULTING IN NOISE AND/OR SEPARATION OF THE BALL STUD FROM THE HOUSING.
- Defect Consequence:
- IF THERE IS A SEPARATION OF THE BALL STUD FROM THE HOUSING, THE DRIVER CAN LOOSE STEERING CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Corrective Action:
- FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND REPLACE THE AFFECTED CONTROL ARMS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JANUARY 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 1-877-489-6659.
- Recall Number:
- 09E056000
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 5787
- Defect Description:
- QUALIS AUTOMOTIVE IS RECALLING CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BALL JOINTS SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SOCKET MAY HAVE BEEN EXCESSIVELY HARDENED WHICH COULD CAUSE IT TO CRACK NEAR THE RETAINING RING GROOVE ALLOWING THE BALL STUD TO SEPARATE UNDER IMPACT LOAD. THE SUBJECT BALL JOINTS WERE SOLD AS FOUR PART NUMBERS, D10945, D10946, G10945, AND G10946. THE AFFECTED CONTROL ARMS, D10945 AND D10946, ARE STAMPED WITH THE FOLLOWING DATES ON THE BALL JOINTS: 134308, 135708, 100109, 102709, 104109, 105509, 107609, 108909, 110309, 113209, AND 116609. THE G10945 AND G10946 ARE THE SAME PART AS THE D10945 AND D10946 RESPECTIVELY. THEY ARE LABELED DIFFERENTLY DEPENDING ON THE AFTERMARKET CUSTOMER.
- Defect Consequence:
- SEPARATION OF THE BALL STUD FROM THE SOCKET OF THE BALL JOINT HOUSING WOULD ALLOW THE CONTROL ARM TO COLLAPSE AND THE WHEEL TO FOLD IN CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
- Corrective Action:
- QUALIS AUTOMOTIVE WILL REPLACE THE BALL JOINTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 9, 2009.
- Recall Number:
- 07E023000
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 13128
- Defect Description:
- CERTAIN CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS WITH PART NUMBERS 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987MZA, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, AND 11-3156, AND WITH DATE CODES LOWER THAN DCA7078 SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE SEAL ON MASTER CYLINDER CAN FAIL AND LEAK BRAKE FLUID.
- Defect Consequence:
- LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN RESULT IN POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Corrective Action:
- CARDONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE ANY DEFECTIVE MASTER CYLINDERS. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING APRIL 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT CARDONE AT 1-800-777-4780.
- Recall Number:
- 04V579000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- D55
- Manufactured from:
- 2004-09-08 to 2004-11-05
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 26354
- Defect Description:
- ON CERTAIN SEDANS AND CONVERTIBLE MODEL VEHICLES, THE RIGHT STEERING KNUCKLE MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING THE COMPONENT MANUFACTURING PROCESS.
- Defect Consequence:
- THIS COULD CAUSE THE STEERING KNUCKLE TO CRACK AND SEPARATE FROM THE UPPER CONTROL ARM, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
- Corrective Action:
- DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE RIGHT STEERING KNUCKLE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 27, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
- Recall Number:
- 04V532000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- D52
- Manufactured from:
- 2004-07-01 to 2004-08-26
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 8000
- Defect Description:
- ON CERTAIN SEDANS, THE LEFT AND RIGHT REAR OUTBOARD RETRACTOR AND TURNING LOOP BOLTS ON THE SEAT BELTS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY TIGHTENED.
- Defect Consequence:
- IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.
- Corrective Action:
- DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND TIGHTEN THE AFFECTED FASTENERS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 15, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Warranty
3 years / 36,000 miles Basic Warranty- Basic Warranty
- 3 years / 36,000 miles
- Drivetrain Warranty
- 7 years / 70,000 miles
- Rust Warranty
- 5 years / 100,000 miles
- Roadside assistance Warranty
- 3 years / 36,000 miles
Dodge Stratus Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Good Car for the Money
4.13 out of 5 stars12220adc, 06/27/2015
2005 Dodge Stratus R/T 4dr Sedan (2.7L 6cyl 4A)
I bought my 2005 R/T sedan new in early 2006. It was the last of the 05's on the lot so got a significant discount from the sticker. Overall it's been a good car for the money. It's sporty looking, comfortable, versatile and fun to drive. After nearly 10 years of ownership and 116K miles later, the engine runs very strong. I've had to put money primarily into suspension components like … the control arms and ball joints which has been a bit irritating.
Dependable
4.13 out of 5 starskristee1, 09/09/2012
2005 Dodge Stratus SXT 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
I bought this car new in Jan 2006, since have raised 3 kids in it and it currently has 200,000 miles. It has had a few issues, the front right passenger floor board leaks, dealer said that wasnt under warranty, and they wanted 1500 to fix it. So its always leaked! Then I went over some train tracks and the belt came off, took 10 different shops and about a yr to get the belt and pulley … on together so they ran as a unit, cause it was eating about a belt a week. Trans and motor, never had not one issue, though Im a stickler about preventative maintaince.
A Great Purchase
4.38 out of 5 starsmason_mm, 02/11/2013
2005 Dodge Stratus SXT 2dr Coupe (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
This is my 5th car in 3 years; needless to say, I have terrible luck with cars. However, this puppy was the best decision I've ever made with cars. The engine has good get up and go, the clutch is pleasantly shallow and the performance overall is great for a 4-cyl. The interior is great- the special edition with 2-tone leather is a great touch. The exterior design is the best … Dodge/Chrysler had done in a long time, and I dont think any of their newer vehicles even look as good. If they still made these, I would buy one again and again.
Boutght used, running well
3.88 out of 5 starsLARRYH, 10/02/2009
2005 Dodge Stratus SXT 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
Needed car for my daughter to drive for school and activities. Found this, with low miles (23,000 when we bought it). It has been a really enjoyable little car. My daughter loves to drive it, and, even with the 2.4 4 cylinder, it has decent pickup and driveability. Seats are comfortable, mileage is decent (average 25 mpg). Was not really expecting much based on reviews, but have been … pleased. My daughter has driven in 12,000 miles since purchase, and it has been completely reliable so far.
2005 Stratus Highlights
Coupe
SXT
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $20,135 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 24 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $162/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 16.3 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Stratus include:
- Alarm
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver3 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalAcceptable
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintPoor
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