2006 Dodge Stratus Review
Price Estimate: $1,316 - $2,034





+12
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Low pricing, solid handling, large trunk.
Cons
- Unrefined drivetrains, uncomfortable backseats, subpar build and materials quality, looks positively dull next to the Charger.
What’s new
The Stratus coupe has dropped for 2006, along with the SE and ES models of the sedan. The R/T model gets body-color ground effects, new wheels and a rear spoiler with magnesium wings. Inside, the R/T receives new leather seats and updated trim.
Edmunds says
The 2006 Dodge Stratus is n underperforming 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 near Mountain View, CA
5 listings
- $4,495good price$596 below market
- 99,679 miles
- 1 accident, 3 owners, corporate fleet vehicle
- 20 City / 27 Hwy MPG
- UGM Motors (748 mi away)
- Rear Bench Seats
- Fold Flat Rear Seats
Close
Located in Spokane Valley, WA
Buy, sell, donate or trade to partner with Union Gospel MissionThis Vehicle runs and drives well and has a lot of new parts added too. We replaced the...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
22 Combined MPG (20 City/27 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 1B3AL46TX6N229450
Stock: 229450
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 06-26-2025 - New ListingPhotos not available
- 175,165 miles
- 20 City / 27 Hwy MPG
- Ferguson Kia (1,453 mi away)
- Rear Bench Seats
- Fold Flat Rear Seats
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Located in Broken Arrow, OK
Thank you for visiting my website. Let me help you find the perfect vehicle. Contact me if you have questions.
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary Unavailable.
Features and Specs:
22 Combined MPG (20 City/27 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 1B3EL46X16N250711
Stock: S211499C
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 07-03-2025
Vehicle overview
The Dodge Stratus was introduced in 1995 and shared virtually everything save its grille and taillights with the Chrysler Cirrus. The Stratus sedan was then revamped in 2001, picking up more powerful engines than its predecessor as well as crisp new styling. For 2006, Dodge's midsize Stratus is available as a sedan only as the Eclipse-based coupe model has been discontinued.
The Stratus sedan is available as a base SXT style or a sporty R/T. Typically associated with high-performance Dodge cars, the R/T moniker is mainly an appearance upgrade with ground effects and an ungainly rear spoiler. Sharper suspension tuning and a 2.7-liter V6 with 200 horsepower do back up the performance image to a degree, but the car is outclassed by better-performing sedan competitors. The leaders of the midsize sedan segment are now bigger, faster and more luxurious than ever before. Although it's nimble handling and low pricing might give it some appeal if you're on a tight budget, the 2006 Dodge Stratus falls well short of the competition in most other areas. And don't forget Dodge's own Charger, which offers a highly compelling combination of refinement, performance and value.
Performance & mpg
The Stratus SXT has a 2.4-liter inline four good for 150 hp, while the R/T version receives a 200-hp, 2.7-liter V6. Both Dodge cars come with a four-speed automatic transmission. Expect adequate, albeit noisy, acceleration with the four-cylinder engine. We recommend going with the V6, as it gets the Dodge Stratus up to speed nicely in most situations, though not with the refinement commonly associated with the top V6s found in import sedans.
Safety
Side curtain airbags are optional. Antilock brakes with traction control are standard on the R/T and optional on the SXT. The Dodge Stratus earned five stars (out of five) ratings in frontal-impact crash tests conducted by the NHTSA and an "Acceptable" rating (second-highest) in IIHS frontal-offset testing. Without the optional side airbags, NHTSA gave it three stars for side-impact safety, while the IIHS gave it a "Poor" rating (the lowest).
Driving
The 2006 Dodge Stratus doesn't stand out in its segment in terms of outright performance, but the R/T sedan does provide a moderately entertaining drive with minimal body roll in the corners. Overall, the ride is not particularly composed, often transferring harshness directly to the occupant compartment.
Interior
In spite of its crisp bodylines, the Stratus doesn't have much in the way of style in the cockpit, aside from a sporty set of white-faced gauges. Build and materials quality is also lacking. Although most drivers will find adequate room up front, the rear-seat accommodations leave plenty to be desired with minimal room to spread out, mediocre cushioning and no head restraints. The Stratus boasts 16 cubic feet of trunk space.
2006 Dodge Stratus models
The midsize Dodge Stratus sedan is available in SXT and R/T trim levels. The SXT comes with air conditioning; power windows, mirrors and locks; cruise control; a CD player; keyless entry; and 16-inch alloy wheels. Stepping up to the R/T introduces a firmer suspension, 17-inch alloys wrapped with performance tires, leather seating and premium audio. Body-color ground effects and a rear spoiler with magnesium wings are also part of the package. A sunroof is optional on the R/T, as is a CD changer and a full-size spare tire.
Compare 2006 Dodge Stratus trim levels
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

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Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in California
$245/mo for Stratus SXT
Stratus SXT
vs
$221/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Dodge Stratus Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
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My evaluation GSW
4.88 out of 5 starsGordon S. Weiss, 10/31/2006
2006 Dodge Stratus SXT 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
It would be nice to have a deeper and longer trunk area, a telescopic stearing wheel, and electric front seats. The dashboard controls, gear shift, and emergency brake are very user friendly. The night lighting on the dash is very easy on the eyes, and not distracting. Front seating is confortable and tapered nicely. Back seats a confortable, but could use a little bit mor leg … room;mainly for long drives. The vehicle handles extremely well and is very responsive. Brakes are strong. Gear shifting is nice and smooth. Noise level (outside) is very good. The ride and suspension are smooth and enjoyable. I feel we got a very well made, solidly built sedan that meets our needs.
I Still Don't Regret This Purchase
4.88 out of 5 starskaseyk, 09/21/2010
2006 Dodge Stratus SXT 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
I bought this car with 24,000 miles on it, I was the second owner and I must say that 2 years and 55,000 miles later, I really don't have any complaints. I used to commute out of town for work (about 65 miles a day) and I have gone on many out of town and out of state trips on this car. I have not had any problems out of my stratus except for the driver side window motor has gone out. … Yes the windshield does have a few spots but nothing worth complaining over. Overall I must say that I love this car and it was probably the best purchase I have made, if they still made them I'd probably get another one
Crankshaft endplay
3.63 out of 5 starskram660, 02/15/2010
2006 Dodge Stratus SXT 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
bought this car with 25 miles on it in 2006 at the dealer. drove car daily to work with and do not hot rod it. after at around 40,000 miles i noticed oil leaking from the passenger side and it was the front crankshaft seal, i replaced it and the oil-pump thinking there a blockage somewhere . 5,000 miles later i have had to replace the seal at least 6 times knowing my engine has failed … me. i am no rocket scientist but i know its my main thrust bearing is bad and the crank is rundown with at least 1/10 to 2/10 of end play. i have at lest $10,000 to owe on it and i parked it in my back yard with my 1938 ford pickup. hope this helps other hard working Americans to do something about this issue.
The best car in town
5 out of 5 starsdana, 09/13/2005
2006 Dodge Stratus R/T 4dr Sedan (2.7L 6cyl 4A)
This car is nice and sporty, also it is very roomy in the back and has lots of power. I would recommend this car. It has everything that any other car has except for heated seats and navigation system, but that's ok because who needs all that. I just want the speed and the look because it's a sporty car and fast. It is a woman's car for sure.
2006 Stratus Highlights
SXT
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $20,825 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 22 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $245/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 16 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver3 / 5Passenger3 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover5 / 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 – OriginalPoor
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintPoor
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