dodge stratus

First generation (1995-2000)

The Dodge Stratus, the middle entry of the JA platform (with the Cirrus being the higher-end model and the Breeze being the lower-end model), was introduced in 1995 with two models: the SE, which came standard with the 2.0 L straight-4 and had the SOHC 2.4 L as optional, and the ES, which came standard with the DOHC 2.4 L and had the optional 2.5 L V6. The battery would be placed in an unusual location, forward of the inside left fender. It is easier to replace the battery if you remove the left front tire, but it is not mandatory.

The Stratus directly replaced the high-volume Dodge Spirit to favorable reviews. It was often compared to other small mid-sizes such as the Chevrolet Malibu, and judged roomier than the Ford Contour by many magazines such as Consumer Reports. While the extended Ks had previously been Chrysler's main midsize offerings, the larger LH and LX platforms, conceived as replacements for the Dodge Dynasty and Dodge Monaco, would more directly compete with the Ford Taurus, the upsized Honda Accord and Chevrolet Impala.

The cars had many parts that were interchangeable between each model. The exteriors of these three cars were very similar, with the front fascia, rear bumper, taillights, and wheels being the main differences. The interiors had much more variation between the three models, when compared to their subtle exterior differences.

All three variants of the JA platform were available with most of the same standard features and available options, such as the following: a four-speed automatic transmission, anti-lock brakes, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, power windows, power door locks, power driver's seat, leather seats, power antenna, a six CD changer, sunroof, remote keyless entry, anti-theft system, etc. A five-speed manual was available with the 2.0 L engine. They, however lacked features found in top-end Intrepid or Accord models such as navigation, or automatic temperature control.

A turbocharged version of the Stratus was sold in Mexico, with the 2.4 L DOHC 4-cylinder engine and a 4-speed automatic transmission with AutoStick. This car had 168 hp (125 kW) at 5200 rpm and 216 ft·lbf of torque at 2200 rpm.

The Stratus was sold in Europe, with the 2.0 L and the V6, as the Chrysler Stratus, although it retained the Dodge styling.

Specifications

• Overall length: 187 in (4.7 m)
• Curb weight: 3,181 lb (1,442 kg)
• Towing capacity: 1000 lb
• Torque: 168 ft·lbf at 5500 rpm

Second generation (2001-present)

In 2001, the Stratus became the last of the surviving Cloud Cars, with the Cirrus renamed as the Sebring and the Breeze discontinued. After Dodge discontinued its coupe, the Avenger (which was built on the recently discontinued second generation Mitsubishi Eclipse platform), they decided to rename their new coupe, to be built on the third generation Eclipse platform, the Stratus. This gave the nameplate both a two and a four-door model, though they shared nothing alike other than the name and a few exterior styling cues to help market them together as one vehicle. The Chrysler version of the new coupe also took the name Sebring despite also being a completely different vehicle from the Sebring sedan. The Dodge Stratus was also dropped for the Canadian market.

The Stratus and Sebring sedans for the second generation used a revised version of the Chrysler JA platform named JR. The coupe models with the same names were entirely different cars; they were actually based on the Mitsubishi Eclipse.

During this time, sales declined as its ratings from consumer and auto magazines fell below average among mid-size cars^[2], while the sedan market had shifted and pushed the larger Intrepid and later Charger to record sales. 2004 brought mild styling revisions, which did not reverse this trend. The coupe was dropped from the lineup after 2005, and the Stratus was discontinued in May 2006; the Sebring name will live on.

In Mexico, the Stratus R/T came in a turbocharged version. The Stratus R/T's turbocharged 2.4 L engine went through some improvements in 2001, when power was increased to 215 hp. This improved engine would later be used in the U.S. in the Dodge SRT-4. Stratus R/T engines built from March 2004 and later generated 225 hp at 5200 rpm and 235 ft·lbf (319 N·m) of torque at 4200 rpm. Stratus R/T models with the turbocharged engine could be recognized by a rear badge saying "High Output".

Although still offered in 2006, the Stratus was generally not shown among other Dodge cars in auto shows.

Licensed production in Russia

The third generation Dodge Stratus, along with the Chrysler Sebring, will be built in Russia from late 2007 or early 2008 on, and will be sold under a Russian brand [1]. The license and production facilities for these cars were sold in April 2006 to Russian billionaire Oleg Deripaska, who owns the GAZ company in Nizhny Novgorod, which builds the Volga automobile. The price is approximately US$151 million (€ 124 million). The new production facilities are planned to build up to 65,000 cars of both models yearly. Four-cylinder engines will be purchased from Chrysler and made in Mexico.

In pop culture

In a sketch on Saturday Night Live, Will Ferrell's "Dad" character famously screamed, "I drive a Dodge Stratus!" in desperation to his dysfunctional family as an example of the fear and respect afforded him by his colleagues at work. The phrase itself became a very minor pop culture phenomenon reflecting a disdain for lower and middle class "luxury" items and middle managers in general. Transcript here

Notes

1. ^ Stratus and Sebring gone for good May 2006
2. ^ Car and Driver 2003, 7th out of 10 with Accord #1

External links

• AllPar.com links:
  • Stratus/Sebring Sedans
  • Avenger/Stratus/Sebring Coupes