Positioning:
An accessible and practical family sedan offering a range of engine options.
Competitors:
Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Malibu, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima
Feature 1:
Choice of three distinct powertrains catering to different performance and economy needs.
Feature 2:
Spacious interior with comfortable seating for five passengers.
Feature 3:
Front-wheel-drive platform with a balanced chassis for predictable handling.
Feature 4:
Available ABS and driver/passenger airbags for enhanced safety.
Engine:
2.0L SOHC I4 (420A), 2.4L DOHC I4 (EDZ), 2.7L DOHC V6 (EER)
Transmission:
42LE Automatic, NV1500 Manual
Brakes:
Front Disc/Rear Drum, Front Disc/Rear Disc (ABS)
Suspension:
Front MacPherson Struts, Rear Independent Multilink
Steering:
Power Rack and Pinion
Electrical:
Full system diagnostics, wiring diagrams, lighting, accessories, power distribution
HVAC:
Air Conditioning, Heating, Ventilation
Body:
Interior, Exterior, Body Panels, Glass, Seals
Safety Systems:
Airbags, Seatbelts, ABS, Traction Control (if equipped)
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, fluid flushes, belt inspections
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Repair:
Component removal, installation, and adjustment for all major systems
Diagnostics:
OBD-II diagnostics, component testing, sensor calibration
Rebuilds:
Engine, transmission, and major component rebuild procedures
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to advanced diagnostics and complete overhauls.
Transmission Standard:
42LE 4-Speed Automatic
Transmission Optional:
NV1500 5-Speed Manual (with 2.0L and 2.4L engines)
Transmission Features:
Electronically controlled, overdrive
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (Chrysler Mopar)
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
MS-9070 (API GL-3 or GL-4 gear oil)
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
Not Rated / Acceptable (1998-2000 models, 2002 similar)
NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:
Not Rated / Acceptable (1998-2000 models, 2002 similar)
IIHS Side Impact:
Acceptable (earlier models, 2002 similar)
ABS:
Standard on some trims, optional on others.
Traction Control:
Optional (likely with V6 models)
Airbags Passenger:
Standard
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners.
Audio System:
Optional AM/FM stereo with CD player, cassette player, and 6-speaker Infinity system available.
Display:
Basic digital clock and radio display.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models.
Connectivity Features:
Limited to basic power accessories and optional remote keyless entry.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (synthetic oil recommended).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or as needed.
Spark Plug Replacement 2.0L/2.4L:
Every 100,000 miles (platinum/iridium plugs).
Spark Plug Replacement 2.7L:
Every 100,000 miles (platinum/iridium plugs).
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 60,000 miles or 5 years.
Automatic Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 60,000 miles or 3 years.
Engine Oil Capacity 2.0L/2.4L:
4.0 quarts (with filter, SAE 5W-30)
Engine Oil Capacity 2.7L:
4.5 quarts (with filter, SAE 5W-30)
Coolant Type:
Mopar OAT (Orange) or equivalent HOAT coolant.
Issue 1:
Oil leaks from valve cover gasket and oil pan gasket.
Issue 2:
Premature wear of front suspension components (ball joints, control arm bushings).
Issue 3:
A/C system leaks and compressor failures.
Issue 4:
Power window regulators can fail.
Issue 5:
Cracking dashboard material due to sun exposure.
Issue 6:
Transmission solenoid issues (common on 42LE).
Brand:
Dodge (division of Chrysler Corporation, later DaimlerChrysler)
Generation:
First Generation (1993-2005 for original platform, 1998-2005 for Stratus nameplate in North America)
Platform Sharing:
Shared platform with Chrysler Cirrus, Plymouth Breeze, and later Chrysler Sebring sedan.
Manufacturing Location:
Sterling Heights, Michigan, USA
Production Years:
1995-2006 (Stratus nameplate usage varied globally and by platform)