Target Audience:
Family car, daily commuter
Competitors:
Chevrolet Impala, Ford Taurus, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima
Design Philosophy:
Cab-forward design, spacious interior, comfortable ride.
Engine Options:
Choice of efficient 4-cylinder or powerful V6 engines.
Engine:
2.0L SOHC I4 (MPI), 2.4L DOHC I4 (MPI, VCT), 2.7L DOHC V6 (MPI)
Transmission:
4-speed automatic (40TE/41TE), 5-speed manual (Getrag A578)
Brakes:
Front disc, rear drum; Front disc, rear disc (some models); ABS system
Suspension:
Front MacPherson strut, Rear independent multi-link
Steering:
Power assisted rack and pinion
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams, component testing, diagnostic procedures for all electrical systems.
HVAC:
Air conditioning, heating, ventilation system diagnostics and repair.
Body And Trim:
Exterior and interior trim, body panel repair, glass replacement.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, belt inspections.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic flowcharts for common and uncommon issues.
Repair:
Component removal, installation, and overhaul procedures for all major systems.
Diagnostics:
OBD-II diagnostics, specific DTC code interpretation and resolution.
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities, and technical data.
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical schematics for all vehicle circuits.
Depth:
In-depth mechanical and electrical repair, engine and transmission overhaul, advanced diagnostics.
Engine 1 Description:
2.0L (1996cc) SOHC Inline 4-cylinder, 16 valves, Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Engine 1 Power:
134 hp @ 5800 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
140 lb-ft @ 4250 rpm
Engine 2 Description:
2.4L (2378cc) DOHC Inline 4-cylinder, 16 valves, MPI, Variable Cam Timing (VCT)
Engine 2 Power:
154 hp @ 5800 rpm
Engine 2 Torque:
167 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Engine 3 Description:
2.7L (2736cc) DOHC V6, 24 valves, MPI
Engine 3 Power:
200 hp @ 6000 rpm
Engine 3 Torque:
191 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended)
ECU Type:
Chrysler SBEC/JTEC (depending on engine/option)
NHTSA Frontal Driver:
Good
NHTSA Frontal Passenger:
Good
NHTSA Side Driver:
Acceptable
NHTSA Side Rear Passenger:
Acceptable
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Acceptable
ABS:
Standard on most models
Traction Control:
Optional on some models
Airbags Front:
Standard dual front airbags
Airbags Side:
Optional front side-impact airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts, pretensioners
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (synthetic blend or full synthetic)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years
Spark Plug Replacement 4Cyl:
Every 100,000 miles (if using iridium plugs)
Spark Plug Replacement V6:
Every 100,000 miles (if using iridium plugs)
Coolant Flush:
Every 5 years or 100,000 miles
Engine Oil Capacity 4Cyl:
4.5 quarts (4.3 L) with filter
Engine Oil Capacity V6:
5.0 quarts (4.7 L) with filter
Engine Oil Viscosity:
5W-30 (check specific owner's manual for variations)
Coolant Type:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant (Mopar OAT 50/50 mix)
Transmission Slipping:
Common in older automatic transmissions; fluid changes and filter replacement can help.
Headliner Sagging:
Adhesive failure in the headliner is a common cosmetic issue.
Ignition Switch Failure:
Intermittent starting issues can be attributed to a faulty ignition switch.
ABS Sensor Failure:
ABS warning lights can indicate a failing wheel speed sensor.
Brand:
Dodge (Chrysler Corporation / DaimlerChrysler)
Generation Timing:
Second generation (launched for 2003 model year)
Platform Basis:
Based on the Chrysler JA platform, sharing components with the Sebring and Stratus Coupe.
Manufacturing Plant:
Sterling Heights Assembly Plant, Michigan, USA
Production Years Model:
2001-2006 (as Dodge Stratus)
Initial Launch Reception:
The Stratus platform generally received mixed reviews, often praised for its ride comfort and spacious interior but criticized for handling and powertrain refinement compared to some competitors.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Historically rated below average for reliability in its class.
