Target Audience:
Families, commuters, general car buyers seeking a practical and affordable sedan.
Key Competitors 2006:
Chevrolet Impala, Ford Fusion, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima.
Value Proposition:
Affordable pricing, decent interior space, available V6 engine for a more powerful option, typically equipped with common creature comforts.
Primary Systems:
Vehicle controls and features, instrument panel and indicators, starting and operating the vehicle, driving and operating precautions, maintenance and care, emergency procedures, towing, vehicle specifications.
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire inflation and checks, bulb replacement, wiper blade replacement, battery maintenance.
Diy Activities:
Light maintenance tasks such as checking and topping fluids, changing wiper blades, tire pressure checks, and basic interior cleaning.
Depth:
Focuses on user-level operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting. Does not contain detailed repair procedures or diagnostic information typically found in a service manual.
Readability:
High resolution, searchable text (if original PDF is optimized for search).
Printing:
Printable on standard printers.
Original Binding:
Stapled or Perfect Bound (Physical Manual)
Digital Format Advantage:
No binding required, easily accessible on multiple devices.
Original Paper Type:
Standard paper, gloss or matte finish depending on OEM printing standards.
Engine Option 1 Type:
2.7L (2700cc) SOHC V6
Engine Option 1 Displacement:
2.7 Liters
Engine Option 1 Configuration:
V6
Engine Option 1 Power:
Approximately 189 hp @ 5800 rpm
Engine Option 1 Torque:
Approximately 191 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Engine Option 2 Type:
2.4L (2378cc) DOHC I4 (World Engine)
Engine Option 2 Displacement:
2.4 Liters
Engine Option 2 Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder
Engine Option 2 Power:
Approximately 160 hp @ 6000 rpm
Engine Option 2 Torque:
Approximately 165 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Good (for 2005-2006 models tested)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
Good (for 2005-2006 models tested)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Driver:
Good (for 2005-2006 models tested)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger:
Good (for 2005-2006 models tested)
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Driver:
Good (for 2005-2006 models tested)
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger:
Good (for 2005-2006 models tested)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good (for 2005-2006 models tested)
ABS:
Standard on most trims.
Traction Control:
Optional or standard on higher trims.
Airbags Front:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard.
Airbags Side:
Optional front side-impact airbags and full-length side curtain airbags on some trims.
Seatbelts:
3-point seat belts with pretensioners for front occupants.
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with CD player. Optional premium audio system available on some trims.
Display:
Basic digital display for radio and clock. Higher trims might have a small LCD for trip computer information.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models.
Anti Lock Brakes:
Standard or optional depending on trim level.
Auxiliary Input:
Unlikely to be standard. May be available as an aftermarket addition or on very late production models.
Bluetooth:
Not available as a factory option for the 2006 model year.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 - 7,500 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used (refer to manual for specific recommendation).
Tire Rotation:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles.
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or every 30,000 miles.
Cabin Air Filter:
Inspect/replace as needed, typically every 15,000 - 30,000 miles.
Spark Plugs I4:
Replace approximately every 60,000 - 100,000 miles (depending on type).
Spark Plugs V6:
Replace approximately every 60,000 - 100,000 miles (depending on type).
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30 (check manual for specific viscosity and API service classification).
Coolant:
Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (HOAT type) or equivalent, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Check manual for specific Mopar part number (e.g., MS-9769).
Transmission Fluid:
ATF+4 (MS-9602 compliant). Check manual for exact specification and capacity.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid:
Mopar Power Steering Fluid or equivalent. Check manual for specific recommendation.
Common Wear Items:
Suspension components (struts, ball joints, tie rods), brake pads and rotors, wheel bearings, exhaust system.
Engine Specific I4:
Timing chain tensioner wear (on earlier versions of the 2.4L), occasional oil leaks, PCV valve issues.
Engine Specific V6:
Intake manifold gasket leaks, oil filter housing leaks, occasional coolant leaks, spark plug well contamination.
Transmission Issues:
Occasional harsh shifting or slipping, particularly with higher mileage vehicles. Proper fluid maintenance is crucial.
Electrical Issues:
Window regulator failures, door lock actuator issues, occasional sensor failures (e.g., crankshaft position sensor, ABS wheel speed sensor).
HVAC Issues:
Blend door actuator failures, blower motor resistor failures, AC system leaks.
Manufacturer:
Chrysler Group LLC (Dodge brand).
Platform:
Based on the Chrysler JR platform, shared with the Chrysler Sebring sedan and Dodge Avenger (previous generation).
Generation 2006:
Second Generation (2001-2006). This is the final model year for this generation before a significant redesign/rebranding for the 2007 model year (Chrysler Sebring Sedan replacement).
Production Years:
1995-2006 (Stratus nameplate had various iterations and body styles).
Manufacturing Location:
Sterling Heights Assembly Plant, Sterling Heights, Michigan, USA.
