Target Audience:
Budget-conscious sedan buyers seeking practical midsize transportation
Segment:
Affordable midsize family sedan
Key Competitors:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Malibu
Value:
Strong equipment content for the price point
Interior Space:
Roomy cabin and trunk for the class
Styling:
Distinctive cab-forward design language
Standard Equipment:
Air conditioning, AM/FM stereo, power steering
Available Options:
V6 engine, automatic transmission, power accessories, ABS
Warranty Reference:
Ownership and customer assistance information included in the manual
Manual Type:
Factory owners manual (operator's guide)
Compiled From:
Factory printed owners manual
Content Parity:
Identical information to the traditional printed manual
Delivery Method:
Instant digital download
Required Software:
PDF reader such as Adobe Acrobat Reader or Foxit
Binding:
Digital (no physical binding)
Introduction:
Vehicle overview and safety information
Instrument Cluster:
Gauges, warning lights, and indicators
Entertainment Systems:
Radio, audio controls, and speakers
Climate Controls:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning operation
Lights:
Headlights, interior lamps, and bulb replacement
Driver Controls:
Wipers, washers, mirrors, and switches
Locks and Security:
Door locks, keys, remote entry, and theft deterrent
Seating and Safety Restraints:
Seat adjustment, seat belts, and child restraint installation
Driving:
Starting, transmission operation, and driving tips
Customer Assistance:
Dealer support and reporting safety defects (U.S. only)
Cleaning:
Interior and exterior care instructions
Engine Compartment:
Component identification and layout
Engine Oil:
Checking, capacity, and change intervals
Battery:
Inspection, jump starting, and replacement
Fuel Information:
Fuel requirements and filler information
Air Filter(s):
Engine air filter inspection and replacement
Part Numbers:
Factory part numbers for consumable items
Refill Capacities:
Fluid capacities for all systems
Lubricant Specifications:
Approved oil and lubricant grades
Accessories:
Approved accessory information
Audience:
Owners and DIY users; routine service focus
Procedures:
Owner-performable checks, replacements, and adjustments
Depth Limitation:
N/A - detailed repair/overhaul procedures are in the factory service manual, not the owners manual
File Format:
PDF (searchable, bookmarked, zoomable)
Compatibility:
Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android — any device with a PDF reader
Requirements:
A PDF reader application (e.g. Adobe Acrobat Reader, free)
Searchability:
Fully text searchable for fast lookup of any topic
Print Quality:
High-resolution digital pages, printable at full clarity
Binding Type:
N/A — digital download, no physical binding
Paper Type:
N/A — digital download, no physical paper
Standard Transmission:
4-speed automatic (with 2.4L engine)
Optional Transmission:
4-speed automatic (AutoStick driver-selectable, with V6)
Manual Transmission:
N/A - not offered on 2004 Stratus Sedan
AutoStick:
Manual shift mode on equipped automatics
Overdrive:
Fourth gear overdrive for highway cruising
Service Info:
Fluid type and capacity listed in maintenance section
Front Airbags:
Dual front airbags, standard
Seat Belts:
Three-point belts with pretensioners at front seating positions
Child Restraint:
LATCH anchors and top tether provisions
Structure:
Reinforced safety-cage body structure
ABS:
Optional 4-wheel anti-lock brakes
Traction:
N/A - low-speed traction control not standard on this model
Defoggers:
Rear window defogger standard
NHTSA Crash Tests:
Government star ratings available for the 2004 model year; see NHTSA for current results
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with cassette and/or CD player depending on trim
Steering Controls:
Available audio controls on steering wheel
Antenna:
Roof or fender-mounted antenna per body style
Cluster Features:
Electronic instrument cluster with warning indicators
Convenience:
Available keyless remote entry
Advanced ADAS:
N/A - modern driver-assistance systems not offered in this era
Oil Change:
Interval, capacity, and grade specified in Maintenance and Specifications section
Air Filter:
Periodic inspection and replacement guidance included
Battery:
Inspection and service guidance included
Scheduled Chart:
Full maintenance schedule in the manual
Engine Oil:
API-rated grade listed in lubricant specifications
Refill Capacities:
All system capacities tabulated
Part Numbers:
Factory part numbers for filters and consumables
Known Issues / Common Wear
Common Wear Items:
Brake pads, wiper blades, and belts per normal service schedule
Model Notes:
2.7L V6 oil-change discipline is important for engine longevity
Repair Detail:
N/A - owners manual covers routine care only, not repair procedures
Manufacturer:
DaimlerChrysler (Dodge division)
Model Lineage:
Stratus introduced 1995, replacing the Spirit/Plymouth Acclaim
First Generation:
1995-2000 sedan and coupe
Second Generation:
2001-2006 JR-platform redesign with cab-forward styling
2004 Changes:
Sedan lineup continued with SXT and R/T trims
Assembly Plant:
Built in the United States (Sterling Heights, Michigan)