Segment:
Mid-size sedan, competing with vehicles like the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and Ford Taurus.
Key Differentiators:
Offered a distinctive American styling approach and a focus on affordability and practicality, often undercutting competitors on price.
Value Proposition:
Provided a comfortable ride, spacious interior for its class, and available V6 power, making it a compelling option for budget-conscious buyers.
Coverage:
Comprehensive parts catalog for Dodge Stratus models from 1995 to 2000.
Page Count:
Estimated 500-800 pages (typical for comprehensive parts catalogs of this era).
Manual Type:
Parts Catalog / Parts Manual
Format:
Digital (likely PDF), printable.
Powertrain:
Engine (2.0L, 2.4L, 2.5L V6), Transmission (4-speed automatic, manual options less common), exhaust system, fuel system.
Chassis:
Suspension (front struts, rear independent suspension), steering, brakes (front discs, rear drums/discs depending on trim), wheels, tires.
Body And Interior:
Body panels (fenders, hood, doors, trunk), glass, trim, bumpers, seats, dashboard, interior trim panels, HVAC components.
Electrical:
Wiring harnesses, lights, sensors, actuators, starter, alternator, battery, fuse box components, switches, basic audio system components.
Identification:
Identification of genuine manufacturer part numbers for all components.
Assembly Disassembly:
Detailed exploded diagrams showing part relationships and assembly order for part replacement.
Pricing And Labor:
Approximate MSRP pricing for genuine parts and estimated labor times for replacement procedures.
Depth:
Highly detailed for part identification and sourcing. Focuses on 'what' part to use and 'how' it's assembled, rather than 'how to diagnose' faults.
Engine 1:
2.0L SOHC Inline-4 (Mitsubishi 4G63 variant)
Engine 2:
2.4L DOHC Inline-4 (Chrysler World Engine)
Engine 3:
2.5L SOHC V6 (Mitsubishi 6G73)
Engine Displacement Liters:
2.0L, 2.4L, 2.5L
Hp 2 0L:
Approx. 132 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Torque 2 0L:
Approx. 130 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm
Hp 2 5L V6:
Approx. 164 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque 2 5L V6:
Approx. 174 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
Hp 2 4L:
Approx. 145-150 hp @ 5,200-5,800 rpm (varies by year/tune)
Torque 2 4L:
Approx. 160-165 lb-ft @ 3,200-3,800 rpm (varies by year/tune)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Regular Unleaded (check specific engine variant for premium recommendations).
NHTSA Driver Front:
4-star rating (for frontal impact, specific year may vary).
NHTSA Passenger Front:
4-star rating (for frontal impact, specific year may vary).
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available or standard on higher trims.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners for front occupants.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type (refer to specific model year owner's manual).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically around 30,000-60,000 miles, depending on spark plug type (copper vs. platinum).
Timing Belt Replacement:
For the 2.0L Mitsubishi engine, critical at 60,000-90,000 miles. The 2.4L and 2.5L V6 likely use timing chains, requiring less frequent maintenance but inspection.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (most common, check for specific engine variant and climate recommendations).
Coolant Type:
Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (or equivalent meeting Chrysler MS-9769 specification - typically a pink or red coolant).
Transmission Fluid:
ATF+4 (Chrysler Specification MS-9602) for automatic transmissions. Check manual for specific type for 41TE/AE.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Power Steering Fluid:
Mopar Power Steering Fluid (or equivalent).
Cabin Air Filter:
If equipped (often not standard in early models), part numbers vary by filter manufacturer.
Transmission Problems:
Intermittent shifting issues, torque converter shudder, and failure of solenoids in automatic transmissions (particularly the 41TE/AE) are relatively common concerns. Proper fluid maintenance is crucial.
Suspension Wear:
Premature wear of ball joints, tie rod ends, and struts can occur due to road conditions and vehicle weight.
Engine Gaskets:
The 2.5L V6 engine (Mitsubishi 6G73) is known for potential intake manifold gasket leaks and sometimes valve cover gasket leaks.
Electrical Gremlins:
Minor electrical issues, such as faulty power window motors, HVAC blower motor resistors, and dashboard illumination problems, can arise with age.
Manufacturer Focus:
Dodge, as a division of Chrysler, traditionally offered a blend of performance-oriented and value-driven vehicles.
First Generation:
The Stratus was introduced in 1995 as a replacement for the Dodge Spirit. It was part of Chrysler's 'cloud car' trio (along with the Chrysler Cirrus and Plymouth Breeze), all built on the JA/JS platform.
Second Generation:
A more significant redesign occurred for the 2001 model year, moving to the JS platform (shared with the Sebring sedan).
Manufacturing Plant:
Sterling Heights, Michigan, USA.
Production Years:
1995-2000
Industry Acknowledgement:
The JA/JS platform vehicles received generally positive reviews for ride comfort and styling at launch, but were often criticized for interior material quality and some reliability concerns compared to Japanese rivals.
Consumer Reports History:
Consumer Reports ratings varied significantly year-to-year and engine-to-engine, with some models showing average or below-average reliability, particularly in powertrain and electrical systems.
