🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Stratus

Year:

2000

Vehicle Codes:

JA (Sedan), JX (Coupe)

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The Dodge Stratus (2000) was a mid-size sedan and coupe designed to compete in a popular segment with offerings from Japanese, American, and European manufacturers. It aimed to provide a balance of comfort, practicality, and styling, often at a competitive price point.

Competitive Analysis:

Competitors for the 2000 Dodge Stratus included vehicles like the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Malibu, and Volkswagen Passat. The Stratus differentiated itself with its American styling and availability in both sedan and coupe (Stratus Coupe) variants, the latter being a rebadged Mitsubishi Eclipse.

Key Features:

Available in SE and ES trim levels, offering a choice of efficient four-cylinder or more potent V6 engines. Known for its comfortable ride and spacious interior for its class. The coupe version offered a sportier profile and performance options.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Complete vehicle repair and maintenance

Page Count:

Hundreds (estimated 1500-2000+ for a complete factory manual)

Manual Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine Mechanical, Engine Performance, Fuel System, Ignition System, Emission Control, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Starting System, Charging System, Automatic Transaxle, Manual Transaxle (if applicable), Clutch, Drive Axles, Suspension System (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brakes (Front & Rear), ABS, Body & Frame, Heating & Air Conditioning (HVAC), Electrical System, Lighting, Instruments & Gauges, Audio System, SRS (Airbag) System, Power Accessories (Windows, Locks, Seats), Wiper/Washer System, Cruise Control

Procedures Included:

Routine maintenance, scheduled maintenance, diagnostic procedures, troubleshooting guides, step-by-step repair instructions, disassembly and reassembly, component replacement, torque specifications, wiring diagrams, vacuum diagrams, exploded views, component testing, overhaul procedures, body repair, paint codes, specifications and procedures for all major vehicle systems

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive from basic maintenance to advanced diagnostics and complete engine/transmission overhaul. Includes detailed OEM specifications, tolerances, and procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Print Quality:

High-resolution, suitable for printing all pages or selected sections.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

2.0L SOHC I4 (420A Engine)

Performance 2 0L:

Approx. 114-132 horsepower @ 5500-6000 RPM, 125-133 lb-ft torque @ 4400-4500 RPM

Primary Engine Variant:

2.4L DOHC I4 (GEMA Engine)

Performance 2 4L:

Approx. 148-156 horsepower @ 5900-6000 RPM, 165-170 lb-ft torque @ 4000-4200 RPM

Optional Engine:

2.7L SOHC V6 (EER Engine)

Performance 2 7L V6:

Approx. 177-184 horsepower @ 5800-6000 RPM, 175-184 lb-ft torque @ 4200-4800 RPM

Fuel System:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Engine Code 2 0L:

420A

Engine Code 2 4L:

GEMA

Engine Code 2 7L V6:

EER

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

4-Speed Automatic Transaxle (A604, 41TE, 42LE variants)

Optional Transmission:

5-Speed Manual Transaxle (for 2.0L and 2.4L engines, often in Coupe models)

Features:

Front-wheel drive (FWD) only. Select models may feature Autostick functionality (semi-manual shifting).

Automatic Transaxle Type:

Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) and Electronic Transmission Control (ETC) depending on specific model/engine.

📐 Dimensions

Exterior Length:

Approx. 193.8 inches (Sedan)

Exterior Width:

Approx. 70.3 inches

Exterior Height:

Approx. 55.7 inches (Sedan)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 108.0 inches

Interior Seating Capacity:

5

Cargo Volume:

Approx. 15.0 cubic feet (Sedan)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3100-3400 lbs (Varies by engine and trim)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Driver Front Impact:

4/5 Stars (for specific model year testing, consult NHTSA)

NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:

4/5 Stars (for specific model year testing, consult NHTSA)

Active Features:

Front disc brakes, Rear drum brakes (standard); Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Passive Features:

Driver and front passenger airbags, Side airbags (optional on some trims), Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners, Child seat LATCH anchors

ABS Specification:

Two-channel, four-sensor ABS system (where equipped)

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Features:

Base models typically feature an AM/FM radio with cassette player. Optional upgrades included CD players, and in higher trims, premium audio systems (Infinity brand).

Driver Assistance Features:

Limited by 2000 standards. Key features include optional ABS. No advanced electronic driver aids like traction control or stability control were standard or widely available.

Connectivity Features:

Basic connectivity via analog radio. No Bluetooth or USB connectivity available on this model year.

Climate Control Type:

Manual climate control standard; Optional automatic climate control on some ES trims.

🔧 Maintenance

Service Intervals Oil Change:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic blend or full synthetic oil).

Service Intervals Air Filter:

Every 30,000 miles or 24 months.

Service Intervals Spark Plugs:

I4 engines: 100,000 miles (platinum or iridium); V6 engines: 100,000 miles (platinum).

Service Intervals Timing Belt:

N/A (2.0L 420A and 2.7L V6 use timing chains; 2.4L GEMA engine uses a timing belt, typically replaced at 90,000 miles).

Fluid Specifications Engine Oil:

SAE 5W-30 (preferred for most conditions), or SAE 10W-30. API certified oil.

Fluid Specifications Coolant:

Mopar OAT (Orange) Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent (50/50 mix with distilled water).

Fluid Specifications Transmission Fluid:

ATF+4 (Chrysler Material Standard MS-9602) for automatic transmissions.

Fluid Specifications Brake Fluid:

DOT 3.

Fluid Specifications Power Steering Fluid:

ATF+3 or ATF+4.

Known Issues:

Premature wear of automatic transmission components (especially early 42LE), HVAC blower motor resistor failure, potential for intake manifold gasket leaks (especially on V6), intermittent electrical issues, suspension component wear (bushings, ball joints).

Oil Capacity 4 Cyl:

Approx. 4.5 quarts (including filter) for 2.0L and 2.4L engines.

Oil Capacity V6:

Approx. 4.5 quarts (including filter) for 2.7L V6.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Dodge, a marque of Chrysler Corporation (later DaimlerChrysler), has a long history of producing American vehicles, often with a focus on performance and bold styling. The Stratus was part of Dodge's effort to revitalize its sedan lineup in the late 1990s.

Model Evolution:

The Dodge Stratus was introduced in 1995 as a replacement for the Dodge Spirit. The 2000 model represents the first generation's later iterations, with minor updates and refinements. A significant development for the 2000 model year was the introduction of the Stratus Coupe, based on the Mitsubishi Eclipse platform.

Production Location:

Sterling Heights, Michigan, USA

Production Years Model:

1995-2006 (Stratus Sedan), 2001-2005 (Stratus Coupe)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

The Dodge Stratus as a model line received varying reviews over its production run. While not a perennial award winner, it was often noted for its value proposition and styling for its segment.

Ratings IIHS:

Consult IIHS archives for specific crash test ratings for the 2000 model year. Ratings varied by test type and year.