Segment:
Mid-size Sedan/Coupe
Key Competitors:
Chevrolet Impala, Ford Taurus, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima
Vehicle Type:
Front-wheel drive (FWD) or All-wheel drive (AWD) on some variants of the sibling Chrysler Sebring Coupe
Design Philosophy:
Cab-forward design, emphasis on interior space and comfort within its class.
Engine:
2.0L SOHC I4 (420A), 2.4L DOHC I4 (EDZ/EDG Turbo), 2.7L DOHC V6 (EER), 3.0L DOHC V6 (6G72)
Transmission:
42LE (4-Speed Automatic), NV1500 (5-Speed Manual)
Brakes:
Front Disc (Vented), Rear Disc (Solid), ABS, Rear Drum (on some trims)
Suspension:
Front MacPherson Struts, Rear Multi-Link Beam Axle
Steering:
Hydraulic Power Steering
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams, fuse box locations, component testing, diagnostic procedures
Body And Chassis:
Frame, panels, doors, glass, interior trim, bumpers
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning system diagnosis and repair
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, pump, injectors, lines, evaporative emissions
Cooling System:
Radiator, thermostat, water pump, coolant hoses, fan clutch
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plugs, fluid checks and changes
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based repairs, DTC interpretation
Repair:
Component removal, installation, rebuilding, and adjustment
Overhaul:
Engine, transmission, and major component overhauls
Diagnostics:
OBD-II system, sensor testing, actuator testing
Specifications:
Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical resistance
Depth:
Full mechanical and electrical system coverage, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds
Engine 1:
2.0L SOHC I4 (420A)
Engine 1 Displacement:
1996 cc (121.8 cu in)
Engine 1 Horsepower:
132 hp @ 5800 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
127 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
Engine 2:
2.4L DOHC I4 (EDZ/EDG Turbo)
Engine 2 Displacement:
2378 cc (145 cu in)
Engine 2 Horsepower:
145 hp @ 5800 rpm (EDZ), 168 hp @ 5000 rpm (EDG Turbo)
Engine 2 Torque:
156 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (EDZ), 219 lb-ft @ 2200 rpm (EDG Turbo)
Engine 3:
2.7L DOHC V6 (EER)
Engine 3 Displacement:
2736 cc (167 cu in)
Engine 3 Horsepower:
200 hp @ 6000 rpm
Engine 3 Torque:
192 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm
Engine 4:
3.0L DOHC V6 (6G72 - Mitsubishi)
Engine 4 Displacement:
2972 cc (181 cu in)
Engine 4 Horsepower:
173 hp @ 5200 rpm
Engine 4 Torque:
195 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended, 91 for R/T Turbo)
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
Good
NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:
Good
IIHS Side Impact:
Acceptable (for models with side airbags)
ABS:
Standard on ES and R/T, optional on SE
Airbags Front:
Driver and Passenger front airbags
Airbags Side:
Optional front side-impact airbags
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional cassette player, and premium Infinity sound system
Climate Control:
Manual or automatic climate control (optional)
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims
Power Accessories:
Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles (or 5,000 miles with synthetic oil)
Engine Coolant Change:
Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles or 2-3 years
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (depending on driving conditions)
Spark Plug Replacement:
60,000 - 100,000 miles (depending on plug type: copper vs. platinum/iridium)
Engine Oil:
5W-30 (API SN or later, meeting Chrysler MS-6395)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 quarts (4.3 L) with filter for 2.0L/2.4L, 5.0 quarts (4.7 L) for V6s
Power Steering Fluid:
Chrysler MS-5901 (or equivalent Mopar ATF)
Common Issue 1:
Cracked dashboard (especially in warmer climates)
Common Issue 2:
Transmission solenoid/valve body issues (especially with the 42LE)
Common Issue 3:
Rear axle bearings (on models with beam axle) can wear
Common Issue 4:
Oil leaks from valve cover gasket or oil pan gasket
Common Issue 5:
HVAC blend door actuator failures
Brand:
Dodge (Chrysler Corporation/DaimlerChrysler)
Generation:
Second Generation Stratus (introduced 2001 for the 2001 model year)
Platform Sharing:
Shared platform with the Chrysler Sebring (JR) and Dodge Avenger (JS - later generation)
Production Period:
1995-2006 (Stratus nameplate)
Manufacturing Location:
Sterling Heights Assembly Plant, Michigan, USA
Safety Award 2002:
IIHS Top Safety Pick (for models with specific safety features)
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Mixed to Below Average (historically, as per CR ratings for this model year)
Emissions Certification:
Meets EPA emission standards for its class and year