Original Market Segment:
Compact to Mid-size Sedan
Key Competitors:
Chevrolet Cavalier, Ford Escort, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra
Model Positioning:
A practical and affordable sedan offering a balance of comfort and fuel efficiency for its class.
Target Audience:
Budget-conscious buyers, first-time car owners, small families
General Coverage:
Full service, repair, maintenance, rebuilding, refurbishing, restoration
Estimated Page Count:
Over 1500
Type:
Full Service & Repair Manual
Format:
Likely Printed or Digital (PDF/eBook)
Powertrain:
Engine (2.0L I4, 2.5L V6), Transmission (Manual, Automatic), Drivetrain (Front-Wheel Drive)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front MacPherson strut, Rear multi-link), Steering (Power rack and pinion), Brakes (Front disc, Rear drum/disc), Wheels & Tires
Electrical:
Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Ignition System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Wiper/Washer System, Horn, Audio System, Power Accessories
Body And Interior:
Body panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Windows, Seats, Interior trim, HVAC System (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning), Fuel System, Exhaust System
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks), Lubrication, Inspections
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Component testing, Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), Common problems and solutions
Repair And Rebuild:
Engine disassembly/assembly, Transmission overhaul, Brake system repair, Electrical component replacement, Suspension component replacement
Restoration And Refurbishing:
Bodywork, Interior refurbishment, Component rebuilding
Engine Timing:
Procedures for setting engine timing, belt replacement (including interference engine warnings).
Emission Controls:
Information on emission control systems, EGR, and catalytic converter operation and testing.
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine/transmission rebuilds)
Electrical Diagnostics:
Detailed wiring diagrams, component testing procedures, troubleshooting flowcharts for all electrical systems.
Suspension Geometry:
Alignment specifications, component torque values, and repair procedures for suspension linkages.
Digital Format Details:
If digital, likely PDF with searchable text and high-resolution diagrams
Print Quality Details:
If printed, expected to be high-quality paper with clear diagrams and legible text
Binding Type Details:
If printed, typically spiral-bound or perfect-bound for durability and ease of use
Paper Type Details:
If printed, typically durable, possibly glossy or semi-gloss paper for diagrams
Engine 1:
2.0L 4G63 SOHC I4 (Mitsubishi origin)
Engine 1 Displacement:
1997 cc (2.0 Liters)
Engine 1 Horsepower:
Approx. 116 hp @ 5500 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
Approx. 125 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
Engine 2:
2.5L 6G73 SOHC V6 (Mitsubishi origin)
Engine 2 Displacement:
2497 cc (2.5 Liters)
Engine 2 Horsepower:
Approx. 153 hp @ 6000 rpm
Engine 2 Torque:
Approx. 156 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane Recommended)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
ECU Type:
Chrysler proprietary ECU (likely based on Mitsubishi electronics)
Transmission 1:
5-Speed Manual Transmission (Getrag/Chrysler G360 variant)
Transmission 2:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission (Chrysler 41TE/42LE)
Automatic Features:
Electronically controlled, Lock-up torque converter
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Chrysler ATF+3 (MS-9229) or equivalent
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil
Length:
Approx. 181.8 inches (4618 mm)
Width:
Approx. 69.5 inches (1765 mm)
Height:
Approx. 54.7 inches (1390 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 103.7 inches (2634 mm)
Curb Weight Min:
Approx. 2900 lbs (1315 kg) (2.0L Manual)
Curb Weight Max:
Approx. 3200 lbs (1451 kg) (2.5L Automatic)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
4-star (1996 model year data)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
4-star (1996 model year data)
Brakes Front:
Ventilated Disc
Brakes Rear:
Drum (standard) / Disc (optional on some trims)
Airbags Driver:
Standard (Driver Frontal)
Airbags Passenger:
Optional/Standard on higher trims
Seatbelts:
Front: 3-point retractable, Rear: 3-point retractable (outboard), 2-point lap (center)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (synthetic oil recommended), or as per owner's manual. Check manual for details.
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approx. 60,000 - 100,000 miles for platinum tipped plugs (refer to manual for specific type).
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles or 2-4 years.
Engine Oil Capacity 2.0L:
Approx. 4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) with filter, SAE 5W-30 (check manual for temperature variations).
Engine Oil Capacity 2.5L V6:
Approx. 4.0 quarts (3.8 liters) with filter, SAE 5W-30 (check manual for temperature variations).
Coolant Type:
Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) or HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) compatible coolant, typically orange or pink.
Power Steering Fluid:
Chrysler MS-5991 or equivalent (Dexron II/III may be acceptable, consult manual).
Common Issue 1:
Transmission issues (especially the 41TE/42LE automatic, including solenoid failures and torque converter shudder).
Common Issue 2:
Head gasket leaks on the 2.5L V6 engine.
Common Issue 3:
Front suspension wear (ball joints, tie rod ends, control arm bushings).
Common Issue 4:
Window regulator failures.
Common Issue 5:
Interior trim degradation (e.g., peeling dashboard).
Manufacturer:
Dodge (division of Chrysler Corporation)
Generation Introduction:
First generation Stratus introduced for the 1995 model year.
Platform Sharing:
Shared the Chrysler JA platform with the Chrysler Cirrus and Plymouth Breeze.
Manufacturing Location:
Sterling Heights, Michigan, USA
Production Years:
1995-2000
