Segment:
Mid-size sedan and coupe
Target Audience:
Families and individuals seeking practical and stylish transportation
Key Competitors:
Chevrolet Malibu, Ford Fusion, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima
Design:
Distinctive styling, particularly the coupe version, offering a sportier alternative within its segment.
Value Proposition:
Offered a blend of styling, comfort, and affordability.
Powertrain Options:
A range of inline-four and V6 engines to cater to different performance and economy needs.
Powertrain:
Engine (2.0L, 2.4L, 2.7L, 3.0L), Transmission (automatic, manual if applicable), Drivetrain, Exhaust System
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), Steering, Brakes (ABS, hydraulic, parking brake), Wheels and Tires
Electrical:
12V Battery System, Charging System, Starting System, Ignition System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Gauges, Wiper/Washer System, Horn
Body:
Body Structure, Exterior Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Glass, Seals, Interior Trim, Seats, Restraint Systems (Airbags, Seatbelts)
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, Refrigerant System
Emissions:
Emissions Control Systems, Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP), Catalytic Converter
Diagnostics:
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) system, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Wiring Diagrams, Component Testing
Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks and Top-offs, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Replacement, Tune-ups
Repair:
Engine Rebuilds, Transmission Overhauls, Brake System Repairs, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Replacement, Body Panel Repair
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults
Installation:
Component installation and removal procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic adjustments to complete component overhauls and diagnostics
Diagnostic Tools:
Detailed descriptions for using specialized diagnostic equipment and procedures
Engine 1 Displacement:
2.0L (1996 cc)
Engine 1 Type:
SOHC Inline-4
Engine 1 Power:
Approx. 134 hp @ 5800 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
Approx. 131 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Engine 2 Displacement:
2.4L (2378 cc)
Engine 2 Type:
DOHC Inline-4 (Chrysler World Engine)
Engine 2 Power:
Approx. 150 hp @ 5800 rpm
Engine 2 Torque:
Approx. 155 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Engine 3 Displacement:
2.7L (2736 cc)
Engine 3 Power:
Approx. 189 hp @ 5800 rpm
Engine 3 Torque:
Approx. 190 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Engine 4 Displacement:
3.0L (2972 cc) - Mitsubishi V6 (for earlier models, may still be referenced)
Engine 4 Type:
SOHC V6 (Mitsubishi)
Engine 4 Power:
Approx. 152 hp @ 5500 rpm
Engine 4 Torque:
Approx. 172 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Ignition Type:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) or Coil-on-Plug (COP) depending on engine
Transmission Type Sedan:
4-Speed Automatic (41TE/42LE)
Transmission Type Coupe:
4-Speed Automatic (41TE/42LE)
Transmission Type Optional:
5-Speed Manual (Getrag G240 - less common, primarily with 2.0L/2.4L engines)
Automatic Features:
Overdrive, electronically controlled
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Chrysler ATF+4 (MS-9602) or equivalent
Automatic Transmission Capacity:
Approx. 9.0 - 10.0 quarts (8.5 - 9.4 liters) for refill
Wheelbase:
Approx. 106.9 inches (2715 mm)
Length Sedan:
Approx. 193.7 inches (4919 mm)
Length Coupe:
Approx. 193.7 inches (4919 mm)
Width:
Approx. 70.9 inches (1801 mm)
Height Sedan:
Approx. 56.9 inches (1445 mm)
Height Coupe:
Approx. 55.1 inches (1400 mm)
Wheel Size:
15-inch or 16-inch standard, 17-inch optional (depending on trim)
Tire Size:
Commonly P205/65R15, P215/60R16 (check specific trim)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3200 - 3500 lbs (1451 - 1588 kg) depending on engine and configuration
NHTSA Driver Front Impact Rating:
Good (for 2004 model year, likely)
NHTSA Passenger Front Impact Rating:
Good (for 2004 model year, likely)
IIHS Side Impact Rating:
Acceptable or Good (check specific testing reports for 2004 Stratus)
ABS:
Standard or Optional depending on trim level
Traction Control:
Optional on some models
Airbags:
Front airbags (driver and passenger) standard, side airbags optional on some trims
Seatbelts:
Front 3-point seatbelts with pretensioners, rear 3-point seatbelts
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional premium audio system.
Climate Control:
Manual or automatic climate control systems available depending on trim.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims.
Keyless Entry:
Available on higher trims.
Interior Power:
12V accessory power outlets.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles (4,800 - 8,000 km) or 6 months, depending on driving conditions (consult manual for specifics based on oil type used).
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed or every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Cabin Air Filter:
Inspect/replace annually or every 12,000 miles (19,000 km).
Spark Plugs 2.0L/2.4L:
Approx. 100,000 miles (160,000 km) with platinum-tipped plugs.
Spark Plugs 2.7L V6:
Approx. 100,000 miles (160,000 km) with platinum-tipped plugs.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years for conventional coolant, longer intervals for OAT coolant (verify type).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km) for typical use, more frequently for severe duty.
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (API certified, meeting MS-6395 specification - check manual for exact recommendation)
Engine Oil Capacity:
2.0L/2.4L: Approx. 4.0 - 4.5 quarts (3.8 - 4.3 liters). 2.7L V6: Approx. 4.5 - 5.0 quarts (4.3 - 4.7 liters). (Consult manual for exact capacity with filter change).
Coolant Specification:
Chrysler/Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (MS-7170 for older green type, MS-9769 for HOAT orange type) or equivalent.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (consult manual)
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF+4 or power steering fluid meeting Chrysler MS-10838 (check manual)
Engine Noise 2.7L:
Timing chain tensioner issues can lead to rattling noises, particularly on startup.
Transmission Shifting:
Occasional rough shifting or hesitation in automatic transmissions.
Suspension Wear:
Front suspension components like ball joints and control arm bushings can wear prematurely.
Ac System:
Leaks in the AC system, particularly at the compressor or O-rings, can lead to refrigerant loss.
Evaporative Emission System:
Faulty purge valves or vent solenoids can trigger Check Engine lights.
Power Window Motors:
Window regulators and motors can fail over time.
Dodge Legacy:
Dodge, a division of Chrysler, has a long history of producing diverse vehicles from performance cars to trucks and minivans.
First Generation:
1995-2000 Dodge Stratus (JA platform), closely related to the Plymouth Breeze and Chrysler Cirrus.
Second Generation:
2001-2006 Dodge Stratus (updated JA platform for sedan, new JR platform for coupe). The 2004 model is part of this generation.
Coupe Development:
The Stratus Coupe was a rebadged Mitsubishi Eclipse coupe, sharing its platform and many components.
Manufacturing Location:
Belvidere Assembly Plant, Illinois, USA
Production Period:
2001-2006 (Second Generation)