Segment:
Compact Coupe / Entry-level Sporty Coupe
Competitors:
Honda Civic Coupe, Toyota Celica, Mitsubishi Eclipse, Ford Focus Coupe, Chevrolet Cavalier/Cobalt Coupe
Design Philosophy:
Stylized, coupe body style with a focus on affordability and accessible performance.
Target Audience:
Younger buyers, individuals seeking a sporty-looking vehicle without a premium price tag.
Coverage:
Features, controls, maintenance schedules, do-it-yourself activities, towing, safety considerations
Estimated Pages:
Approximately 250-300 pages (typical for owner's manuals of this era)
Powertrain:
Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system
Transmission:
Automatic transmission operation and basic care
Brakes:
Brake system overview, ABS operation
Electrical:
Lighting, fuses, battery care, basic electrical system information
Comfort And Convenience:
Climate control, audio system, power accessories, seating adjustments
Safety Systems:
Airbags, seat belts, child restraint systems
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, fluid checks and top-offs, tire pressure checks, filter replacement guidance
Do It Yourself:
Basic checks, minor adjustments, wiper blade replacement, bulb replacement
Towing:
Towing capacity, trailer wiring, proper towing procedures
Emergency Procedures:
Jump starting, tire changing, basic troubleshooting
Depth:
Owner-level information, focusing on operation, basic maintenance, and safety. Not a full service manual for in-depth repairs.
Readability:
Readable on Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems
Editability:
Non-editable content, but printable
Print Capability:
High-resolution PDF suitable for clear printing
Binding:
N/A (Electronic PDF)
Paper Type:
N/A (Electronic PDF)
Engine Code:
ED1 (2.0L SOHC I4)
Bore X Stroke:
87.5 mm x 83.0 mm
Horsepower:
132 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
130 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with coil-on-plug
Emissions Control:
Catalytic Converter, Oxygen Sensors, EGR (where applicable)
0-60 Mph Approx:
9.5 - 10.5 seconds (Varies by transmission and driver)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Tank Capacity:
14.0 gallons (53 liters)
Optional Engine:
EER (2.7L V6)
V6 Horsepower:
200 hp @ 6000 rpm
V6 Torque:
192 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm
Standard Transmission:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission (42LE)
Optional Transmission:
5-Speed Manual Transmission (Getrag MM5MP - typically with the 2.0L engine)
Automatic Features:
Electronically controlled, adaptive shift logic
Manual Features:
Single disc clutch, standard gear ratios
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mopar ATF+4 (or equivalent)
Automatic Transmission Capacity:
Approximately 8.5 quarts (8.0 liters) for complete refill
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Good (for the 2001-2006 generation)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
Good (for the 2001-2006 generation)
IIHS Front Offset Driver:
Acceptable (for the 2001-2006 generation)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional (often part of a package)
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags, optional side airbags
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters for front occupants
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD player, optional Infinity speaker system, optional subwoofer
Climate Control:
Manual climate control, optional automatic climate control
Power Accessories:
Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors
Keyless Entry:
Optional remote keyless entry
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific driving conditions)
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or every 30,000 miles
Spark Plugs:
Replace at 60,000 - 100,000 miles depending on plug type (iridium recommended)
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (API certified)
Coolant Type:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, or equivalent (often a 50/50 mix)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) with filter for 2.0L; 4.0 quarts (3.8 liters) with filter for 2.7L V6
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 7.0 - 7.5 quarts (6.6 - 7.1 liters)
Common Problems:
Transmission issues (shifting problems, solenoid failures), HVAC blower motor resistor failure, oil leaks, minor electrical glitches, catalytic converter failure on higher mileage vehicles.
Dodge Legacy:
Dodge has a long history in American automotive manufacturing, known for performance-oriented vehicles and a range of car and truck segments.
Stratus Lineage:
The Stratus nameplate was used for Dodge's mid-size sedan (DB platform) and the coupe variant (DJ platform), which was essentially a rebadged and restyled Mitsubishi Eclipse.
Production Period:
2001-2005 (for the Coupe generation)
Manufacturing Plant:
Diamond-Star Motors (DSM) plant in Normal, Illinois (joint venture with Mitsubishi)