Segment:
Mid-size Coupe, often marketed as sporty and stylish.
Key Competitors:
Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, Toyota Camry Solara, Honda Accord Coupe, Mitsubishi Eclipse.
Design Philosophy:
Aims to offer a blend of affordability, sporty styling, and practicality within the coupe segment.
Platform Sharing:
Leverages Chrysler's partnership with Mitsubishi, sharing its platform with the Mitsubishi Eclipse and Galant, contributing to diverse engine and chassis options.
Target Audience:
Younger buyers, individuals seeking a stylish coupe with accessible pricing.
Primary Coverage:
Comprehensive owner's information for the 2005 Dodge Stratus Coupe.
Specific Systems:
Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lights, Driver Controls, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints, Driving Information, Customer Assistance, Maintenance, Engine Compartment, Engine Oil, Battery, Fuel Information, Air Filter, Part Numbers, Refill Capacities, Lubricant Specifications, Accessories.
Estimated Page Count:
Approx. 200-300 pages (typical for a comprehensive owner's manual of this era).
Format:
PDF (Digital Download)
Driver Interface:
Detailed explanations of all dashboard indicators, warning lights, and gauges within the instrument cluster. Operation of climate control systems (HVAC), including A/C, heating, and ventilation.
Comfort Convenience:
Operation of the infotainment system (radio, CD player, speakers), including basic functions and settings. Explanation of interior and exterior lighting controls, including headlights, taillights, and interior illumination.
Safety Security:
Information on seat belt usage, airbag systems, child seat installation, and other passive safety features. Operation of power locks, remote keyless entry, and vehicle security systems.
Vehicle Operation:
Guidance on basic driving techniques, starting and stopping procedures, and operation of vehicle controls (steering wheel, pedals, gear selector).
Maintenance Routine:
Detailed information on routine maintenance tasks, including checking and topping off engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid. Procedures for checking tire pressure and condition.
Engine Compartment:
Identification and location of key engine components, fluids, and filters. Basic troubleshooting for common engine-related issues.
Fluid Management:
Step-by-step instructions for checking engine oil level and adding oil, checking and filling coolant reservoir, checking brake fluid level, and refilling windshield washer fluid.
Tire Maintenance:
Guidance on checking tire pressure, understanding tire wear, and potentially changing a flat tire (though detailed tire-changing procedure might be basic).
Lighting Adjustment:
Information on operating various exterior and interior lights, including headlight aiming (if adjustable by owner).
Basic Troubleshooting:
Guidance on identifying and addressing common dashboard warning lights and minor operational issues.
Cleaning Care:
Recommendations for interior and exterior cleaning and care of the vehicle.
Depth:
Owner-focused, covering operation, basic maintenance, and safety. Does not typically include in-depth diagnostic procedures, wiring diagrams, or complete disassembly/reassembly instructions found in service manuals.
Engine Options:
2.4L Inline-4 (GEMA engine family, co-developed with Mitsubishi) and 3.0L V6 (Mitsubishi 6G72 SOHC V6).
2.4L I4 Hp:
150 hp @ 5800 rpm (approximate for 2005 model year).
2.4L I4 Torque:
160 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approximate for 2005 model year).
3.0L V6 Hp:
200 hp @ 6000 rpm (approximate for 2005 model year).
3.0L V6 Torque:
205 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approximate for 2005 model year).
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 synthetic or synthetic blend recommended (check manual for exact specification).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) for 2.4L, Approx. 5.0 quarts (4.7 liters) for 3.0L V6 (with filter change, check manual for exact specification).
Air Filter Part Number Example:
Common part numbers include Purolator A35495, Fram CA8826, Wix 49352 (always verify with vehicle VIN).
Transmission Type 2.4L:
5-speed manual transmission.
Transmission Type Optional:
4-speed automatic transmission (with optional Overdrive).
Transmission Type V6:
4-speed automatic transmission (standard on GT trim, often optional on base models).
Automatic Transmission Features:
Electronic control, torque converter lock-up for improved efficiency.
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (Chrysler's specification for automatic transmissions, verify with manual).
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 3.5 - 4.0 quarts (3.3 - 3.8 liters) for refill, higher for complete overhaul (check manual).
Length:
Approx. 193.7 inches (491.0 mm).
Width:
Approx. 70.1 inches (1780 mm).
Height:
Approx. 55.2 inches (1402 mm).
Wheelbase:
Approx. 107.7 inches (2735 mm).
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x114.3 mm (5x4.5 inches).
Curb Weight 2.4L:
Approx. 3150 - 3300 lbs (1429 - 1497 kg).
Curb Weight 3.0L V6:
Approx. 3350 - 3500 lbs (1519 - 1588 kg).
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
Good (for 2003-2004 models, likely similar for 2005, but specific 2005 rating may vary).
NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:
Good (for 2003-2004 models, likely similar for 2005).
IIHS Front Offset Crash Test:
Acceptable or Good (depending on year and specific tests, based on sibling vehicles).
Braking System:
Front: Ventilated Disc Brakes; Rear: Disc Brakes (standard on V6, may be drum on base 2.4L).
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) typically standard, especially on V6 models.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags, side-impact airbags (optional on some trims).
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts for all seating positions, pretensioners for front seats.
Latch Anchors:
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system for child seat installation.
Audio System:
Factory-installed AM/FM stereo with CD player and 6 speakers (standard). Optional premium audio systems available.
Display:
Basic LCD display for radio information and clock.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control for highway driving.
Auxiliary Input:
Not typically available on standard factory units; aftermarket solutions exist.
Remote Keyless Entry:
Available on most trims for keyless entry and unlocking.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, when using synthetic or synthetic blend oil (refer to manual for exact recommendation based on driving conditions).
Air Filter Replacement:
Recommended every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km) or as needed based on driving environment (dusty conditions require more frequent checks).
Spark Plug Replacement:
For the 2.4L engine, typically iridium spark plugs with a life of 100,000 miles (160,000 km). For the 3.0L V6, platinum plugs with a life of 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km) depending on type (check manual).
Coolant Change Interval:
Initial change at 100,000 miles (160,000 km), then every 50,000 miles (80,000 km) or 5 years thereafter (using Mopar OAT coolant).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for exact specification).
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Refer to manual; typically a specific power steering fluid or ATF+4.
Engine Minor Issues:
Potential for oil leaks, PCV valve issues, and occasional misfires, particularly on the 2.4L engine.
Transmission Issues:
Automatic transmission may exhibit rough shifting or delayed engagement; regular fluid changes are critical.
Suspension Components:
Worn control arm bushings, sway bar links, and ball joints are common wear items.
Electrical Issues:
Issues with power windows, door locks, and dashboard warning lights can occur due to aging wiring or modules.
Dodge History:
Dodge, a division of Chrysler, has a long history of producing a wide range of vehicles, from performance cars to trucks and minivans.
Stratus Coupe History:
The Stratus Coupe replaced the Dodge Avenger. It was part of Chrysler's strategy to leverage global partnerships for platform development, in this case, with Mitsubishi. The coupe styling aimed to provide a more youthful and sportier alternative to the Stratus sedan.
Production Years:
The Dodge Stratus Coupe was produced from 2001 to 2006.
Manufacturing Location:
Assembled in the United States, leveraging shared platforms with Mitsubishi.
Awards History:
While not a recipient of numerous major awards, the Stratus Coupe aimed for affordability and style in its segment. Its sibling vehicles, based on the same platform, received varying reviews.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Consumer reports often rated the Stratus Coupe's reliability as average to below average, common for vehicles with shared platform components from different manufacturers.
Safety Certifications:
Complies with all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) applicable to the model year.