Faults:

It started leaking a small amount of oil from the right side of the head gasket at 40,000 miles. I have never fixed it, and it has never got any worse.

The check engine light came on at 50,000 miles, but went off after a few thousand miles.

The right front brake caliper froze up at 82,000 miles. It cost $35 for a rebuilt caliper, and I put it on myself.

I have had a problem with the wheel studs breaking off when I take my tires off. However they are very cheap and easy to replace.

General Comments:

A lot of people seem to have head gasket problems with these cars, but even though mine has been leaking oil for some time it has yet to blow out on me.

This car has been very dependable, and a joy to own. I have driven my stratus very hard, and fast ever since it was new and it is always ready for more.

The car's performance is outstanding for it's class, and is well matched to its handling. I haven't been able to find this cars limits, and trust me I have tried. It seems to hug turns like a roadster half it's size. Not like the mid-priced family sedan that it is.

Overall I have been very impressed with all the Chrysler products that I have owned. However this new generation of Chrysler's puts the day's of the "K" car to shame.

Faults:

Recently the suspension makes a slight clicking noise on moderate bumps.

The power steering has begun to stick slightly on extreme turns.

General Comments:

The car is amazingly comfortable to sit in for long periods of time.

I love this car. I have absolutely no complaints. I highly recommend the Stratus to anybody. It has a highly modifiable interior, which looks great and is very spacious.

It handles very well for a sedan.

The ride is very smooth, even after 140k miles.

It has never once had anything completely crap out under the hood. The only item I've had to replace since purchasing it was the brakes. Everything else is the original off the assembly line.

Faults:

I'm just one of the many who have had the head gasket go out on the 2.0L engine. This is an extremely common failure from what I see on web postings. Chrysler was not willing to discuss it, but rather lectured me that if there was a problem, the government would order a recall. I had to explain to her that recalls are typically ordered for safety-related, not reliability-related problems. The local dealer was equally unresponsive. However, I had dealer repair in order to minimize damage and will take Chrysler to small claims court armed with a boatload of Internet-gleaned complaints.

General Comments:

Other than that, it's a peppy ("zippy" in my wife's parlance) car that is fun to drive locally compared to my '94 Town Car.

Faults:

Timing chain 15,000 miles.

Wheel Bearing 6 months ago 92,000 miles.

Head Gasket & Thermostat at 111,000miles.

General Comments:

I loved my Dodge Stratus until recently. It seems as though since I've hit the 100,000 mile mark the car has gone to crap. It looks nice, drove nice, except going over 60 there was a lot of engine noise. We paid 13K in 97 for the Stratus and just have it paid off. It feels like we are still making payments since almost every month we have it in the shop to have something or another fixed on it. Re-sale value sucks. Won't buy another Dodge.