1997 Dodge Stratus Regular Regular from North America

Summary:

Best Car Ever!!!

Faults:

I have not really have many problems with my stratus. The only things that I have found wrong with it are, that I have had the serpentine belt blow on me twice. I also have had the fuel injector replaced twice. Most of the other small problems where, my dealership did not put on a bolt tight enough or put on the wrong part. This happened very often.

General Comments:

This car has a great look and handles beautifully.

However when I put my money into it I thought I was getting ripped off, but after all these years it is worth every penny I spent on it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th March, 2006

1997 Dodge Stratus ES 2.5L V6 from North America

Summary:

Great car!!

Faults:

Sensors malfunctioned at 155 000, I just took it out and cleaned the oil build up off and it worked fine.

For some reason the trunk only opens with the key sometimes.

Engine burns a little oil.

General Comments:

Engine runs great besides burning oil, the car handles very well and looks good. The auto stick lets you rev the engine and is a lot faster then the automatic. Even though I was in an accident recently the cars alignment is perfect and theres no major flaws I can complain about.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th November, 2005

1997 Dodge Stratus ES 2.6 from North America

Summary:

It is the most reliable, dependable, and sturdy vehicle I've owned

Faults:

Head gasket blew at 55,000.

Low quality stereo system.

General Comments:

This car has run consistently well in the two years that I have owned it. Moveable and replacement parts are expected to break down. My car has had only one that needed it. My only complaint is about the low-quality stereo, which I had to replace.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th November, 2004

9th Jan 2005, 10:20

In reply to your review, I too have had the same problems as you with the Dodge Stratus. Currently, it is in the shop with a head gasket blown and I am in pursuit of a new stereo system. I'm having problems however finding speakers that will fit in the dash. Do you have any suggestions?

1997 Dodge Stratus 2.4 liter from North America

Summary:

Nickel and dime you to death

Faults:

Had the head and block replaced at 35,900 miles under warranty.

Both wheel hub assemblies, tie rods, upper and lower oxygen sensors, starter have been replaced.

Timing belt and water pump have been replaced.

Two sets of brake rotors, going on a third set because they rust out and pit so bad.

General Comments:

The car runs great when it runs. I like the look and ride of it. The maintenance is kept up to date. It's understood that a car with that many miles will have some replacement needs. You just keep hoping that it will run without any problems for 3 months.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 22nd October, 2004

1997 Dodge Stratus Base 2.4 DOHC from North America

Summary:

OK Looks, If only it could keep its oil in the engine

Faults:

Brake Rotors/Pads 5,000 Miles.

Head Gasket 18,000 Miles.

Head Gasket 90,000 Miles.

General Comments:

The car is roomy, but the passenger seat is not comfortable.

If it were not for the head gasket & brakes it would be a very good car.

Handles reasonably well.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 7th July, 2004

1997 Dodge Stratus 2.0L SOHC from North America

Summary:

The neon of the mid-size car. GREAT PRICE

Faults:

Didn't have one problem with the car till 60000 miles. The car started to leak oil from the head gasket. I was loosing a quart every 1000 miles. Drive car to 102000 miles before installing a MLS head gasket. Replaced head gasket, water pump, timing belt, head bolts, valve cover gasket, cam position sensor gasket, valve cover gasket, idler, serpentine belt, power steering belt, intake manifold gasket, and thermostat. Most of the parts listed above are either routine maintenace for this car or are needed when replacing a head gasket. I am happy the DODGE redesigned the head gasket to a performance MLS gasket. I am going to keep the car until it drops. I should be able to get 250000 miles be a new car.

General Comments:

The car is fun to drive is you like driving a stick.

The engine noise is louder that a camry or accord.

The interior room is bar none.

The gas mileage is what I bought the car for, and getting in the mid 30,s is GREAT.

Beware, the head gasket, ball joints, and brakes are a problem with this model.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th March, 2004

9th Apr 2006, 11:02

Lastest updated.

My car is running great. I have over 152,000 miles. I had to re-solder two resistors on the instrument panel to fix an intermittent odometer and tachometer.

9th Apr 2006, 14:05

Hey, that is really cool! I love to hear instances of people who figure out how to fix things themselves, rather than whining about how the dealer charged them $500 to tighten a nut. It seems as though people complain about the most trivial things anymore, as if our society has lost the "hands-on" ability now that we're all data entry workers. Back when the Model T developed a rod knock, people used to tear down the bearings and wrap a leather Boy Scout belt around the crankshaft like an oversized bearing and keep driving it!