2001 Dodge Stratus SE from North America

Summary:

Do NOT buy this car!

Faults:

Driver side electric window makes a loud clicking sound as it goes up.

Ignition switch and cylinder broke twice.

Transmission had to be replaced at 26,000 miles.

Passenger side window fails to function occasionally.

General Comments:

When I bought the car I purchased an extended warranty. Two days later I was back at the dealership with a list of complaints. The service department told me that either I was just hearing things, or the sounds I was hearing were "normal operating noise"; especially the "normal operating noise" coming from the transmission. A week later, in rush hour traffic, my car wouldn't shift out of first gear. I had to call the manufacturer's corporate office to demand they fix it because the service department told me my warranty didn't cover a transmission! They even lost my car after I had it towed in.

My ignition broke the first time and I couldn't remove the key. Then I had it fixed. Cost $525. It broke again.

When my battery died, I went to replace it myself, but I discovered I couldn't replace it because I would have to remove the entire front fender to access the battery and all the bolts are plastic, so they would break. I took it to an independant mechanic to replace it and it cost $157 to replace the battery.

I have never been more unhappy with a car and feel like I have been ripped off. I can't depend on this thing and will never purchase another Dodge/Chrysler vehicle!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 11th November, 2006

8th Jan 2007, 08:41

I had a 2001 Stratus.. I didn't have any problems with it. Most of the time you will have to change the solenoids which control the fluid transmission pressure (must of the time it depends of the way you treat it). Not the entire transmission.

In my case I had to change the solenoids because I used to treat the automatic transmission as it were manual.

To replace the battery you should remove the left front wheel. You will find access to the battery storage place.

27th Oct 2007, 11:39

I have this car - and I love it. I did have a problem with the windows - but, they go back up so to me that's a little thing. this car is 6 yrs old. also, I have had a problem with the Ignition switch - but, this is once in a blue moon, twice a year, and it starts and I don't have the problem again, takes a minute to get my key in right. all in all - these are not a reason for me not to buy this car. I would definately recommend it to others.

I did change the battery - which you do have to take off the tire to do it - but, we got it done, and my husband is not a mechanic.

2001 Dodge Stratus R/T 3.0 Liter V6 from North America

Summary:

A real joy to drive, I love it!

Faults:

The battery went dead while I was at work. I went to Auto zone to get a new battery and found out that the battery was fine, but the negative terminal was corroded badly. Since the negative terminal is a cheap piece or metal wrapped around the post, I cut the terminal and installed a terminal with the bolt on the end to tighten. I bought a battery anyway so I should have no problems from here on out with that part of the electronics. Other than that I have not had anything happen so far.

General Comments:

I love this car. I am so glad I purchased it. The acceleration is awesome for a 6 cylinder and the 5 speed is very precise and comfortable.

The ride is smooth on newer pavement and a bit rough on older pavement and kinda feels like a stock car in some instances.

The interior is roomy and I have the seat set back about 3/4 of the way and I'm 6'-0" tall. It is very comfortable.

I have gotten 29.9 mpg one time in the last month I have had it, with driving roughly 50-60 miles a day. My drive to work is probably 20% city, 40% country road and 40% highway. I average 28.5-29mpg.

The sound system is excellent and the 6 disc changer is nice.

If they make them with 5 speeds again I am sure I will buy another one.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th October, 2006