DODGE Stratus 2001-2005 Photos, engines & full specs

Part of the cloud-series vehicles, the Stratus shared its JR platform with the Chrysler Cirrus and the Plymouth Breeze, but it was the last survivor of this series of vehicles.

In 2001 it became obvious that the "cloud-car" concept was a failure, and the sales were slow. Yet, Chrysler decided to keep the Stratus and even refreshed its design. The car was quite reliable and pleased its customers, but the design trends were already different, and there were just two trim levels to choose from.

Chrysler penned the Stratus during the bio-design era, and that trend was already gone. Unfortunately, that means that the curved lines of the bodywork were no longer up to date. Moreover, introducing a new front fascia that featured Viper-inspired headlights and a new cross-hair grille was not enough to increase the car's sales.

Inside, the car received a few improvements in the safety sector. However, the optional ABS didn't look good for a vehicle produced in 2001. At the front, Dodge installed a pair of bucket seats covered in velour. At the same time, leather upholstery was offered as an option. In the back, the 60/40 split-folding bench could accommodate three passengers and provided access to the trunk. There was a wrap-around feeling for the driver created by the dashboard's look. The white dials with red needles looked sporty, albeit the four-door sedan was not exactly a sports car.

Under the hood, the base version named SE featured a 2.4-liter inline-four engine. At the same time, the top trim level, the ES, boasted a 2.7-liter V6 powerplant that provided 200 ponies.