The 1997 Dodge Stratus comes with a standard 132 hp, 2.0-liter engine. An optional engine on both trims is the 150 hp 2.4-liter engine, and the ES has one step more, with an optional 168 hp, 2.4-liter engine. Both trims come standard with a 5-speed manual transmission, with a 4-speed automatic optional, giving you more convenience during your drive, but a loss of gas mileage. The manual tranny get about 26/27 mpg, while the automatic only giets 20/29 mpg (city/highway). Anti-lock brakes, passenger and river airbags, and power locks help to keep everyone in the car safe while you're making use of the engine and transmission that you chose. The interior of the 1997 Dodge Stratus is a good size for a 5-person sedan. Not only is there plenty of passenger room, but the trunk has 15.7 cubic feet of storage space, more than enough for groceries, sports equipment, or musical instruments. Air conditioning, power windows, leather seats, and a CD player are all available in both trims of the 1997 Dodge Stratus, keeping you comfortable on all of your day-to-day driving excursions. Owners label this as an OK car. There are a number of consistent problems that people have had with the 1997 Dodge Stratus, including head gasket leaks, transmission failure, and all sorts of other engine problems, but for an around town car, they seem to agree that it is decent. Most people were very happy with the gas mileage, and the lack of speed and acceleration make this an excellent car for a beginning driver. While owners wouldn't define the 1997 Dodge Stratus as the best car on the road, it gets them from place to place, even if they do have to toss some money into the engine now and again.