CarGurus Header

1997 Dodge Stratus Reviews, Pricing & Specs

Write a review

$15,525 to $17,190

Original MSRP

--

expert review

4.4

avg user rating

(5 reviews)
1997 Dodge Stratus Preview summaryImage

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.

CarGurus Editorial Team
Published Aug 9, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
Sometimes our content pages are the result of a team effort. As with all CarGurus editorial, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

User reviews for 1997 Dodge Stratus

Write a review
User rating:
by Anonymous
Feb 19, 2022
Having owned numerous Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Mazda6, Mercedes C and several other midsize sedans since new, getting a used 1997 Dodge Stratus ES as a “gift” I wasn’t expecting much. At 25 years old I thought, “Well it’s free and use it till it drops dead”. This was my wife’s Grannies car and knowing her it’d be in okay shape. Having just over 130k it was like brand new. Perfect paint, perfect interior. Very gently used and well maintained. She kept EVERY service record. I was very pleasantly surprised. Drives very well in the mountains where we live and gives great gas mileage. (30+). At $4.99 a gallon that’s important. It’s comfortable on long drives and as a daily driver, I drive 60 miles every day, so comfort is important. This one is. Wow!! For a Dodge, I’m impressed! Yes this is an old American car and it is a Dodge, but my only 2 complaints are a Cassette Stereo and rather dim headlights. Changed the headlight bulbs to super bright ones and polished the lenses. I can see everything on the road at night. The stereo issue? Eh? I use my Hands Free phone on business calls most days or just roll down the windows and enjoy the mountain roads. I change all the fluids and put on new tyres and a new battery. This car is not “bad” and I don’t feel in driving a plenty box. Being 25 years old you rarely see Cars like this on the roads any more and it’s styling has not really gotten long in the tooth. Because it’s such a rare old bird and in such remarkable shape, people think it’s a new car. )the badges and name plate were removed by a car detailing service when the buffed out the paint a few years ago. Don’t mind as no one knows really what this car is. Everyone is surprised when they find out it’s a Dodge. Most think of Dodge as Aries K cars. This one surprises everyone. At most new cars with similar content now costing upwards of $35k. This free gift is truly a gift thanks worth keeping. I know this car is an exception and I don’t know very many Dodge owners who’d brag about owning one. This car is a pleasant eye opening surprise. Too bad Dodge didn’t continue to make descent cars like this. Feb 19, 2022
by James S
Jul 10, 2009
got over 230,000 miles on it and it still runs like a dream. Take care of it and it will take care of you. 2.4 engine is torquey for a four banger, still gets over 30mpg highway. Been a great car for the time I have owned it.Jul 10, 2009
by Chris H
May 18, 2008
First car I ever owned. Had it for a year after my sisters had it before i rear ended someone and totaled it. Turns out it was a total death trap according to the IIHS.May 18, 2008

1997 Dodge Stratus Pricing

Original MSRP
$15,525 to $17,190
Price range
N/A
Average price on CG
N/A
YoY price change
N/A
Dodge Stratus price trends

Trims & specs

Airbags

Dual front airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Convenience Features

Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Airbags

Dual front airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

See all trims (2)

Other years

1997 Dodge Stratus For Sale

CarGurus Footer