Our Family Sedan - 2001 Dodge Stratus ES

Comfortable, reliable, and easy to drive, I highly recommend the 2001 Dodge Stratus ES. We purchased this vehicle – used – in March of 2002. Almost one year later, we continue to be pleased with its performance. At the time we researched several sedan styles, initially considering purchase of a Mazda or Honda. However, after test driving several styles, it was the Dodge Stratus that continued to offer the features we desired, within the price range we were comfortable with. After using a couple online car sites, we located the 2001 Dodge Stratus ES for an exceptional price. It paid to shop online, as the price was truly the lowest offered by the dealer.

At 5ֵ” I am petite, my hubby is 5ֽ”, we have to reposition the seat, mirrors and steering wheel for either driver. The Eight-Way Power Driver's Seat, Power Windows, and Dual Power Mirrors , allow for proper positioning, with ease, and quickly accomplished. We feel that our 2001 Dodge Stratus is spacious. My husband, our two daughters, and myself are comfortable during short and long road trips. Our older daughter is 5’ and finds any of the three seat positions in the back comfortable. Naturally the middle isn’t as spacious but she has rode there without complaint.

Regardless of freeway, rural, or other road ventures, the ride is smooth. The 2001 Dodge Stratus ES is primarily my vehicle. Considering that my place of employment is within our home, this vehicle is mostly used for weekday errands and weekend excursions. We have taken a few mini-vacations with it. The trunk area is spacious, enabling two suitcases, a garment bag, and a couple other duffel bags. This car is often used to deliver our older daughter to softball events, or our younger daughter to dance lessons and competitions. Again, with the spacious trunk, toting their needed gear is simple.

We wanted leather seats, and continue to be pleased with the black leather interior. It cleans well, has handled occasional spills, and continues to offer comfort. I like the vanity mirrors, both have a light option. This has proven to be a valuable option, which I greatly appreciate.

One feature that I find frustrating, are the driver and front passenger cup-holders. Located in-between the dash console and the gear shift, on the floorboard, these cup-holders fail to facilitate tall drinks. A typical can of soda, or a standard latte fit well. But if you try to put a large drive-thru soda or big gulp type of beverage into these – forget it! There isn’t enough clearance between the cup-holders and the dash console. In addition, the storage area directly in front of these fails to properly hold the items in place. Go around a corner, out flies the trinkets or CD cases. However, the middle cargo console is spacious, allowing for safe storage of gloves, change, sunglasses, CD’s, and other desired items. The front doors both offer a small storage area, perfect for a map, mileage booklet, and small flashlight. The glove box holds the owner’s manual and other needed items. The back of the front passenger seat has a pocket, allowing storage of magazines or other similar items. Two drink-holders are located on the back of the center cargo console, allowing the rear passengers to store a beverage. We are pleased with the layout of the dash. All instruments are easy to use, gauges are positioned unobstructed & are easy to read, and this carries true for turn signals, wipers, and other items. The primary color of the dash is black, with accent panels that have a mahogany/black marble appearance. With the exception of the front drink holders, overall we are satisfied with the interior.

As mentioned earlier, the trunk is spacious. A cargo net was included with purchase, and attaches to the floor and top of the trunk. This divides the trunk in two, allowing for devoted space. The cargo net is perfect for storing items such as a first aid kit, emergency kit, travel blanket, travel pillow, and other items that you want to access quick. When attached, this net provides a perfect area, near trunk opening, to line grocery bags. I am thankful for this feature, because the groceries stay in place, as does milk and 2 ltrs. To the rear of the net I usually have two golf umbrellas, two – four foldable chairs, a couple blankets, and some other items. The rear passenger seat folds forward, expanding the trunk capacity – as needed. The trunk has exceeded our expectations.

Our 2001 Dodge Stratus ES has not required emergency maintenance. Outside of preventative maintenance, a needed tire replacement (due to construction zone and a large nail **grrrrr**), and some self-initiated customizing, we have encountered zero repair expenses.

Now, I am not mechanically inclined, nor do I know official language for explaining engine performance. But I am a critical consumer, and have my own set of expectations for a vehicle. I expect to get into the car, turn the key, and voilà. When merging onto the freeway, I expect the vehicle to GO! When climbing a hill, I expect go-power. Pretty typical expectations, yet I don’t want gutless performance. Thankfully the 2001 Dodge Stratus ES has performed as expected, with plenty of merging power, incline performance, passing power, and overall reliable travel. During the - nearly one year - of ownership, we have driven approximately 17,000 miles with the 2001 Dodge Stratus ES. Mileage varies, usually in the range of 22 - 26 mpg, less during periods of solid in-town, better mileage on road trips.

Unfortunately we have had occasions of rapid braking need, and one of these occurrences was during a rainstorm. Thankfully the 2001 Dodge Stratus ES completed quick stops, without injury to driver or passengers. Speaking of safety, car seats and booster seats have been easy to install.

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Details
Engine: 2.7-liter DOHC 24-valve
Trans: Automatic
Drive: Front-Wheel Drive
Mileage: 25,000

Equipped With:
Rear Seat ISOFIX Child Restraint Anchors
ABS with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD)
Front-Wheel Drive
Dual Front Airbags
Side-Impact Door Beams
3-Point Front Seatbelts with Adjustable Anchors
Air Conditioning
Analog Instruments With Tachometer
Leather Seating and Trim
Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
Eight-Way Power Driver's Seat
Power Windows
Power Door Locks
Dual Power Mirrors
Remote Keyless Entry
Premium 120-Watt Audio System with Six Speakers with Single-Disc CD Player
Power 4-Wheel Disc Brakes
16-Inch Cast Aluminum Wheels With P205/60TR16 All-Season Tires
Rear Passenger Assist Grips Premium Headliner
Front Courtesy Map Lights
Dual Illuminated Visor Vanity Mirrors
Trip Computer
++++Information From Owner's Manual, Sale Invoice, and Brochure++++
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©2003 Lisa_J