Why was the Dodge Stratus discontinued?
The Dodge Stratus was discontinued after the 2006 model year as Chrysler restructured its lineup and shifted emphasis toward SUVs and crossovers, with the Dodge Avenger serving as its successor. This reflected a broader industry trend away from aging mid-size sedans toward more versatile family vehicles.
First introduced in 1995, the Stratus existed in two generations and was offered in sedan—and in the first generation, coupe—body styles. By the mid-2000s, though, sales had waned and Chrysler chose to consolidate its product portfolio around newer designs and more profitable segments.
Background and Timeline
The Stratus debuted in 1995 as a mid-size four-door sedan, later offering a two-door coupe variant in its early years. It shared a family platform with related Dodge and Plymouth models and received a styling refresh for the 2001 model year as part of its second generation. Production for the Stratus ended after the 2006 model year, as Dodge shifted focus to newer designs and a more modern lineup.
Variants and design notes
Across its life, the Stratus was available as a sedan and, in the first generation, as a coupe. It aimed to provide affordable family transportation, but by the mid-2000s its design language and features lagged behind newer rivals, contributing to waning interest among buyers.
Factors Behind the Discontinuation
Several interrelated factors pushed Chrysler to retire the Stratus from its lineup. Below is a summary of the key pressures that led to the decision.
- Sales declined as the model aged and faced stiff competition from other mid-size sedans.
- Industry-wide shift toward SUVs and crossovers reduced demand for traditional mid-size sedans.
- Overlap with newer Dodge sedan offerings and a desire to streamline the lineup.
- Product and platform consolidation within Chrysler, aimed at improving efficiency and reducing development costs.
- Strategic timing to introduce a refreshed, more competitive model to replace the Stratus (the Dodge Avenger).
Taken together, these factors made continued investment in the Stratus impractical, leading Chrysler to retire the nameplate after the 2006 model year and pivot to new designs in its mid-size sedan segment.
Replacement and Market Context
In 2007, Dodge introduced the Avenger as the Stratus’ successor. The Avenger offered a more contemporary design, improved fuel efficiency, and better alignment with Dodge’s redesigned lineup. The broader market trend toward SUVs and crossovers persisted in the late 2000s, shaping Dodge’s product decisions and further diminishing demand for aging sedans like the Stratus.
Today, the Stratus is remembered by enthusiasts and former owners, while Dodge’s lineup has continued to emphasize crossovers, trucks, and performance models, moving further away from the mid-size sedan market where the Stratus once competed.
Summary
The Dodge Stratus was discontinued after the 2006 model year as part of Chrysler’s strategic realignment toward SUVs and crossovers and the introduction of a successor in the Avenger. Its discontinuation reflected both internal portfolio decisions and broader market trends that reduced demand for aging mid-size sedans.
Why did Dodge stop making the Stratus?
Markets and discontinuation
During the second generation's production run, sales of the Stratus sedan experienced a decline. This was attributed mainly to falling ratings from various consumer and automotive magazines amidst increasing competition in the mid-size car segment.
When did they stop making Dodge Stratus?
Dodge stopped making the Stratus sedan in May 2006, while the Stratus coupe was discontinued after the 2005 model year. The sedan production ended with the 2006 model year, and the coupe version was sold through 2005.
- Sedan: Production ended in May 2006.
- Coupe: Discontinued after the 2005 model year.
What are the common problems with Dodge Stratus cars?
Common problems with Dodge Stratus cars include engine and transmission issues, electrical problems like a failed engine computer or sensors, and water leaks often from a plugged AC drain. Other frequent complaints involve issues with the steering and suspension, such as clicking noises from the steering wheel or recalled ball joints, and AC system problems, such as a musty smell or a non-functioning fan.
Engine and powertrain
- Transmission failure: Some Dodge Stratus models have a history of transmission failure due to internal or electrical issues.
- Engine control problems: The engine control unit (ECU) or powertrain control module (PCM) can malfunction, leading to a variety of issues.
- Sensor failures: Defective speed, camshaft, or crankshaft sensors can cause performance problems, including starting issues, rough idle, and incorrect speedometer readings.
- Timing chain failure: Some 2.7L V6 engines have experienced catastrophic timing chain failure, destroying the engine.
- Oil leaks: Oil leaks can occur from the cylinder head or the cam sensor O-ring.
Electrical
- Faulty engine computer (PCM/ECU): The engine control unit can fail, sometimes after 60,000 miles, leading to various engine problems.
- Broken wiring harness: Broken wires in the harness can cause engine-related issues.
- Gauge cluster issues: The needles for the gauges may be improperly positioned.
Body and interior
- Water leaks: A common problem is a water leak inside the cabin, typically on the passenger side, caused by a clogged AC evaporator drain tube.
- Musty AC smell: This can be due to a clogged AC drain or another issue with the AC system, and can be fixed with a cleaner.
- Loose parts: Some owners have reported that door panels or even mirrors can rattle or fall off.
Steering and suspension
- Defective ball joints: Some models were subject to a recall to inspect and replace potentially damaged front lower ball joints.
- Clicking noise: A clicking noise from the steering wheel when turning is a reported issue.
- Power steering problems: Some owners have reported steering rack problems.
Heating and cooling
- HVAC blower motor resistor: The fan may only work in certain positions due to a failing resistor.
- AC expansion valve: This can cause a honking sound when the AC is on.
How long did the Dodge Stratus last?
| Dodge Stratus | |
|---|---|
| Production | June 1994–2006 (sedan) 2000–2005 (coupe) |
| Model years | 1995–2006 (sedan) 2001–2005 (coupe) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Midsize car |
