1997 Dodge Stratus Review, Prices, Photos

1997 Dodge Stratus Review, Prices, Photos

1997 Dodge Stratus Review, Prices, Photos

1997 Dodge Stratus (continued)

Walkaround

Typical of recent Chrysler design strategy, the Stratus, Cirrus and Breeze are a little bigger than their direct competitors at the small end of the mid-size segment, as well as slightly roomier yet competitively priced. The Stratus has a roominess-to-price ratio that has earned positive ratings on a number of best-buy and best-value lists.

And of course, it represents another design home run for its parent company. We think these are the best looking cars in their class, bar none.

The Stratus wears a low beltline and expansive glass similar to a Honda. Of course, the Stratus bears Chrysler's signature cab-forward design, which pushes the wheels to the far corners of the car, leaving little overhang in the front and rear. That's how its unique dimensions, aggressive stance and roomy interior are achieved.

The Stratus comes in two trim levels, the base model (from $15,495, including destination) and the ES (from $17,180), with a wide selection of features available on both, plus three engine and two transmission choices. Our tester was a top-of-the-line ES with a V6 engine.

Introduced as an all-new model in May 1995, the Stratus gets improvements for 1997 aimed at reducing interior noise and enhancing the vibes from the audio system through better radio, cassette and CD players. New features for 1997 include a full center console with storage, a coin holder, rear cupholders and an armrest. Two new exterior colors, Dark Chestnut and Deep Amethyst, have also been added to the palette.

Interior Features

While the outside of the Stratus looks closer to a small car than a mid-size, looks prove deceiving once inside. The interior is extremely roomy and airy. The Stratus can comfortably accommodate four passengers with very good leg and headroom in front, and outstanding space in the rear. Like most cars in this size class, it's rated for five passengers, but, also like most, three's a crowd in the back seat.

The seats are quite comfortable and provide ample support even during long journeys. An integrated child seat for the back is available as an option, a convenient feature that results in the little one always being properly restrained, whereas child safety seats are often installed improperly.

The Stratus has full instrumentation, attractively marked and nicely illuminated after dark. Its controls are easy to reach and easy to read. The addition of the standard full center console, which had been optional before, is a significant improvement.

Not only can the Stratus carry four adults in comfort, it can carry their belongings as well. The trunk, easy to load with its low liftover and wide opening, is very large for a small mid-size car. Cargo-carrying capacity can be expanded by folding down the rear seat. Items like skis and surfboards can be placed in the trunk and slid into the rear seat by a lockable passthrough.

A release latch for the pass-through to the trunk has been added inside the trunk so when you're loading long items, you don't have to walk around and open the car doors in order to unlock the pass-through. (Chrysler designers came upon this clever new feature while watching Christmas shoppers try to load their wares in mall parking lots.)

Safety features include dual airbags, side-guard door beams and front seat height adjustable shoulder belts. Keyless remote entry is available, as is an optional personal security package. Antilock braking is optional on the basic Stratus, standard on the ES.

1997 Dodge Stratus Review, Prices, Photos