Home » Car Reviews » Dodge » Stratus » 2003 Dodge Stratus Midize Coupe
2003 Dodge Stratus Midize Coupe
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On Stratus R/T, the automatic shifter also includes a clutch-less shift mode called AutoStick.
Simply pull the shift lever back into the manual setting and you can make gear-by-gear shifts without having to pump a clutch.
We log seat time in Stratus over the Appalachian Mountains of Georgia while sampling versions like Stratus R/T with the AutoStick four-speed automatic and base SXT with a five-speed manual.
What these drives demonstrate is the confident road manners plus an exacting quality in the way all of the mechanical hardware meshes together. We really like the stiff yet smooth ride characteristics and see that Sebring can be downright agile when steered through a set of curves, such as the snaky course on Georgia 5 from McCaysville to Blue Ridge through the Chattahoochee National Forest.
The chassis design for Stratus is strong, due to stiff rails and cross braces that enhance the platform's rigidity to resist bending and torsional twisting. This rigid structure becomes the foundation for attaching suspension components that feel tight and precise.
Suspension elements include front MacPherson struts with lower A-arms, braces for shock towers and an anti-roll bar added. In the rear, the multi-link arrangement employs upper A-arms that unite with the lower lateral and semi-trailing links, plus anti-roll bar.
The steering system -- with speed-sensitive power governing the rack and pinion mechanism -- reacts quickly and provides excellent feedback.
Brakes build in complexity, starting with ventilated discs up front and rear drums with tandem booster power assistance on Stratus SXT but solid discs in back on the R/T. Computerized anti-lock brakes (ABS) with a traction control system (TCS) are optional for R/T.
Passive safety measures include three-point seatbelts for all five seat positions and dual-stage frontal air bags, with curtain-style air bags that tuck into the headliner above side windows also available.
The structural scheme for Stratus carves out generous space for riders by extending the windshield forward to the firewall and increasing the length and width of the cabin while abbreviating space up front for the engine.
Sculptured dashboard indentions flanking the central pod of climate and audio controls define individual cockpits for driver and passenger.
Instruments, clustered below an arched cowl, display round analog gauges. The bright white faces on gauges are ringed by bezel trimmed in faux carbon-fiber.
Two high-back bucket seats draped in cloth fabric or optional leather flank a center console in front of a bench for three that has folding seatbacks split 60/40 for access to the trunk.
Unlike some sports coupes, Stratus has a chassis that's long enough to leave room in the backseat for adult riders.
Another rare trait for a smooth coupe concerns the bottom line, as Dodge casts Stratus with affordable price points that begin at $20,090 for the SXT with a manual shifter or $22,585 for Stratus R/T with the manual.
