2004 DODGE Stratus

Great Starter Car

Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 3 Safety Rating: 4 Technology Rating: 4 Value Rating: 4

I bought this car after my '98 Plymouth Neon was totaled. She had been through 2 or 3 owners, she has a salvage title, and she had lived in Upstate New York all her life. I paid $2,250, 72,000 miles on the odometer. The frame is still in good condition, unfortunately all the parts are just about rusted to nothing. I've put a decent amount of work into this car, replacing the entirety of the suspension and steering system which piece by piece has started failing, all after putting about 60,000 miles on her. The only parts I have not replaced yet are the control arms which are still holding up well. The engine runs extremely well and for being a four cylinder it has some decent get up and go, especially in comparison to my last car. The steering is smooth, the seating is comfortable, and overall I have found her to be a reliable car. I've driven her back and forth from Texas to New York 3 times now, and plan on driving her to Arizona from Texas next month. The dash is pushed up and not on properly, which I'm not sure if it is due to the heat or the previous damage she took. It's comfortable for me and easy to get into, although she sits low. Plenty of space in front and in back, friends have told me it's a spacious coupe that gives more leg room than their cars. Perfect engine and perfect transmission, it's a sporty looking little cruiser that makes a great first car.