2001DodgeStratusDodge Stratus2001 Dodge Stratus ES SedanSedanSedanFWDSterling Heights, MIThe Avenger nameplate has been dropped from the Dodge lineup, replaced by the all-new Stratus Coupe. The Stratus Sedan continues with a full redesign but retains much of its predecessor's look and feel. A new engine debuts along with additional safety features that make the Stratus a family sedan in the truest sense. Last year we marveled at the list of standard options on this moderately priced sedan; this year we're rechecking our numbers again as more features debut for 2001.Exceptional value, attractive shape, fun to drive.Coupe doesn't offer rear-wheel drive, no manual transmission in the ES sedan.Chrysler obviously adhered to the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" philosophy when they redesigned the 2001 Stratus Sedan and new Stratus Coupe, formerly known as the Avenger. The previous generation benefited from a roomy cabin, stylish design, and a long list of standard features that made it the clear value leader in its class. For 2001, the Stratus retains all the features we have come to expect while still managing to up the ante with even more standard options and an exciting new R/T Coupe. Dodge felt there was a "void in the market" when it came to stylish sport coupes that didn't require a second mortgage to afford. So they took their already striking Avenger Coupe, gave it some new, slicker styling and added a larger, more powerful 3.0-liter V6 cranking out 200 horsepower and 205 ft-lbs. of torque. Mate that to a five-speed manual transmission (a four-speed automatic with AutoStick is also available), specially tuned suspension and 17-inch performance tires and you have yourself the new Stratus R/T, a legitimate performance coupe for under $25,000. Coupe customers without a performance penchant can opt for the Stratus Coupe in ES trim and still get a potent 2.4-liter engine capable of 147 horsepower and 158 ft-lbs. of torque. The coupe's interior also underwent revision this year with an easier to read instrument panel and more user-friendly controls meant to focus the driver on one thing -- driving. Of course, if your two-door days are behind you, the new Stratus Sedan is sure to appeal to those looking for something a little more family-oriented. Dodge had a value leader on their hands with the previous model, so when it came time for a redesign they simply built on the already-established strengths and incorporated even more bang for the buck and safety along with a more refined exterior look. The interior received the same treatment as the coupe, getting white-faced gauges and new materials designed to not only look better but feel better as well. Under the hood the base Stratus SE retains the same 2.4-liter four-cylinder offered in last year's model, putting out 150 horsepower and 167 ft-lbs. of torque. This powerplant can be mated to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic and incorporates refinements meant to reduce noise at all engine speeds. SE models still offer an extensive list of standard features including A/C, power windows, power mirrors, cruise control, and an AM/FM stereo cassette while adding new 15-inch wheels and tires, larger four-wheel disc brakes and a front and rear independent suspension. The upgraded ES Sedan now offers a 2.7-liter V6 that adds 32 more horsepower and 20 more ft-lbs. of torque to last year's numbers, bringing the totals up to 200 and 193, respectively. Power runs through a four-speed Autostick transmission and 16-inch chromed aluminum wheels and tires. Other ES specific highlights include fog lamps, eight-way power driver's seat, and leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. For the first time ever, the Stratus offers an optional side airbag curtain that protects both front and rear occupants in the event of a side impact. Other new safety features include a rear center shoulder belt, multi-stage front airbags to reduce the potential for injury, along with front seatbelt pre-tensioners and load-limiters for improved occupant safety and the LATCH system of child seat-tether anchors. The long list of standard features coupled with a competitive price makes it hard to overlook Stratus if you're seeking a fully loaded four-door, while the new coupe continues the philosophy of performance and functionality while still retaining an affordable price. Chevrolet MalibuChrysler SebringMazda 626Nissan Altima336,000336,000336,0005100,000NANANA62.7 litersV6200 hp @ 5800 rpm195 ft-lbs. @ 4200 rpm190.7 in.70.6 in.54.9 in.NA108 in.37.6 in.35.8 in.55.2 in.54.7 in.50.5 in.53.4 in.42.3 in.38.1 in.16 cu.ft.OptionalStandardNot AvailableNot AvailableNot AvailableNot AvailableNot AvailableRating = Not TestedRating = Not TestedNot TestedNot TestedNot TestedNot Tested16 gal.20 mpg / 29 mpg320 mi. / 464 mi.Insurance costs can vary greatly for this vehicle, depending on such factors as driver age, driver gender, teenage drivers in the household, driving records, theft loss data for your particular geographic region, miles driven per year, and other widely variable factors. Additionally, some companies charge a premium for certain makes and models, while others do not.$18,879$20,4657.35%$595N/A3% of the Total MSRPSE COUPE (5M): 2.4L I4 DOHC SMPI 16-valve engine; 5-speed OD manual transmission; 510 amp battery with run down protection; 90 amp alternator; front-wheel drive; stainless steel exhaust; touring ride suspension, front independent double wishbone suspension with anti-roll bar, front coil springs, rear independent double wishbone suspension with anti-roll bar, rear coil springs; power rack-and-pinion steering; front disc/rear drum brakes; 16.3 gal. capacity fuel tank; front mud flaps, rear lip spoiler, side impact bars; front and rear body-colored bumpers with body-colored bumper insert; body-colored bodyside molding; clearcoat monotone paint; aero-composite halogen headlamps; driver's and passenger's power remote black outside mirrors; 16" x 6" steel wheels; P205/55HR16 BSW performance A/S tires; compact steel spare wheel; air conditioning, rear heat ducts; AM/FM stereo radio, clock, seek-scan, cassette player, 6 speakers, fixed antenna; cruise control; power door locks, remote trunkrelease; 2 power accessory outlets, front lighter element(s), driver's foot rest, smokers' package; instrumentation display includes tachometer, water temperature gauge, trip odometer; warning indicators include oil pressure, water temp, battery, lights on, key in ignition, low fuel, door ajar; driver's and passenger's front airbags; ignition disable; tinted windows; variable intermittent front windshield wipers, sun visor strip, rear window defroster; seating capacity of 5, front bucket seats with adjustable headrests, center armrest with storage, driver's seat includes 6-way adjustment, passenger's seat includes 4-way adjustment; full folding rear bench seat; front height adjustable seatbelts; cloth seats, vinyl door trim insert, full cloth headliner, full carpet floor covering with carpeted floor mats; interior lights include dome light; sport steering wheel with tilt adjustment; vanity mirrors; day/night rearview mirror; full floor console, locking glove box with light, front andrear cupholders, instrument panel bin, driver's and passenger's door bins; carpeted cargo floor, cargo net, cargo light; body-colored grille, black side window moldings, black front windshield molding, black rear window molding and body-colored door handles.
SE SEDAN (4A) (in addition to or instead of SE COUPE (5M) equipment): 2.4L I4 SOHC SMPI 16-valve engine; 4-speed electronic OD automatic transmission with lock-up torque converter; 120 amp alternator; front-wheel drive, 3.94 axle ratio; 4-wheel disc brakes; 16 gal. capacity fuel tank; chrome bodyside insert; aero-composite halogen headlamps with delay-off feature; 15" x 6" black steel wheels; P205/65TR15 BSW A/S tires; 4 speakers, child safety rear door locks, power remote trunk release; 1 power accessory outlet, power front and rear windows with driver's 1-touch down; driver's seat includes 4-way adjustment and a 60/40 folding rear bench seat.
R/T COUPE (5M) (in addition to or instead of SE COUPE (5M) equipment): 3L V6 SOHC SMPI 24-valve engine; tailpipe finisher; sport ride suspension; 4-wheel disc brakes; additional exterior lights include front fog/driving lights; 17" x 6.5" silver alloy wheels; P215/50HR17 BSW A/S tires; single CD player, 7 premium speakers, graphic equalizer; power door locks with 2 stage unlock, remote keyless entry, power remote trunk release; instrumentation display includes compass, exterior temp, trip odometer; panic alarm, security system; leather-wrapped gearshift knob; leather-wrapped sport steering wheel with tilt adjustment; dual illuminated vanity mirrors; auto-dimming day/night rearview mirror.
ES SEDAN (4A) (in addition to or instead of R/T Coupe (5M) equipment): 2.7L V6 DOHC SMPI 24-valve engine; automanual transmission; 16" x 6.5" silver alloy wheels; P205/60TR16 BSW A/S tires; 4 speakers, cruise control with steering wheel controls; child safety rear door locks, garage door opener; instrumentation display includes tachometer, driver's seat includes 8-way power adjustment, lumbar support, premium cloth seats, cloth door trim insert, interior lights include, front reading lights, and illuminated entry.