The sporty new
2001 Dodge Stratus coupe is a fooler. Despite its American-apple-pie nameplate, the car shares its platform and powertrains with the slick Mitsubishi Eclipse.
The new Stratus thus drives like a polished foreign coupe and feels more expensive than it is. The front-drive car is built at Mitusbishi's plant in Downstate Normal.
While similar to the new Chrysler Sebring coupe also built at Normal, it differs considerably from the new Michigan-built Dodge Stratus sedan.
The new coupe replaces the less refined Dodge Avenger coupe. It comes as the $17,810 base SE with a 2.4-liter, 147-horsepower four-cylinder and as the sportier $20,705 R/T with a 200-horsepower V-6.
The 3-liter V-6 costs $850 extra for the SE, but is worth the money because it provides much stronger acceleration.
But the four-cylinder has balance shafts for smoother operation and provides an estimated 23 miles per gallon in the city and 30 on the highway with the five-speed manual transmission and 21 and 27 with the $855 four-speed automatic.
The V-6 provides 20 and 28. Both engines use 87-octane gasoline.
The R/T is easily the best Stratus, with a sport suspension, four-wheel disc brakes and 50-series performance tires on 17-inch alloy wheels.
DaimlerChrysler is smart to offer the V-6 with the manual because a growing number of foreign sporty coupes, such as those from BMW, offer a manual with top-line engines.
The SE is well-equipped, with air conditioning, cruise control, AM/FM/cassette, split-folding rear seat and power windows, door locks and mirrors.
The R/T adds a leather-wrapped wheel, upscale sound system and remote keyless entry. Key options include a $1,045 leather interior for the R/T, $685 power sunroof for both models and an anti-lock brake system.
Unfortunately, the anti-lock system isn't offered for the SE. It costs $565 for the R/T manual-transmission model and $740 for the R/T automatic. As a bonus, the system comes with traction control when gotten for the R/T automatic.
The automatic costs $825 for the SE and $990 for the R/T, and the R/T version can be shifted like a clutchless manual.
The R/T has quick steering, agile handling, supple ride and powerful brakes, with a nice feeling pedal. The manual shifter is only notchy when rushed and works with a good clutch.
But acceleration is lazy in fifth gear because it's strictly an overdrive gear; downshifts to fourth or third gears are needed for quick 65-75 mph passing times.
Four adults fit comfortably in the quiet interior, which has high-grade materials. Front seats are commendably large and supportive, and the rear seat is elevated for better rear passenger forward vision.
However, knee room behind a 6-foot driver is tight if he pushes his seat back to get comfortable. Gauges are easily read in the Eclipse-style dashboard, and front/rear cupholders are sturdy. But climate controls should work more smoothly, and sound system controls are too small for easy operation.
A big windshield and low hood allow great forward visibility, but the high rear shelf makes it impossible for a driver to see where the trunk ends when looking through the back window. The trunk is large, but its opening is high and the lid has old-fashioned gooseneck hinges.
Rear seatbacks fold forward to enlarge the cargo area, although the pass-through opening from the trunk is only moderately large. The new Stratus--especially the R/T version--is the best Dodge coupe in years, and promises to make this nameplate a stronger entry in the sporty coupe market.