I dig my Stratus...

I purchased a Dodge Stratus this past June. After wrecking my previous car, I was unprepared for a car payment so my criteria for a new purchase was quite based on price.

The Stratus fit my needs almost to a T. Cheap (16000 sticker), very nice looking, room for my daughter's car seat. The Stratus has an enormous trunk. Before I had a chance to sit in one, I was told that the car had very little head room...not true. While not cavernous, plenty of headroom is available. Leg Room? Just enough for me. At 6 feet, the farthest back setting on the seat is juuuust enough to sit comfortably. I would strongly suggest very tall people not consider this car. Overall interior look and feel: I give it an A.

Quiet, very smooth ride. The only problem I have is the transmission. While the combination of 4-doors and a stick shift is a rare one, this is what I own. The problem I have with the transmission is an odd rattle when the engine is at the very least bit "dogging it". Once the RPM's increase, the rattle goes away. The rattle may not, however, be a consistent issue with all Stratuses.

Another interesting thing featured is that all things that the buyer will need to maintain (oil, fluids, etc.) are all marked yellow under the hood. The dipstick, oil cap, fluid caps, etc. are all yellow so they are easily noticed. Oil plug and filter are very easily accessed. Battery is located in front of the front-left tire!

Overall rating: B+