Dodge Stratus

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{{Infobox Automobile |image=Image:2002DodgeStratusSedan-Silver.jpg |name=Dodge Stratus |manufacturer=Chrysler Corporation
DaimlerChrysler |production=1995–2006 |predecessor=Dodge Spirit |successor=Dodge Avenger (JS) |class=Mid-size |body_style=2-door coupe (2001-2005)
4-door sedan |platform=FF JA/JR |transmission=5-speed manual
4-speed 41TE automatic |related=Chrysler Cirrus
Chrysler Sebring
Plymouth Breeze |similar=Chevrolet Malibu
Ford Taurus }}

The Dodge Stratus (and its twins, the Chrysler Cirrus and Plymouth Breeze; collectively known as the "Cloud Cars") are mid-size 4-door sedans introduced in 1995. They were based on the Chrysler JA platform. The Stratus, Breeze, and Cirrus were all on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 1996 and 1997.

1 First-generation (1995-2000)
2 Second generation (2001-2006)
3 Third generation (2007-)
4 In pop culture
5 External links

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First-generation (1995-2000)

Image:Stratus.jpg

The Dodge Stratus, the middle entry of the JA platform (with the Cirrus being the higher-end model and the Breeze being the lower-end model), was introduced in 1995 with two models: the SE, which came standard with the 2.0 L straight-4 and had the 2.4 L as optional, and the ES, which came standard with the 2.4 L and had the optional 2.5 L V6.

The cars had many parts that were interchangable between each model. The exteriors of these three cars were very similar, with the front fascia, rear bumper, taillights, and wheels being the main differences. The interiors had much more variation between the three models, when compared to their subtle exterior differences.

All three variants of the JA platform were available with most of the same standard features and available options, such as the following: a four-speed automatic transmission, anti-lock brakes, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, power windows, power door locks, power driver's seat, leather seats, power antenna, a six CD changer, sunroof, remote keyless entry, anti-theft system, etc. A five-speed manual was available with the 2.0 L engine.

A turbocharged version of the Stratus was sold in Mexico, with the 2.4 L DOHC 4-cylinder engine and a 4-speed automatic transmission with AutoStick. This car had 168 hp (125 kW) at 5200 rpm and 216 ft·lbf of torque at 2200 rpm.

Image:Stratus '95.jpg

The Stratus was sold in Europe, with the 2.0 L and the V6, as the Chrysler Stratus, although it retained the Dodge styling.

Specifications:

Overall length: 187 in (4.7 m)
Curb weight: 3,181 lb (1,442 kg)
Towing capacity: 1,000 lb
Torque: 168 ft·lbf at 5500 rpm

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Second generation (2001-2006)

In 2001, the Stratus became the last of the surviving Cloud Cars, with the Cirrus renamed as the Sebring and the Breeze discontinued. After Dodge discontinued the Avenger, they renamed the new coupe as the Stratus, while the Chrysler model of the coupe continued to be called Sebring and now shared a name with the sedan. The Dodge Stratus was dropped for the Canadian market.

The Stratus and Sebring sedans use a revised version of the JA platform named JR. The coupe models with the same names are entirely different cars; they are actually based on the Mitsubishi Eclipse. The coupes were dropped from the lineup after 2005, and the Stratus is scheduled to be discontinued in 2007, even though the Sebring will live on.

In Mexico, the Stratus R/T comes in a turbocharged version. The Stratus R/T's turbocharged 2.4 L engine went through some improvements in 2001, when horsepower was increased to 215. Engines built from March 2004 and later generate 225 hp at 5200 rpm and 235 ft·lbf (319 N·m) of torque at 4200 rpm. Stratus R/T models with the turbocharged engine can be recognized by a rear badge saying "High Output".

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Third generation (2007-)

The Stratus and Sebring will be replaced in 2007 by new vehicles using a shared DaimlerChrysler/Mitsubishi Motors platform called the GS. For the new midsize cars, the GS platform is stretched in size and will be known as the JS. Chrysler will sell a sedan and convertible as the Sebring, while the Avenger name returns to a sedan for Dodge - purportedly with Charger styling cues. The new Avenger may also arrive for the Canadian market.

The Dodge Stratus, along with the Chrysler Sebring, will be built in Russia from late 2007 or early 2008 on, and will be sold under a Russian brand. The license and production facilities for these cars were sold to Russian billionaire Oleg Deripaska in April 2006, who owns the GAZ company in Nischni Nowgorod, which builds the Wolga automobile. The price is approximately US$151 million (€ 124 million). The new production facilities are planned to build up to 65,000 cars of both models yearly.

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In pop culture

In a sketch on Saturday Night Live, Will Ferrell's "Dad" character famously screamed, "I drive a Dodge Stratus!" in desperation to his dysfunctional family as an example of the fear and respect afforded him by his colleagues at work. The phrase itself became a very minor pop culture phenomenon reflecting a disdain for lower and middle class "luxury" items and middle managers in general. Transcript here: http://snltranscripts.jt.org/97/97kdinner.phtml

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