Dodge has a reputation for offering some of the best rebates and financing deals on its vehicles. For example, through Tuesday the Stratus sedan can be had for $2,000 less than it normally does thanks to zero-percent financing for 36 months and 0.9 percent for 48. Also, a $3,000 rebate or zero-percent financing for 60 months can be had on the coupe.
Both the redesigned Stratus coupe and sedan offer a sporty alternative to the herds of Toyota Camrys and Honda Accords that populate America's highways. Both are capable of brisk acceleration when equipped with the V6 engine. Their cockpit-like interiors also give them muscle-car sports appeal. The downside, however, is that both lack the level of refinement found in other mid-size sedans and their rear-seat accommodations are cramped.
The Stratus's front-end design is freshened for 2004. A new grille, headlamps and fog lamps are highlighted by chrome accents. Rounding out the look are side sill moldings, a new hood and trunk lid. Redesigned wheels are standard on all models, while the coupe's look is radically altered. Its more rounded shape is less like the sedan's and looks more aggressive. Both the redesigned sedan and coupe have earned top safety ratings from federal and industry testers. In IIHS testing, the Stratus has been given 'Acceptable' ratings for driver and front passenger in the 40-mph frontal offset crash test. It has received 'Good' ratings for rollover resistance and seats/head restraints in the side impact test.
