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The Stratus is
mechanically identical to the last-place Chrysler Sebring, but its lower
pricing than its “upscale” clone allows for the V6 option to be included for
less than $300 more than a comparably-equipped version of the 4-cylinder
Sebring. The V6 corrects the Sebring’s dreadful acceleration, but is still not
enough to offset the car’s other flaws.
The Stratus
rides quite stiffly, with road imperfections being poorly
filtered. This firmness does not however give the car a more stable feel, it
lacks control over larger bumps and at highway speeds. This comfort deficit at
least pays off in the car’s handling; while it is not particularly fun to
drive, body roll is at least capably controlled, the steering is accurate, and
the car feels reasonably agile. The available 2.7-liter V6 does not make the
car particularly quick by 6-cylinder standards, it does very well against
like-priced 4-cylinders (and is a vast improvement over the Stratus/Sebring’s
own 4-cylinder). It is also quieter than the standard 2.4-liter, but still
less so than some competitors’ engines. Wind and road noise are clearly
audible as well. The added power and refinement comes with lower gas mileage,
though the difference is almost negligible.
Inside, the front seats
are comfortable enough, if a bit too low soft. The long cushion offers very
good support, but taller occupants will want more headroom, particularly with
the optional sunroof (included here). The rear is much less accommodating,
with a low, small cushion, little headroom, and no head restraints. The dash
is finished poorly even on the well-optioned model reviewed here, a splash of
false wood along the dash does not distract from the cheap, ill-fitting
plastics that furnish virtually the entire interior. The gauges could be
clearer, but the instruments are conveniently laid out, though they could be
higher. As noted, the car lacks rear head restraints, which somewhat improves
rearward visibility, but the small windows and thick roof pillars still
compromise visibility. Entry/exit is easy enough for front-seat occupants, but
the sloped roofline, low seat, and rather narrow footwell complicate access to
the rear seat. The trunk is quite roomy, but the opening is too narrow.
The Stratus did well in
its NHTSA frontal crash test, earning five out of five stars for both the
driver and front passenger, but received a less-impressive three stars for
both the driver and rear passenger in the NHTSA side crash test, without the
optional side airbags. The IIHS rated the Stratus Acceptable, the
third-highest of five ratings, but was Poor (the lowest rating) in their
side-impact crash test. Its head restraints were also judged to be Acceptable,
but only on seats with a lumbar adjustment (included here).
The Stratus reviewed here
came in at $20,236, and was well-equipped at that price. The car doesn’t offer
such safety features as torso-protecting side airbags or stability control,
but at this price it does include antilock brakes with traction control and
curtain-style head-protecting side airbags. It also includes leather seating,
a power driver’s seat, and a sunroof. But there are other less-expensive cars
in this group that include more equipment.
Overall, a V6 Stratus is
a much better choice than a 4-cylinder Sebring at almost the same price, but
neither vehicle has the interior comfort and quality, ride comfort, or
refinement to be even considered a decent family sedan.
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