Lost in the shuffle between the roaring of Dodge’s burgeoning performance lineup, which includes the 500-horsepower Viper, the 215-horse Neon SRT-4, and the new Hemi-powered Ram pickup, is a decent, stylish and affordable family car.

No, it’s true.  You might not have noticed it behind the squealing tires and exhaust smoke, but the Dodge Stratus is still a big part of Dodge’s lineup.  Additionally, they’ve added an entry-level SXT model, which combines popular options in a package that doesn’t feel “entry-level” at all.  With 16″ wheels, cruise control, a CD player and a price under $20,000, the five-passenger Stratus SXT is a hot performer in all of the categories that matter off of the racetrack.

Facelifted a couple of years ago, Dodge’s crosshair grille is the dominant theme of the Stratus.  The cab-forward mid-size sedan’s rounded face is almost all grille, with available round fog lights flanking it for a sporty appearance.  The Stratus is low and wide for its class.  Available five-spoke 16″ wheels fill the wheel wells nicely, and the rear quarters effectively mimic the larger Intrepid sedan.  The Stratus is something of an in-between size, like Pontiac’s Grand Am.  The Stratus looks much more with the times than the aging Grand Am, too.  The sporty R/T model adds 17″ wheels, a body-colored grille and a spoiler to the Stratus for a more aggressive look.

Inside, the Stratus is plain but far from cheap.  We found the front seats to be comfortably high off the floor for tall drivers, in spite of the Stratus’ low roof height.  The dash is a forbidding wall of black plastic, with air conditioner and radio controls mounted in a mid-level binnacle.  The dash’s horizontal trim makes the Stratus feel wide and spacious inside.  Controls are straightforward.  True to its small-family mission, the Stratus sedan features folding rear seats and comfortable cloth on all surfaces.  Leather, a 120-watt sound system, and side-curtain airbags are optional.

Two engine choices are offered in the Stratus lineup.  Leading the fuel economy pack is a 2.4 liter four-cylinder, with 150 horsepower, standard in the SXT.  It’ll get up to 30 mpg on the freeway.  Not enough power?  Move up to the ES and R/T models, which are equipped with an all-aluminum 2.7 liter V6.  Not only does the V6 put out an additional fifty horses, but it also a flexible fuel engine, turning the Stratus in to Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) able to run on gasoline, ethanol or a mixture of both.  Both engines are mated to a four-speed automatic as standard equipment.  The Stratus R/T comes with a five-speed manual as standard.  An AutoStick selectable automatic is also offered on the R/T.

Keeping the tires on the road is a suspension that Dodge calls “sport-tuned.”  Race cars may have inspired the double-wishbones up front and the multi-link rear suspension, but the Stratus is very civilized around town.  The R/T’s suspension is tighter, tuned for a moderate amount of friskiness on curvy roads.  Four-wheel disc brakes are standard on all models, and anti-lock brakes are available.

The SXT is probably the best value in the Stratus lineup, but Dodge’s bread-and-butter sedan can be had in four flavors.  The SE is a step below the SXT, and lacks the fancier wheels and some of the options.  Moving up from the SXT will put you into the SE, which adds the V6 engine and a variety of power standard features.  The range-topping R/T is the hot rod, with the more aggressive styling, big 17″ wheels and five-speed manual.  The SXT starts at $18,475 after package discounts are added.

Specifications:
All specs are for the 2003 Dodge Stratus.
Length:     191.2 in.
Width:        70.6 in.
Height:        54.9 in.
Wheelbase:    108.0 in.
Curb weight:    3269 lb. (est)
Cargo space:    16 cu.ft.
Base price:        $18,475
Engine:     2.7 liter DOHC V6
Drivetrain:     four-speed automatic, front-wheel drive
Horsepower:     200 @ 5800
Torque:     190 @ 4850
Fuel capacity:        16 gal.
Est. mileage:        20/28

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