The 1999 Dodge Stratus is a mid-size sedan, initially introduced in 1995. It came in sedan and coupe body styles, although the coupe was actually based on a Mitsubishi platform. Key trims included the base, ES, and SE, offering varying levels of features. The 1999 model aimed to offer a sporty alternative in the family sedan segment. New, they typically ranged from $14,000 to $19,000. It was popular for its relatively affordable price and distinctive styling.
The Good
The 1999 Dodge Stratus offered a comfortable ride and relatively sporty handling, appealing to drivers who wanted more than just basic transportation. It presented good value for money, especially on the used market. While not exceptionally reliable, it was generally serviceable. Its stylish design, for its time, provided a degree of emotional appeal.
The Bad
Potential buyers should watch out for transmission issues, particularly in models with higher mileage. Rust can be a problem, especially in areas with harsh winters. Electrical gremlins and failing sensors were also commonly reported. The 2.7L V6 engine is known for sludge build-up if not properly maintained with regular oil changes.
1999 Dodge Stratus: Quick Overview
- Engine Options:
- 2.0L Inline-4: 132 hp
- 2.4L Inline-4: 150 hp
- 2.5L V6: 168 hp (available on some models)
- 2.7L V6: 200 hp (later model year, may not apply strictly to 1999)
- Horsepower: Ranged from 132 hp to 168 hp depending on the engine.
- Fuel Economy:
- 2.0L I4: Around 23 mpg city / 32 mpg highway
- 2.4L I4: Around 22 mpg city / 30 mpg highway
- 2.5L V6: Around 19 mpg city / 27 mpg highway
- 0-60 Times:
- 2.0L I4: Approximately 10-11 seconds
- 2.4L I4: Approximately 9-10 seconds
- 2.5L V6: Approximately 8-9 seconds
- Towing Capacity: Not recommended for towing. Negligible capacity, if any.
- Trim-Level Features:
- Base: Standard features included air conditioning, basic audio system, cloth seats, and manual windows/locks.
- ES: Added features like power windows/locks, upgraded audio system, and sometimes alloy wheels. May include cruise control.
- SE: Trim varied depending on the year and region but typically included a mix of features from the base and ES trims, often with unique styling elements. Could include fog lights and rear spoiler.
- Optional Features: Included features such as sunroof, leather seats (on some models), premium sound systems, and anti-lock brakes (ABS).
1999 Dodge Stratus Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 1999 |
| Make | Dodge |
| Model | Stratus |
| Trim | - |
| Style | - |
| Type | Sedan |
| Category | Compact Car |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | United States |
| Manufacturing City | - |
Dimensions
| Doors | - |
| Curb Weight | - |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | - |
| Overall Height | - |
| Overall Length | - |
| Overall Width | - |
| Wheelbase Length | - |
| Standard Seating | - |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | 2.4 L 4-Cyl. |
| Engine Size | 2.4L |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 |
| Transmission | - |
| Transmission Type | - |
| Transmission Speeds | - |
| Drivetrain | - |
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | - |
| Steering Type | - |
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | - |
| Invoice Price | - |
| Delivery Charges | - |
Vehicle History Report
Vehicle
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Analysis
Analysis
What Problems Does the 1999 Dodge Stratus Have?
The 1999 Dodge Stratus, like many cars of its era, had its share of reported problems. A common concern was transmission failure, particularly in models with higher mileage or those that hadn't received regular maintenance. Owners frequently reported issues with the automatic transmission slipping or failing altogether. The 2.7L V6 engine, although not as common in the 1999 model as in later years, was known for sludge buildup if oil changes were neglected. This sludge could lead to serious engine damage. Electrical issues were also prevalent, including problems with sensors, power windows, and the car's computer system. Rust, especially in areas where salt was used on roads during winter, was another significant concern. Suspension components, such as struts and ball joints, were prone to wear and tear. Recalls for the 1999 Dodge Stratus were issued for various safety-related issues, including potential problems with the airbag system and brake components. Owners should check the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) website to determine if their specific vehicle was affected by any recalls. Long-term reliability was a concern, with many Stratus models experiencing a decline in performance and an increase in repair costs as they aged.
How long will the 1999 Dodge Stratus last?
With proper maintenance, a 1999 Dodge Stratus could potentially reach 200,000 miles or more. However, many examples will have significantly less life left due to age and potential neglect. Regular oil changes, transmission fluid services, and addressing issues promptly are crucial. The biggest long-term durability concerns revolve around rust, transmission wear, and engine sludge (especially if equipped with the 2.7L V6 in later years or swapped in). Electrical components are also prone to failure as the car ages. Due to their age, finding a well-maintained example might be challenging, and increased maintenance should be expected.
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
The 1999 Dodge Stratus offered basic technology for its time. The standard entertainment system typically consisted of an AM/FM radio with a cassette player. Higher trims might have included a CD player, but advanced features like Bluetooth or navigation were not available. Driver-assistance features were limited; power steering was standard, and cruise control was available on some trims.
Safety features included standard front airbags. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) were an optional feature, providing improved braking performance in emergency situations. Side airbags were not available on this model year. The Stratus was not equipped with modern driver-assistance systems like lane departure warning or blind-spot monitoring.
Crash-test ratings from the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) for the 1999 Dodge Stratus typically showed moderate performance in frontal crash tests. Results varied depending on the specific test and body style (sedan vs. coupe). The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) may have also conducted tests, and their ratings should be consulted for a more comprehensive assessment of the vehicle's safety. Overall, the 1999 Dodge Stratus offered a level of safety and technology consistent with other vehicles of its era, but it lacks the advanced features found in modern cars.
Safety features included standard front airbags. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) were an optional feature, providing improved braking performance in emergency situations. Side airbags were not available on this model year. The Stratus was not equipped with modern driver-assistance systems like lane departure warning or blind-spot monitoring.
Crash-test ratings from the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) for the 1999 Dodge Stratus typically showed moderate performance in frontal crash tests. Results varied depending on the specific test and body style (sedan vs. coupe). The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) may have also conducted tests, and their ratings should be consulted for a more comprehensive assessment of the vehicle's safety. Overall, the 1999 Dodge Stratus offered a level of safety and technology consistent with other vehicles of its era, but it lacks the advanced features found in modern cars.
What Colors Options are Available?
Exterior Colors
Bright White
Black Clearcoat
Deep Sapphire Blue Metallic Clearcoat
Flame Red Clearcoat
Champagne Pearlcoat
Interior Colors
Driftwood Satin Glow
Dark Slate Gray
1999 Dodge Stratus Prices and Market Value
When new, the 1999 Dodge Stratus ranged from approximately $14,000 to $19,000, depending on the trim level and options. Currently, used market prices are very low, typically ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars depending on condition, mileage, and location. Depreciation has been significant due to the vehicle's age, reliability concerns, and the availability of newer, more advanced vehicles. Factors affecting resale value include the vehicle's overall condition, mileage, maintenance history, and whether it has any major mechanical issues. Models with lower mileage and a well-documented service history will command slightly higher prices.
1999 Dodge Stratus Cost of Ownership
Insurance costs for a 1999 Dodge Stratus are generally low due to its age and relatively low value. Fuel costs will depend on the engine and driving habits, but expect average fuel economy. Maintenance and repair costs can be unpredictable. While parts might be affordable, the age of the vehicle means that various components are likely to fail, potentially leading to higher repair bills. Due to potential maintenance needs and lower fuel economy than modern cars, it's not the most economical vehicle to own in the long run, unless you can perform repairs yourself.
1999 Dodge Stratus Fuel Efficiency
Fuel Type
-
Fuel Capacity
-
City Mileage
-
Highway Mileage
-
1999 Dodge Stratus Safety Rating
NHTSA
1999 Dodge Stratus Recalls & Defects
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
Recall date
1999-09-15
Recall no.
99v244000
Source
NHTSA
Summary
Vehicle Description: Passenger Vehicles. THE Right Rear Brake Tube CAN Contact THE Exhaust System Clamp and Wear A Hole IN IT.
Consequence
Daimlerchrysler Recall NO. 843. IF This Happens, THE Tube Could Leak, Reducing THE Effectiveness OF One-Half OF THE Diagonally Split Braking System, and Resulting IN Longer Stopping Distances.
Remedy
Dealers Will Inspect THE Brake Tubes FOR Visible Evidence OF Contact With THE Exhaust System Clamp. IF THE Tube Shows Evidence OF Contact, IT Will BE Replaced. IF NO Evidence OF Contact Exists, THE Tube Will BE Fastened With A Clip.
Notes
Owner Notification Began November 22, 1999.owners WHO Take Their Vehicles TO AN Authorized Dealer ON AN Agreed Upon Service Date and DO NOT Receive THE Free Remedy Within A Reasonable Time Should Contact Daimlerchrysler AT 1-800-992-1997. Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Auto Safety Hotline AT 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump
Recall date
2006-10-23
Recall no.
06e088000
Source
NHTSA
Summary
Certain Tigas Fuel Pump Modules Manufactured Between June 1 and September 24, 2006, Sold Under Various Brand Names and P/Nos. These Fuel Pump Modules ARE Sold AS Aftermarket FOR USE IN Certain Daimlerchrysler Vehicles Listed Above. Silicone Material Used IN Manufacture OF THE Flapper Valve WAS Out-Of-Specification, Leading TO Excess Swell OF THE Flapper Valve Restricting THE Flow OF Fuel TO THE Fuel Pump Module.
Consequence
Fuel Restriction Could Result IN Loss OF Power And/Or Engine Stall, Possibly Resulting IN A Vehicle Crash.
Remedy
TI Automotive Will Notify Owners and Replace THE Defective Fuel Pump Modules Free OF Charge. THE Recall Began ON October 6, 2006. Owners MAY Contact TI Automotive Toll-Free AT 1-877-461-1834.
Notes
This Recall Only Pertains TO Aftermarket Fuel Pump Modules and HAS NO Relation TO ANY Original Equipment Installed ON Vehicles BY Daimlerchrysler.customers MAY Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty: 1-800-424-9153); or GO TO Http://Www.safercar.gov.
Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever and Linkage:floor Shift
Recall date
2004-01-13
Recall no.
04v021000
Source
NHTSA
Summary
ON Certain Passenger Vehicles, THE Floor Shifter Ignition-Park Interlock MAY Fail and Allow THE Shifter TO BE Moved OUT OF THE Park Position With THE KEY Removed. AN Inoperative Interlock MAY Also Allow THE KEY TO BE Removed When THE Shifter HAS NOT Been Placed IN THE Park Position.
Consequence
Either Circumstance MAY Result IN THE Vehicle Rolling Away Without Warning.
Remedy
Dealers Will Install A NEW Load-Limiting Push ROD Into THE Floor Shifter Lever OF THE Affected Vehicles. Owner Notification Began ON June 14, 2004. Owners Should Contact Daimlerchrysler AT 1-800-853-1403.
Notes
Daimlerchrysler Recall NO. C45.customers CAN Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Auto Safety Hotline AT 1-888-Dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).
Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:hose, Piping, and Connections
Recall date
2006-01-05
Recall no.
06v001000
Source
NHTSA
Summary
ON Certain Passenger Vehicles Equipped With 2.4 Liter Engines, THE High Pressure Power Steering Hose MAY Prematurely Heat AGE and Develop A Leak.
Consequence
Power Steering Fluid Leakage IN THE Presence OF AN Ignition Source MAY Result IN AN Underhood Fire.
Remedy
Dealers Will Replace THE High Pressure Power Steering Hose Free OF Charge. THE THE Recall Began ON April 10, 2006. Owners MAY Contact Daimlerchrysler AT 1-800-853-1403.
Notes
Daimlerchrysler Recall NO. E23.customers MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236(Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO Http://Www.safercar.gov.
Equipment
Recall date
2009-07-07
Recall no.
09e043000
Source
NHTSA
Summary
Import Products IS Recalling 30,351 Fuel Filters Sold TO and Branded BY THE Affinia Group AS Carquest P/N 86523, Napa P/N 3523, and WIX P/N 33523 FOR USE AS Replacement Equipment ON THE Vehicles Listed Above. These Filters MAY Develop A Leak IN THE Hose Assembly And/or Connectors DUE TO Improperly Adhered Line Connectors.
Consequence
This Condition MAY Result IN A Vehicle Fire.
Remedy
THE Affinia Group Will Notify Owners and THE Filters Will BE Replaced Free OF Charge. THE Safety Recall Began ON August 1, 2009. Owners MAY Contact WIX Filter Return Center AT 1-704-869-7411 or Import Products AT 1-508-279-8207.
Notes
This Recall Only Pertains TO Affinia Group Aftermarket Fuel Filters and HAS NO Relation TO ANY Original Equipment Installed ON THE Listed Passenger Vehicles.owners MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO <A Href=http://Www.safercar.gov>http://www.safercar.gov</a> .
Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Ball Joint
Recall date
2009-10-09
Recall no.
09e056000
Source
NHTSA
Summary
Qualis Automotive IS Recalling Certain Aftermarket Ball Joints Sold FOR USE ON Certain Passenger Vehicles. THE Socket MAY Have Been Excessively Hardened Which Could Cause IT TO Crack Near THE Retaining Ring Groove Allowing THE Ball Stud TO Separate Under Impact Load. THE Subject Ball Joints Were Sold AS Four Part Numbers, D10945, D10946, G10945, and G10946. THE Affected Control Arms, D10945 and D10946, ARE Stamped With THE Following Dates ON THE Ball Joints: 134308, 135708, 100109, 102709, 104109, 105509, 107609, 108909, 110309, 113209, and 116609. THE G10945 and G10946 ARE THE Same Part AS THE D10945 and D10946 Respectively. They ARE Labeled Differently Depending ON THE Aftermarket Customer.
Consequence
Separation OF THE Ball Stud From THE Socket OF THE Ball Joint Housing Would Allow THE Control ARM TO Collapse and THE Wheel TO Fold IN Causing Loss OF Steering Control, Possibly Resulting IN A Crash.
Remedy
Qualis Automotive Will Replace THE Ball Joints Free OF Charge. THE Safety Recall Began ON November 9, 2009. Owners MAY Contact Qualis Automotive AT 1-800-493-4128.
Notes
This Recall Only Pertains TO Aftermarket Ball Joints and HAS NO Relation TO ANY Original Equipment Installed ON Vehicles Produced BY Chrysler.owners MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO <A Href=http://Www.safercar.gov>http://www.safercar.gov</a> .
Suspension:front:control Arm:lower ARM
Recall date
2010-12-27
Recall no.
10e059000
Source
NHTSA
Summary
Federal-Mogul IS Recalling Certain Replacement Control ARM Assemblies, Part Numbers K7425, 10945, Fa4510x, K7427, 10946, and Fa4611x, Sold FOR USE ON Various Passenger Vehicles Listed Above. THE Ball Joint ON THE Control ARM Assembly CAN Fail Causing THE Ball Stud TO Wear Through THE Control ARM Housing Resulting IN Noise And/Or Separation OF THE Ball Stud From THE Housing.
Consequence
IF There IS A Separation OF THE Ball Stud From THE Housing, THE Driver CAN Loose Steering Control, Possibly Resulting IN A Vehicle Crash.
Remedy
Federal-Mogul Will Notify Owners OF Record and Replace THE Affected Control Arms Free OF Charge. THE Safety Recall Began ON January 28, 2011. Owners MAY Contact Federal-Mogul AT 1-877-489-6659.
Notes
This Recall Only Pertains TO Replacement Control ARM Assemblies and HAS NO Relation TO ANY Original Equipment Installed ON Vehicles Manufactured BY Chrysler Llc.owners MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO <A Href=http://Www.safercar.gov>http://www.safercar.gov</a> .
1999 Dodge Stratus Insurance
Insurance for a 1999 Dodge Stratus is moderately priced, reflecting its status as a Sedan with strong safety ratings and
reasonable repair costs.
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 1999 Dodge Stratus Compare to Other Sedan?
The 1999 Dodge Stratus competed against mid-size sedans like the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Taurus, and Chevrolet Malibu. In terms of reliability, the Camry and Accord were significantly more reliable than the Stratus. The Taurus offered a more spacious interior, while the Malibu provided similar performance and features at a comparable price point.
The Stratus stood out with its sporty styling, which appealed to some buyers. However, its reliability issues and lower resale value made it less desirable than the Japanese competitors. Feature-wise, it was competitive, offering similar amenities to its rivals, but it lacked the advanced safety features found in later models of the Camry and Accord.
Better alternatives would be the Toyota Camry or Honda Accord for their superior reliability and resale value. The Ford Taurus could be considered a similar alternative if a spacious interior is a priority. However, due to the age of all these vehicles, condition and maintenance history are paramount. A well-maintained Camry or Accord would likely offer a better ownership experience.
The Stratus stood out with its sporty styling, which appealed to some buyers. However, its reliability issues and lower resale value made it less desirable than the Japanese competitors. Feature-wise, it was competitive, offering similar amenities to its rivals, but it lacked the advanced safety features found in later models of the Camry and Accord.
Better alternatives would be the Toyota Camry or Honda Accord for their superior reliability and resale value. The Ford Taurus could be considered a similar alternative if a spacious interior is a priority. However, due to the age of all these vehicles, condition and maintenance history are paramount. A well-maintained Camry or Accord would likely offer a better ownership experience.
Final Verdict: Is the 1999 Dodge Stratus a Good Sedan?
The 1999 Dodge Stratus is ideally suited for someone on a very tight budget who needs basic transportation and is willing to accept the risks associated with an older, potentially less reliable vehicle. It might be worth buying *only* if you can find one in exceptionally good condition with a verifiable maintenance history, preferably with lower mileage. The ES trim offers slightly more features. Given its age, buying one now is exclusively a used market proposition. A pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic is essential. Understand that maintenance costs could quickly exceed the purchase price, so factor that into your decision.
Jovan
Jovan specializes in interpreting vehicle records and making sense of VIN data. With over 10 years of experience in the automotive data industry, his work ensures that every report is clear, accurate, and useful for car buyers.