The basic Stratus SE sedan ($17,400) is powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with dual overhead cams, generating 150 horsepower. A four-speed automatic is the only transmission available. SE is modestly equipped with air conditioning, power brakes and power steering, tilt steering wheel, AM/FM cassette stereo with four speakers, and power windows and locks.
Stratus SE Plus ($18,845) adds amenities such as cruise control, power mirrors, power seats, a CD player and 16-inch aluminum wheels.
Stratus ES ($20,660) moves up to a 2.7-liter dual-cam V6 rated 200 horsepower, plus a leather-wrapped steering wheel and firm-feel power steering, sport suspension, lower-profile tires, a premium sound system, and other niceties.
The V6 may be added to the Stratus SE or SE Plus for $850.
Several safety systems are listed as options for all three models, including ABS ($565) and side-impact airbags ($390).
The new Stratus sedan R/T ($21,400) mates the 2.7-liter V6 with a five-speed manual transmission. A four-speed automatic is optional, with or without Dodge's slick AutoStick manual override. ABS comes standard on the R/T, along with a performance-tuned suspension and P215/50HR17 Michelin Pilot all-season tires. The combination of V6 power and a real stick shift is growing increasingly rare in this class; kudos to Dodge for not forgetting the enthusiast driver.
Dodge also builds a Stratus coupe, in SE and R/T trim. But while it shares a family resemblance with the sedan, the coupe is a very different car mechanically. (See full review of the Stratus coupe at NewCarTestDrive.com.)