2006
Dodge Stratus

Starts at:
$20,825
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New 2006 Dodge Stratus
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Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Not rated
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 4dr SXT
    Starts at
    $20,825
    22 City / 30 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas 4-Cyl
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr R/T
    Starts at
    $23,755
    21 City / 28 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

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2006 Dodge Stratus 2006 Dodge Stratus

Notable features

Four-cylinder or V-6
Four-speed automatic
New option packages for 2006
Optional side-curtain airbags

The good & the bad

The good

Easy to drive
Interior space
Ride comfort on good surfaces

The bad

Ride comfort on rough surfaces
Side-impact crash-test rating
Resale value (especially SXT)
See all specifications

Expert 2006 Dodge Stratus review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com editors
Full article
our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
Stratus sedans for 2006 come in SXT and R/T trim levels. Interiors have been freshened. Three special value packages are available for the SXT sedan: Leather, Chrome and Protection, the latter including antilock brakes, traction control and side curtain-type airbags.

The R/T sedan’s exterior appearance has been updated for 2006, courtesy of body-colored ground effects and a racing-inspired rear spoiler that incorporates magnesium wings. Leather-trimmed bucket seats, antilock brakes, a performance suspension, 17-inch wheels and a 3-inch exhaust tip are standard on the R/T.

Chrysler offers a similar Sebring sedan, along with a convertible that’s not available with a Stratus badge.

Exterior
Chrysler’s Sebring sedan uses the same roof and side panels as the Stratus, but the two have different front and rear styling. Like other Dodge models, the Stratus flaunts a distinguished crosshair grille.

Aluminum wheels on the SXT sedan hold 16-inch tires. The Chrome Value Package available for the SXT includes chrome-clad wheels, fog lamps and a body-colored spoiler.

Interior
Five-passenger seating includes two front buckets and a 60/40-split, folding three-place rear bench. Trunk volume is 16 cubic feet, but the opening is rather small and high. An abundant standard-equipment list includes air conditioning, cruise control, a tilt steering column, remote keyless entry, and power windows, locks and mirrors. Sirius Satellite Radio is optional.

Under the Hood
The standard SXT engine is a 150-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder. A 200-hp, 2.7-liter V-6 is standard in the R/T sedan and optional in the SXT. Both engines team with a four-speed-automatic transmission. In the R/T, the transmission incorporates AutoStick, which permits manually selected gear changes.

Safety
Multistage front airbags deploy at one of three intensity levels. Side curtain-type airbags are optional. Antilock brakes with low-speed traction control are standard on the R/T and optional on the SXT.

Driving Impressions
The Stratus sedan delivers a pleasant driving experience but doesn’t try to be more than a family car. The V-6 engine is potent and quiet, but the four-cylinder performs eagerly enough to satisfy most owners.

This sedan is easy to drive and maneuver. It offers a spacious interior, comfortable seating and a large trunk. Harsh pavement can produce some unpleasant reactions, but the ride is generally smooth.

2006 Dodge Stratus review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
Stratus sedans for 2006 come in SXT and R/T trim levels. Interiors have been freshened. Three special value packages are available for the SXT sedan: Leather, Chrome and Protection, the latter including antilock brakes, traction control and side curtain-type airbags.

The R/T sedan’s exterior appearance has been updated for 2006, courtesy of body-colored ground effects and a racing-inspired rear spoiler that incorporates magnesium wings. Leather-trimmed bucket seats, antilock brakes, a performance suspension, 17-inch wheels and a 3-inch exhaust tip are standard on the R/T.

Chrysler offers a similar Sebring sedan, along with a convertible that’s not available with a Stratus badge.

Exterior
Chrysler’s Sebring sedan uses the same roof and side panels as the Stratus, but the two have different front and rear styling. Like other Dodge models, the Stratus flaunts a distinguished crosshair grille.

Aluminum wheels on the SXT sedan hold 16-inch tires. The Chrome Value Package available for the SXT includes chrome-clad wheels, fog lamps and a body-colored spoiler.

Interior
Five-passenger seating includes two front buckets and a 60/40-split, folding three-place rear bench. Trunk volume is 16 cubic feet, but the opening is rather small and high. An abundant standard-equipment list includes air conditioning, cruise control, a tilt steering column, remote keyless entry, and power windows, locks and mirrors. Sirius Satellite Radio is optional.

Under the Hood
The standard SXT engine is a 150-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder. A 200-hp, 2.7-liter V-6 is standard in the R/T sedan and optional in the SXT. Both engines team with a four-speed-automatic transmission. In the R/T, the transmission incorporates AutoStick, which permits manually selected gear changes.

Safety
Multistage front airbags deploy at one of three intensity levels. Side curtain-type airbags are optional. Antilock brakes with low-speed traction control are standard on the R/T and optional on the SXT.

Driving Impressions
The Stratus sedan delivers a pleasant driving experience but doesn’t try to be more than a family car. The V-6 engine is potent and quiet, but the four-cylinder performs eagerly enough to satisfy most owners.

This sedan is easy to drive and maneuver. It offers a spacious interior, comfortable seating and a large trunk. Harsh pavement can produce some unpleasant reactions, but the ride is generally smooth.

Safety review

Based on the 2006 Dodge Stratus base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Frontal driver
5/5
Frontal passenger
5/5
Nhtsa rollover rating
5/5
Side driver
3/5
Side rear passenger
3/5

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Corrosion
5 years / 100,000 miles
Powertrain
3 years / 36,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
3 years / 36,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
6-10 MY and / or 75,001-120,000 miles
Basic
3 Month 3,000 mile Max Care Warranty
Dealer certification
125 point inspection
See all CPO program details

Consumer reviews

76% of drivers recommend this car
4.1 / 5
Based on 43 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.1
Interior 4.0
Performance 3.9
Value 4.0
Exterior 4.2
Reliability 3.9

Most recent

  • By Melissa Wheeling from Acworth, Georgia
    Owns this car
    April 8, 2024

    POORLY DESIGNED AND I AGREE

    I purchased this car out of a title loan situation for $1350 3 years ago. It has been a good car up until a few months ago when EVERYTHING seems to be going wrong with it and nothing is a simple fix EVEN ON A MODEL THIS OLD. Im kind of stuck like chuck at the moment at this point I WILL NEVER GET BACK WHAT I HAVE INVESTED IN IT. I keep getting told it was poorly designed and I have to agree.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 1.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 2.0
    Value 2.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 2.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Abraham Melendez from Giddings, Texas
    Owns this car
    July 24, 2022

    18 years old and still a reliable beauty

    My parents have had a 2004 SE for 18 years. When taken proper car of, it will last. We have used it a few times to travel between Mexico City and Austin several times and have had little issues. Since Ive been able to drive, (3 or so years) I have pushed it a bit, but still no problems. Major repairs consist of changing out the clutch due to heavy use (that may be my bad) and new coils. It has the occasional whining serpentine belt, but has never broken down on us and keeps looking great. Despite the SE being front-wheel drive and a little over 100 hp, its super fun to drive because it's relatively light. I'm around 6 feet tall and have no trouble driving the car. You could probably be up to 6'5 and be comfortable. Air conditioning hasn't been the best experience in my opinion (Texas heat is something else) but we have never had to have any major repairs on it (white exterior also helps). The back seats are roomy enough, but there is no ac in the back, but because it's a smaller car, the ac works well enough. It has decent MPG and sits around 22 - 25 MPG. The ride could be better, though. Because it's a sports-ish car, it tends to not do great on bumps, and it is not very soundproof, so it's not a silent cruiser (although not a bad thing if you like to hear the engine). I have a cloth interior that makes sure that you don't stick to the seats, but the black interior color makes it hot in the summer. It's also not the most attractive design in the inside, but It's nothing to complain about. It's definitely a much more beautiful car on the outside (especially if you take care of it) and stands out as they are not very common. Overall: A great, fun, and reliable car. I'd especially recommend it as a first car, as it is safe (due to the FWD) and looks great. I'm not planning on buying another car for the foreseeable future.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Peter from Edmore Michigan
    Owns this car
    March 29, 2022

    Not a bad car

    I've got 197,600 on my 06 dodge stratus sxt 2.4l. Got it from a friend when it had 193,211. The only thing I've done to it was change the oil and changed the spark plugs and changed the blower motor resistor. The check engine light is on because of a evap leak but still runs fine
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    7 people out of 7 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Mmcol from Amherst ohio
    Used to own this car
    November 17, 2019

    Reliable car

    I owned this car for 13 yrs and it was great. I had very few issues with it! I bought it new and loved it.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 5.0
    11 people out of 11 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Eric from Oxnard
    Owns this car
    May 9, 2019

    Reliable car

    This Car was very reliable. Whenever something needed to be fixed it was cheap since it's a car made here in the US. Parts are easy to buy
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By EZ4U2NV from Callaway Florida
    Owns this car
    July 6, 2018

    Most reliable car I've ever owned

    This car has been great to me for the past 11 years and still runs like a champ.. great cold AC and no major issues..
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Blurry Joy from Sugar Land, TX
    Owns this car
    June 28, 2018

    Super value

    This car is a 2006 and is super pretty, still looks great inside and out. A friend owns the same model and they are both (hers and mine) good running pretty cars!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Kimberly H. from Pennsauken, NJ
    Test drove this car
    March 5, 2018

    Great Test Drive

    This vehicle is the perfect size for our new driver, not too big or too small. It rides smoothly at higher speeds. Nice looking interior and sleek design on the exterior.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By aynot.smismi
    Used to own this car
    February 7, 2018

    Comfortable, Reliable and great for long drives

    If I had the chance I'd buy another one and have it for 7yrs+ like I did with my last stratus. It's great for traveling. I took it from Kansas to Oregon back n forth for three years. It was very comfortable and reliable. I miss it.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By sgs85 from Oregon
    Owns this car
    October 22, 2017

    Best Bang for the buck

    Very clean car in Oregon, Il. Guaranteed you will buy it if you test drive it. This Sedan has a very powerful 2.7L FLEX FUEL FOR GREAT FUEL ECONOMY AND GREAT FOR PERFORMANCE 200HP+ FOR A CAR THAT WEIGHS BARELY ANYTHING A 200HP+ ENGINE IS QUITE AGGRESSIVE. "COMPARE IT TO YOUR DAD STRAPPING A CHAINSAW ENGINE ON YOU GO KART LOL" FUEL ECONOMY IS APPROXIMATELY: 23 CITY / 30 HIGHWAY. NEVER SMOKED IN AND HAS THE CAPABILITY TO LAST OVER 150,000 MILES MORE. "Just Continue Changing The Oil"
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Chala623 from ONTARIO, OR
    Owns this car
    September 7, 2017

    I love Dodge motors

    I have never had any problems with this car except we had to put a new alternator in it. I would recommend this car to anyone.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By PRMay from Warren MI
    Owns this car
    July 3, 2017

    Fantastic, Long-lasting vehicle

    Safe, very reliable, doesn't break down as often as the other vehicles I own (2 fords! LOL), I'd drive this car till it can't move anymore!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
See all reviews

Dodge dealers near you

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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2006 Dodge Stratus?

The 2006 Dodge Stratus is available in 2 trim levels:

  • R/T (1 style)
  • SXT (1 style)

What is the MPG of the 2006 Dodge Stratus?

The 2006 Dodge Stratus offers up to 22 MPG in city driving and 30 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

Is the 2006 Dodge Stratus reliable?

The 2006 Dodge Stratus has an average reliability rating of 3.9 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2006 Dodge Stratus owners.

Is the 2006 Dodge Stratus a good Sedan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2006 Dodge Stratus. 76.7% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.1 / 5
Based on 43 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.1
  • Interior: 4.0
  • Performance: 3.9
  • Value: 4.0
  • Exterior: 4.2
  • Reliability: 3.9
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