2001 Dodge Stratus R/T

Surprisingly roomy for a sport coupe, the passenger compartment on the Stratus R/T looks best when trimmed out in optional leather upholstery.

Though the Stratus' high beltline and delicately proportioned side glass give the impression that headroom might be limited, our 6-foot-plus drivers fit with an inch or so to spare. This was true even though the car we tested had the optional power sunroof. Those same taller-than-normal guys also survived a subsequent stint in the back seat without undue head-to-headliner contact. Although rear legroom is decidedly less plentiful, by coupe standards it's still pretty generous. Overall, the R/T has much more useful interior space than most of its counterparts. That fact alone should materially broaden its appeal to buyers who occasionally need to convey a reasonably consenting adult or two in the aft quarters. There's also a generously proportioned 16.3 cubic-foot trunk out back. Coupled with the R/T's standard 60/40-split/folding-rear seatback and large pass-through opening, it adds even more flexibility to the package.


This semi-bad-boy Stratus merits similarly high marks from a comfort and convenience standpoint. Despite being a tad light in lateral and lumbar support, the front buckets wear well over longer distances—the better to enjoy the R/T's bounty of standards. That list is headed by items such as air conditioning, power windows/locks/mirrors, cruise control, tilt steering column, keyless remote entry and anti-theft alarm. Basic interior design is also well thought out and executed. Switches have a quality feel and the controls, for the most part, operate intuitively. In R/T trim, the sole audio package is a 7-speaker Infinity system with AM/FM/cassette and a 4-disc CD changer. Sound quality and power output stand it in good stead with even some of the better optional systems in its class. The sole gripe here is that, like a number of other Chrysler Group offerings, the CD feeder slot is inconveniently buried deep in the central nether regions of the dash.

Even in R/T guise, the Stratus still prefers moderately brisk touring on twisty backroads to banzai charges through an autocross course.

In base trim, the Stratus R/T commands a surprisingly low $20,805. Our tester also had the $1,045 Leather Interior Group option, which includes a 6-way power driver's seat and a universal garage door opener, plus the aforementioned power sunroof ($685) and ABS ($565). Even with those extras, the bottom line of this super Stratus still only rose to $23,695. That compares quite favorably to rivals like the Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS that tops $25,000 with similar equipment, or the smaller-inside Eclipse GT at just over $24,000. As we noted earlier, playing in the sport coupe segment is always a calculated risk. But with solid performance, a long list of creature features and an appealing pricepoint to back its stylish good looks, the Dodge Stratus R/T appears to have a decent shot at success. (www.daimlerchrysler.com)