• The Dodge Stratus draws its name and bubbly shape from the cloud formation.ciel tourment?? image by PJ G. from Fotolia.com
  
  The 1996 model year marked the second year of production for the Dodge Stratus mid-size sedan. This vehicle was built upon the Chrysler JA platform and utilized cab-forward design to provide more interior space in a relatively compact area. The Stratus shared the JA platform with the Plymouth Breeze and Chrysler Cirrus.
  
  

Drivetrain

• The sole engine offered in the 1996 Dodge Stratus was Chrysler's 2.0 L, inline four-cylinder engine. This naturally aspirated engine is a 16-valve SOHC design with a 3.44-inch bore, 3.27-inch stroke and a compression ratio of 9.8 to 1. This four-cylinder powerplant generates 131 hp at 6,000 rpm and 128 ft-lb of torque at 5,000 rpm. The Stratus' engine is mated to a five-speed manual transmission as standard equipment with a four-speed automatic gearbox available as an option.
  
  

Exterior Dimensions

• This Stratus mid-size sedan sits on a 108-inch wheelbase with a 60.2-inch track. This vehicle's body has an overall length of 186 inches while it measures 71.7 inches in width. The Base model sits 51.9 inches tall, while the up-level ES model has a height of 52.4 inches.
  
  

Interior Dimensions

• Occupants of the Stratus' front seats are provided with 38.1 inches of headroom, 42.3 inches of legroom, 55.2 inches of shoulder room and 52.8 inches of hip room. The rear seats of Dodge's mid-size sedan offer 36.8 inches of headroom, 38.1 inches of legroom, 54.7 inches of shoulder room and 52.7 inches of hip room.
  
  

Curb Weight

• The four-speed automatic equipped Stratus sedan weighs 3,015 lb in Base level trim, while the ES model weighs 3,051 lb as the electronic options add 36 lb to the vehicle's weight. The five-speed manual Stratus has a 2,908-lb curb weight in Base trim with the same 36-lb weight gain when the ES trim package is selected.
  
  

Fuel Economy

• The Stratus achieves fuel ratings of 20 miles per gallon in the city and 29 mpg highway when equipped with the four-speed automatic transmission. The five-speed manual yields 25 mpg city and 36 mpg highway. Fuel is drawn from a 16-gallon tank.
  
  

Crash Test Info

• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's frontal impact crash test earned the Stratus a three-star rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's frontal offset crash test earned this vehicle a "Poor" rating. "Poor" is the lowest safety rating given by the IIHS.