Meat & potatoes motoring - 2006 Dodge Stratus SXT sedan
Featuring crisp handling, powerful performance, chiseled lined and a spacious interior, the Dodge Stratus is an attractive choice in the ultra-competitive sedan market. Now available in just the four-door sedan body style, the Stratus SXT combines high-value content, style and fun-to-drive characteristics at an affordable price
Built at the automaker's Sterling Heights, Mich., assembly complex, the Stratus SXT last received a freshening inside and out back in 2004. Power for the Dodge sedan is generated by a 2.4L four-cylinder powerplant or a 2.7L V6 prime mover. Both engines are bolted to a 41TE four-speed automatic with overdrive.
On the road, the midsize sedan is solid, safe, sure and very balanced. The Stratus inspires confidence even in the worst weather conditions.
Control hardware includes a double-wishbone, short/long arm touring front suspension with a front high-arm and sway bar. This is coupled with a low-arm, multi-link rear suspension with a sway bar for impressive handling and control. Starting with the solid steel unibody as the foundation, an isolated engine/suspension cradle and isolated rear suspension cross member are designed to reduce noise, vibration and harshness characteristics for smooth motoring. Additional chassis components include rebound springs added to the front shocks, shock absorber damping and jounce bumpers for reduced suspension friction.
Inside the cabin the Stratus has a decidedly upscale flavor. Comfortable and very quiet, the driver position and outward visibility are excellent. Displays and controls are well laid out, with customer convenience the watchword. The center console has two cupholders and a very accommodating armrest that also serves as a deep storage area.
Rear seat passengers have plenty of leg room and access to two cupholders. A split 60/40 folding rear seat back increases the utility of the cargo area while providing a balance between passengers and cargo.
The midsize Stratus SXT comes well equipped with the following items: 60/40 split folding rear seatback, air conditioning, storage armrest, rear defroster, power steering, windows and door locks, variable speed intermittent wipers, four-wheel disc brakes, remote keyless entry, headlamp-off time delay and AM/FM stereo/CD player with four speakers.
Quick vehicle stats
Wheelbase: 108.0; overall length: 191.2; width: 70.6; height: 54.9 -- measurements in inches.
Engine: 2.4L four-cylinder -- 150 hp at 5,500 rpm and 160 lb-ft of torque at 4,200 rpm; 2.7L V6 â€"- 200 hp at 5,800 rpm and 190 lbs-ft of torque at 4,850 rpm.
Transmission: four-speed automatic.
EPA fuel economy: 2.4L four-cylinder -- 22 city/30 hwy.; 2.7L V6 -â€" 21 city/28 hwy.
Cargo capacity: 16.0 cu. ft.
Safety features
Dual front airbags, speed sensitive power door locks, remote keyless entry, engine immobilizer, automatic off headlamp control and Sentry Key theft-deterrent system. Optional safety features include supplemental side airbag curtains, low speed traction-control and four-wheel anti-lock brakes.
Warranty
Basic: 3-year/36,000 mile, bumper-to-bumper.
Powertrain: 3-year/36,000 mile.
Corrosion: 5-year/100,000 mile.
Roadside assistance: 3-year/36,000 mile, 24-hour.
Pricing
The base Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2006 Dodge Stratus SXT sedan starts from $20,825, with destination charges adding $675.
As tested
2006 Dodge Stratus SXT sedan
Exterior color: Stone White Clearcoat
Interior color: Dark Slate Gray
Tire make/model: Goodyear Eagle LS
Tire size: P205/60R16
Base price $20,825
Destination charges $ 675
2.7L V6 engine $ 850
Eight-way power driver’s seat $ 380
SXT package discount ($ 1,000)
Total as tested $21,730
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