Against 265 other 4-cyl cars rated 2004–2006, the Stratus trails their 24.4 mpg average by 2.9 mpg, about $212 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1995, the 2L 4-cyl (1996–2000), does 25.8 mpg and the thirstiest, the 2.5L 6-cyl (1995–2000), 20.5: $385 a year apart.
Every Dodge Stratus engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl | 22 / 32 | 1996–2000 | $1,488 | |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 20 / 27.7 | 1995–2006 | $1,677 | |
| 3L 6-cyl | 18 / 25.6 | 2001–2005 | $1,829 | |
| 2.7L 6-cyl | 19 / 25 | 2006–2006 | $1,829 | |
| 2.5L 6-cyl | 17.5 / 25.7 | 1995–2000 | $1,873 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Buick Century gets 21 mpg, the Acura RL 19 mpg and the Lincoln Zephyr 20 mpg, next to 21.5 mpg for the 2006 Stratus. The Stratus is the cheapest of them to run: $235 a year less than the Acura RL.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2006) | $0.149 |
| Fuel per year | $1,786 |
| Fuel over five years | $8,930 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 2004–2006 | +$212 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,856 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2006 Dodge Stratus gives up 6.5 mpg in town: 26 on the highway against 19.5 in the city, $492 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2006) | 19.5 mpg | $1,969 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 26 mpg | $1,477 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +6.5 mpg (33%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the Stratus changed over the years
The Stratus peaked in 1997 at 24 mpg (20.5 city, 30 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2000 at 21 — 3 mpg apart, or $229 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2006 car does 21.5.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 19.5 / 26 | 2 | $1,786 | |
| 2005 | 19.5 / 27 | 2 | $1,707 | |
| 2004 | 19.5 / 27 | 2 | $1,707 | |
| 2003 | 19.5 / 27.5 | 2 | $1,707 | |
| 2002 | 18.5 / 26.5 | 2 | $1,786 | |
| 2001 | 19 / 26.5 | 2 | $1,745 | |
| 2000 | 18 / 26 | 2 | $1,829 | |
| 1999 | 20 / 29 | 2 | $1,634 | |
| 1998 | 20 / 29.5 | 2 | $1,634 | |
| 1997 | 20.5 / 30 | 2 | $1,600 | |
| 1996 | 20 / 29.5 | 2 | $1,634 | |
| 1995 | 18 / 26 | 2 | $1,829 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 24 EPA ratings of the Dodge Stratus — 5 engines across 1995–2006. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $2,856. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2006 Dodge Stratus get?
21.5 mpg combined, 19.5 city and 26 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1995 the Stratus has averaged 22.4 mpg.
Is the 2006 Stratus more efficient than the 2005?
No: 21.5 against 22.5 mpg combined, about $79 a year more to run.
Which Stratus year has the best gas mileage?
The 1997, at 24 mpg combined (20.5 city, 30 highway).
Does the Stratus get better gas mileage than the Buick Century?
About the same: 21.5 mpg for the 2006 Stratus against 21 for the 2005 Buick Century.
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