Chrysler
Stratus
Dodge
Avenger
Chrysler Stratus vs Dodge Avenger: 2010 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the Dodge Avenger comes out ahead of the Chrysler Stratus on fuel economy and power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
Stratus
Overall
Overwhelmingly negative sentiment based on long-term owner reports, with a strong consensus on poor reliability and frequent mechanical failures. The vehicle is characterized as a "piece of shit" and a "total piecer" by multiple owners who experienced a relentless series of problems. While a few isolated reports mention achieving high mileage (over 200,000 miles) with a specific early 1990s model, these are outliers.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available. No specific trim, year, or engine configuration is recommended as superior.
Known issues
- ⚠**Engine failures (multiple causes)**: Includes blown head gaskets, severe oil sludge buildup (particularly in the 2.7L V6), low compression, misfires, and complete engine failure. The 2.7L V6 is specifically singled out as problematic.
- ⚠**Transmission failures**: Includes complete breakdowns requiring replacement, persistent "limp-in" mode, solenoid and TCM (Transmission Control Module) failures, and fluid leaks from rusted pans/covers. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠**Chronic electrical and starting problems**: Includes no-spark conditions, faulty sensors (camshaft, crankshaft), bad ignition switches, parasitic draws, dead alternators, complex wiring faults, and issues where the vehicle cranks but wil…
Avenger
Overall
Overwhelmingly negative sentiment, with a strong consensus that the vehicle is unreliable, poorly engineered, and offers little value even at low purchase prices. The model is frequently described as a "piece of shit," "unreliable garbage," and a vehicle with a "bad rep." A small minority of owners report acceptable experiences with well-maintained, low-cost examples used as basic transportation, acknowledging its simplicity and depreciation as potential advantages for knowledgeable buyers. However, the dominant narrative centers on persistent mechanical failures, particularly with electrical systems, cooling, and suspension components, leading to frustration and financial strain.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available. While the V6 engine (3.6L Pentastar) is noted by some as providing adequate power and being "decent" compared to the underpowered 4-cylinder, no specific trim or model year is consistently recommended as superior.
Known issues
- ⚠Chronic electrical system failures: includes Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) failures causing no-crank/no-start conditions, flickering/strobing headlights, and general electrical gremlins. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Cooling system problems: includes overheating (even when new), unreliable water pumps prone to leaking into the timing case, clogged heater cores, and erratic temperature gauge behavior. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Suspension component failures: includes premature wear of lower front ball joints and sway bar bushings (causing loud clunking over bumps), and broken sway bar links contributing to poor handling. Frequency: very frequent.
The verdict
The Dodge Avenger is the better choice for most buyers.
It has better fuel economy on its best-equipped version than the Chrysler Stratus, based on the data above. If power matters more to you than running costs, the Chrysler Stratus is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Chrysler Stratus or the Dodge Avenger?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Chrysler Stratus and the Dodge Avenger. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Chrysler Stratus or the Dodge Avenger?
The Dodge Avenger seats more passengers than the Chrysler Stratus on its catalogued best-equipped version. Body type also differs: the Chrysler Stratus is classed as a Cabriolet, the Dodge Avenger as a Sedan.
Which has better fuel economy, the Chrysler Stratus or the Dodge Avenger?
The Dodge Avenger is more fuel-efficient on paper: 10.7 L/100km combined versus 11.5 L/100km for the Chrysler Stratus, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Chrysler Stratus or the Dodge Avenger?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but reliability signals above are the closest proxy: fewer reported issues generally means lower repair costs over time.