Chrysler
Stratus
Honda
Accord
Chrysler Stratus vs Honda Accord: 2022 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the Honda Accord 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…
Accord
Overall
The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with the Accord consistently praised as a benchmark for reliability, practicality, and long-term value. Owners across multiple generations express deep satisfaction, describing their vehicles as "bulletproof," "reliable as fuck," and capable of lasting over 200,000 miles with basic maintenance. The car is widely recommended as a comfortable, spacious, and fuel-efficient family sedan that excels at daily driving.
Best version to buy
For the 9th generation (approx. 2013-2017), the V6 engine, particularly in coupe form with a 6-speed manual transmission, is highly regarded for its smoothness, power (noted as being underrated at nearly 300 hp), and engaging driving character. For the 10th generation (2018-2022), the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine is strongly preferred over the 1.5T, with owners noting it is a detuned Civic Type R engine with high tuning potential and a superior, more reliable 10-speed automatic transmission.
Known issues
- ⚠1.5L Turbocharged Engine Reliability: Reports of blown head gaskets and fuel injector failures, described as a "staggering" number of issues, making ownership a "hit or miss." Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠CVT Transmission Performance: Noted as "sluggish," with a detached feeling and a "weird" sound under hard acceleration, though acknowledged to work well enough for average daily driving. Some owners express long-term reliability concerns.
- ⚠Infotainment System Lag: Slow response times, slow menu navigation, and delays in connecting to phones. Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The Honda Accord is the better choice for most buyers.
It has stronger reliability sentiment in owner reports than the Chrysler Stratus, based on the data above. If the specific known issues on the Honda Accord are a dealbreaker, 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 Honda Accord?
Owner reports lean more positive on reliability for the Honda Accord than the Chrysler Stratus. See the known issues comparison above for the specific concerns owners report on each.
Which is better for families, the Chrysler Stratus or the Honda Accord?
The Honda Accord 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 Honda Accord as a Sedan.
Which has better fuel economy, the Chrysler Stratus or the Honda Accord?
The Honda Accord is more fuel-efficient on paper: 9 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 Honda Accord?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Chrysler Stratus than the Honda Accord. See the known issues comparison above.