Yes, some of your viewers are older (I'm 64), but we're also old enough to remember owning & driving, or having friends who owned & drove, cars like the Dodge Stratus. I appreciate that you examine many off-beat &/or seemingly forgotten cars. I find your channel very entertaining. Thank you, from Canada!
I always liked the Stratus RT coupe. I thought it had nice clean lines. I like that they used some Dodge styling cues from previous models, like the Crosshair grille and wrap around tail lights were reminiscent of the Stealth. I certainly thought they looked nicer than the Eclipse they were based on. I almost had myself convinced to buy one.
i'm a dodge guy from a long time back. im 59 yrs old and have owned more than my fair share of cars. my 81 yr old mother gave me her low mileage arizona garage kept 99 300 M. (she no longer needs 2 cars). i fell in love with the intrepid when it debuted. i was never in the spot to ever buy one fresh out of the factory. anywho the 300M is basically the same car and was pleasantly surprised when she called me and said she wanted me to have it. i get so many guys chasing me down and go nuts when i explain where it spent its life. (most of these cars are such bad shape when you do manage to see one) i thought the last guy was going break down in tears. well thanks for doing this video.
That's so cool! I've had 3 Intrepids and still have one a 1997 with 18,000 mi I agree with you! I was so obsessed with them when they came out! I had a Neon too it was the best car I ever had!
i was going to buy a neon when they were introduced, they sold as fast as they came off the truck. so i opted for an 86 shelby charger. i had a lot of fun in that car. @@peachyclean93
My buddy had one of those. He drove it over a curb at 50 MPH and it was the coolest thing I ever witnessed. Nothing is funnier than a Chrysler product being destroyed by the owner.
@@bruskii5604pretty much😂, but back then they had an srt in every trim which was different, my friend had the stratus r/t coupe, looked nice, but underpowered
@@bruskii5604yeah cuz no one from the states really could compete with the Germans at the time, even joining them(Daimler-Chrysler merger), and now that they got something good going, they kill it 😂😂😂😂
Damn…. Cars were way more attainable 20 years ago compared to now because automakers weren’t so focused on high end luxury cars and maybe one tiny crossover you see everywhere.
You forgot the Sebring LXi, which was just as sporty. These coupes are essentially Mitsubishi Galant Coupes. They are built off a Galant chassis and share the same wheelbase as a Galant. Many people incorrectly refer to them as bloated Eclipse Coupes. They do use Eclipse interior bits but the Eclipse is built on a much much shorter Galant chassis.
Great vid! I've owned a 2005 Dodge Stratus Coupe, 2.4L automatic, for 7 years now, and you know what? This car still drives and handles just great, and it doesn't fall behind regular modern cars in terms of performance. The best part is that maintenance and repairs are hassle-free and cheap. When I bought it, I thought I'd be changing it in a year or two, but I still don't want to part with it
The Eclipse got huge in 2000 as they built those off Gallant platforms, and the Gallant got bigger every gen. It was built in the Diamond Star plant with that Strattus coupe.. great vid as always Hawk Guy!
Got huge? Not really, the 2g Eclipse was 172.2 inches and the 3g Eclipse was 176.8 inches, it's only 4" in the difference. The top trim 3g was in fact lighter than the top trim 2g Eclipse, 2g GSX was 3,210 lbs and the 3g GTS was 3,053 lbs. Lastly I'll just say having owned 4 Eclipse and 8 Mitsubishi total, including 2g, 3g, 4g, 3g Eclipses in that order, the 3g was by far my favorite of them all and why I own a 3g Spyder GT-P (Canada trim) today still.
@@TeamGun Eclipses did get bigger every gen .Yeah I guess a third gen may have "only" been 200 lbs more? But weight is weight LOL. Seems heavy to me as a RWD 03 350z wasnt all that much more than a 3rd gen v6 Eclipse. The 4th Gens got porky when a convertible V6 was what...3700 lbs??
@@autochatter You read wrong, I said the 3g GTS was lighter than the 2g GSX, though the 3g was 4" longer the GTS 3g was 200lbs lighter than the 2g GSX, due to the awd system. You can see this on the Mitsubishi Eclipse Wiki. You're correct the 4g GT convertible was close to 3700lbs, at 3,671 lbs. I don't put much thought into the weight of a vehicle, I've owned relatively light vehicles (2004 Celica GTS, 2016 Scion FRS) and including those vehicles, I still love my 3g Spyder GT-P more.
The 2001 Mercury Cougar was primarily developed for the European market as the Ford Cougar - where it sold rather poorly, though - hence it having only Ford of Europe engines like the Duratec 2.5. Great video, by the way!
The cougar was also based off the Ford contour chassis which is why it had the same engine 2.5L option. The S model which never got released was supposed to get the 3.0L SVT motor same as the SVT Contour but that Generation Cougar got canned after 4 years of production due to sales.
I live in Canada, and we never got the Stratus coupe, just the Sebring coupe and convertible. Having driven those, I can honestly say, these Mitsubishi powered Chrysler models were quite nice to drive. Wish the world still preferred coupes over crossovers!
Canadian here. I owned the Chrysler alter-ego of this car, the 2001 Sebring LXi Coupe. As you mentioned, it was Mitsubishi-built, with the 24-valve 3.0 V6 5-speed. Poor paint quality, but very good otherwise. The 5-speed was one of its best features, it was the only front-drive car that I could power-shift. I contemplated adding a turbo to it, but I couldn't find an all-inclusive kit, and I didn't have the $$ to have a custom setup built for me. I loved the handling, which responded well to even better tires in 225/50VR17 size (BF Goodrich Comp T/A). I must say, I think the Stratus R/T Coupe was better-looking, but they weren't sold here in Canada. That 3.0 V6 would have been terrific in a smaller, lighter car, but the Sebring was better for me, being 6'4". Maybe I should have considered a custom nitrous kit ... 😁. Sadly, two years ago a guy backed out of his driveway into my front-right corner, and my insurance company wrote it off. Bummer.
I've never forgotten about the Dodge stratus (coupe or sedan). The coupe is my personal favorite, although it's crazy that I remember seeing them on the roads EVERYWHERE back then but now it's like most have dropped off roads and ended up in salvage/junk yards
I had 2. An 01 SE coupe with 3.0L and an 04 RT coupe with the 3.0L. I loved them both. That Mitsubishi 3.0L was the Japanese version of the GM 3.8L. Both engines were bulletproof.
Growing up my mom had a 2004 Dodge Stratus for most of my childhood. I will forever love dodge stratus and I think it was such an underrated car despite its flaws.
This video was a trip for me. My first car was a brand new 05 Black Stratus R/T Coupe. I loved that thing and never had any (major) problems with her....... well.....the clear coat coming off was probably the worst thing. She lasted me a good 15 years until I got rear ended and insurance scrapped her. So Stratus R/T coupes will always have a special place in my heart even though they weren't all that special themselves.
The stratus was always called the “9/11 car” for me because when I was a kid I saw a picture of one burning in the street from plane/building debris. That picture burned into my brain
Chrysler and Mitsubishi products where under the DSM - Diamond Star Motors name. Although they had many cars built together like you had mentioned with the eclipse, and eagle talon, but the Mitsubishi 3000GT was entirely a Mitsubishi product on it own.
This was another Good video!!! Made me flashback to when I owned a 94 Intrepid. It was a good car for me! If I didn’t have kids at the time I’d have gotten a coupe!!!! My car lasted a long time but then the computer messed up and I got rid of it in 06
Man, I always- and still, find the first gen Stratus R/T Coupe to be a very attractive vehicle (the refresh just looked so cheap in comparison). Smooth, clean lines and enough sporty details and that scalloped rear-end. Liked it so much I seriously considered one when as a young 20-something I wanted a nicer, faster car. Preferred this to the Eclipse it was based on. BUT, decided to go the V8 route for a little more cash in a Mustang GT. So glad I did but always wonder "what if" I purchased a Stratus instead. Seeing this still makes me want one.
My friend had a stratus r/t, 5 speed...it had a turbo slapped on it, and a tune, in probably 2006... It constantly broke transmissions, and head gaskets were a constant issue. But it was a riot when it was running right.
I remember in high school when the Neon SRT4 came out amd my local Dodge dealer had one inches showroom. I was oogling it but they wouldn't dare let my 16yr old ass test drive it... but the DID let me test drive a Stratus RT coupe with the 3.0 and the 5spd. I was pleasantly surprised. Pretty cool car.
Just wanted to say I'm a 22 year old car geek who spends half my day scrolling Wikipedia for random ass cars so your channel is right down my alley 😂 I remember seeing these around as a young child and used to find the bulbous, rounded American design of these and others of the 90s and the early 2000s hideous. I was a much bigger fan of the sharper lines from Europe and Japan and my family only bought Toyotas and Nissans growing up. But I forgot ab some of these cars completely. Looking back at them now, the styling was actually pretty cool and nice. The Stratus coupe, Dodge Avenger coupe, Eagle Talon, last-gen Pontiac Grand Prix, Dodge Stealth, reluctantly even the Monte Carlo SS, all look great. I just wish more of them were RWD based :(
Had a Stratus Coupe with the 3.0l V6 from the mitsubishi eclipse back in high-school (2013). That thing ripped. Everybody had fart can Hondas and I loved racing them😂😂
I had the Stratus R/T coupe back in the day. It was when Dodge was still partnered with Mercedes. It was always interesting to work on the car and see logos on the parts from either Dodge, Benz, or Mitsubishi.
Great video Green Hawk! You did bring back more memories of cars I had not thought of in so long. I was really into SUVs at that time so I did not look too hard at most of these. The Monte Carlo SS was great. Thanks and hoping you are doing great!
Double wishbone rear suspension. A stiffer set of springs really unlocked the 95-00 model. The 2.4 was a Chrysler engine. Based on the 2.2 turbo. With a cylinder head designed as a smaller Mitsubishi 4g63 “style” head, however with smaller Head ports to increase velocity. (Because the EDZ was supposed to be a naturally aspirated Engine) later in 2002 they narrowed the exhaust ports a little more, gave it slightly smaller valves, piston oil squirter‘s, stronger pistons and rods, One extra valve cover bolt, A turbo, (and slight engine block strengthening. that in all honesty, in the long run wasn’t needed) and stuffed it in the neon SRT4 and GT pt cruiser now calling it EDT The reason that they used smaller exhaust ports and valves was to increase velocity to the small turbo eliminating turbo lag.
The Stratus your father had was not bad at all. I drove a "ES" model with a V6 and it was a comfortable car to be in. The only issue I had with these cars back then was centre console. It was boring to say the least. In the same year, the mid-size sedans from its rivals had better centre console and switches. I thought the 90 Dodge Spirit ES had a centre console and dash lay out. Those JBL stereo were fun!
I used to own a TRD Camry Solara with a 5speed supercharged V6. That thing was a weapon back in the day. 0-60 in the 6s and it made around 240hp. Only thing I didn't like about it was the FWD architecture and if you were too aggressive from the dig, it was 1 tire fire smoke machine. I think TRD had a limited slip diff available for it at the time but I didn't care much and sold the car and stuck with my good ol RWD cars.
I still have my stratus. It's the 4 door, but the 2.4 motor is distant cousin of the 4g63, the 4g64, so I jokingly tell people my car has an evo motor lol.
Buying a red Dodge stratus RT Coupe today and wanted to say thank you so much for this video. Crazy how it popped into my recommended a week before I buy my first ever dodge and it’s the exact same model 🤘🏽😂 I’ll post a review to my channel if it if anyone interested
The collaboration between Chrysler and Mitsubishi started in the 1970's with the colt. Throughout the era of the K cars, Chrysler used many Mitsubishi engines in their cars. The Stratus R/T was actually a Chrysler designed car made by Mitsubishi. (other cars like the Dodge Stealth were actually made for Chrysler in Japan and imported here...)
I have an 04 stratus R/T over in Mexico, basically a more spacious srt4 and heavier, currently my project car trying to make it faster but it’s a fun sporty sedan. 👌🏻
A friend of mine had one of these back in like 2006-ish. Fun car. His mom also had a Sebring coupe (probably like a 2000 model or so? The kinda hot one with the Mitsubishi V6) that was also pretty fun. The Mopar hot-rodder family around here's kids that were around my age used to take the bigger 4-cylinders from the cloud cars and put them in first-generation Neons to make them pretty quick. I bought a clean ACR Neon coupe with a built cloud car 2.4 from one of them that was genuinely pretty fast out on the country roads here in the mountains of WV.
I had an 01 stratus R/T and it decimated pretty much anything new at the time and I had the automatic which had the Mitsubishi manual or shift tronic to change gears yourself which really let the v6 sing… I loved that car and would buy one again if one came up
The Mercury Cougar was based on the European Ford Mondeo and that's why the Essex V6 was not put into them. Three chassis simply was not engineered for it.
I’ve sold these new and still am a Chrysler Jeep dodge salesman to this day. The coupe was a Mitsubishi and I promise you the quality was not even close to the 4 door . They were great new but they fell apart . The 4 door had a very plastic interior but they were great cars overall.
One thing that is off is that the 3800 supercharged engine was available for the impala, monte carlo, regal, and grand prix starting in 97, with a revised system in 98 that boosted power from 220 to 240. The main thing that killed those cars was the tall gearing and sluggish 4t65e-HD transmission
I was in High School when the Avenger and Sebring Coupe came out. I loved the 1st gen models from a design standpoint, decent aftermarket support from being related to all the Mitsus. When the Avenger was turned into the Stratus couple, I felt they really missed it. The Avenger name, at that point, wasn't derogatory like the Stratus was. Then in Daimler Chryslers' infinite 2000s wisdom, renamed the Stratus sedan to a Avenger.
i loved my 02 stratus r/t. the earlier ones looked better than the smaller grill front ends the last generation. but the rear looked better in the second generation. mine was a great car in pearl white with white leather and manual transmission
Another great video from you. Thank you! Some of those cars made it to this side of the pond too 🏴 so it’s good to see them again. Intriguing to realise how much the car market has changed, and a shame to think that even cars from only a few years ago do not exist anymore due to government scrapping schemes etc. Cheers mate, keep them coming! 🏴 ❤ 🇺🇸
In 1998 my best friend and I both went out and got 1996 Dodge Stratus ES's about a week apart from each other! We would both want to drive whenever we so we'd ending up racing everywhere. My tires were bald within the first month of ownership! Oh to be 22 with no wife, no kids and not a care in the world again! 🤣
These cars and the Monte Carlo SS always looked so tuff, Imagine if they threw a little v8 in these type of cars. Instead you just got something like a manual transmission which in no way made up for the lack of power lmao
I don’t understand the thinking here in the USA , we don’t need a suv , it’s a option people seem to be taking but perhaps trucks should be lesser of a option
My toy car is a heavily modified 2 door Accord with 4 cylinder vetc and 5 speed stick. Stock bottom end with over 300k. Love that thing, it takes all the abuse haha
My first boss I had when I worked at Wendy's had a light blue version of one of these, I really loved the way it looked, I've always loved Dodge vehicles, never have gotten the chance to own one myself though.
I never saw one of these things and this is from a guy who spent nearly every Saturday at a dodge dealership as a kid(my old man was a mechanic) where I used to explore the lot a lot of the time. I still remember the 1999 Dodge Viper lol
The Toyota Camry Solara/Toyota Solara seems like it would fit in as a video on your channel. Since the whole idea I believe started with the 3rd gen Camry offering a coupe variant and that turning into the Camry Solara. Plus the choice of a I4 or V6 and coupe or convertible.
In 2005 for our work car the company bought 4dr SXT's. They were really great cars comfortable got good gas mileage. I had over 130K on mine when I finally turned it in no major repairs.
My sister had a 2nd Gen Stratus sedan back then. I never understood the "crappy interior" complaints, didn't find it any worse than the Toyota Camry of the time. I remember the front seats being exceptionally comfortable, in fact. And as usual, Chrysler had the best stereos, base models included. It was a nice ride as far as I could tell (I never drove it). She eventually traded it on a Kia Optima, lured in by the 10 year warranty, which ended up being a big mistake.. Let's just say no one in my immediate family has since considered a Hyundai/Kia after what a POS that car was and how skeevy the company is with their warranty. I know the sedan isn't the subject of the video, but the R/T sedan would be my choice, knowing that changing the timing chain and water pump every 80k leaves you with actually a very long-lasting engine with competitive power and the convenience of four doors. Even better if it could be had with a manual--but aren't we all tired of saying/hearing that..
The 99' to 02' Mercury Cougar was on the Ford Mondeo platform from Europe. The Ford Contour and Mercury Mystic was also on that platform. The Contour and Mystic had an optional 2.5L V6 that was also found in the Cougar. Being siblings of the Mondeo is why the tried and true 3.8L was not put into the Cougar.
I see more older Chrysler vehicles then any other brand! Just saw a original 95 Dodge Stratus a week ago they must have did something right for all these vehicles to be around still! And just saw a 1999 LHS too
Honestly out of all of these i would go with the grand prix GTP or the carlo SS. If it didnt have to be a coupe id go with the olds aurora with its shortstar- all the good things of the northstar without the problems
@@GreenHawkDrive mainly transmission issues from what I understand. A bigger trans oil cooler goes a long way on the 4t65s. I'm sure at their age at this point the electronics are starting to go. It's probably a bitch finding parts for just about anything on these since they were pretty unique for being a GM product
Is that your handwriting? If so, I love it! Someone with penmanship on par with mine lol. Seriously though, love your videos and channel! Got a new sub here ;)
Hailing from Europe (U.K specifically) I always liked the design of some of those American 90's sedans and Coupé's... They looked - to my eyes - very futuristic: Long, low and sleek... I think they have aged really well... I don't think the crossovers we now have, will age as well...
I had a 2001 Sebring Coupe - always thought of it as a stretched Mitsubishi Eclipse which is what it was. More of a luxury car over the sporty Eclipse. This was in Canada and I think it was only a 1 or 2 year only thing, so it was hard to find service for it (as it was a used car out of warranty). I'd bring it to Chrysler dealers and they were less experienced with it, Mitsubishi dealers were better with it. To me with the top level chrome wheels in black with black tint, the car was kind of a modern 'gangster' car before the 300's came in.
I had a 01 Sebring Coupe with the 3.0 V6 and 5 speed manual. All the options too. What a sweet highway cruiser that was. Mitsubishi part numbers meant you paid a lot more. I miss that car but I bought a 06 Ion Redline new and still have it. I made the better choice. I had a 2000 Cougar and I can tell you why the engine choice. The 2.5l V6 was already crammed in that engine bay!
@@GreenHawkDrive it's been a lot of fun over the years. I installed the GM Stage 2 while I was still a Saturn dealer tech and have done plenty more upgrades over the years from ZZP and OTTP. Great aftermarket support for a small production run vehicle has been nice. It only gets a few hundred miles a year and it's a sunny day car now in NE Ohio. Still looks like new. Nothing makes me smile like that silly Tupperware car with the screaming supercharger.
@@FeralRC Tupperware😂 That’s hilarious because those things were nothing but plastic! Thank you for telling me more about it man, definitely will make a video on that car in the future.
@@GreenHawkDrive definitely appreciate your videos. Other channels are not nearly as accurate as yours. You know... Like the guy who says "THIIIISSS..."
The mopar cab forwards. I remember when the intrepid came out, loving the front end but being turned off by the massive amount of car behind the C pillar…. My friends parents had a 4 door stratus (they owned the local Chrysler dealership) and I loved that car
Pretty crazy I was just thinking about this car I had to 04 coupe R/T in gun metal grey I had alot fun in that car I tinted the window tossed in a cold air intake and added nicer rims a bass tube as well Kinda miss this car but it had transmission issues but those cars Basically all did Mitsubishi Chrysler dodge they always took care of which was cool but eventually you knew it was a wrap and it was tike to get rid of it same issue with reverse I had as well had the car 4 years. Cool video brought memories back .
I know of a dodge stratus coupe rt around the corner from me and honestly apart from Monte Carlo Pace cars it might be the weirdest thing to be seen on the road in our town regularly
I love your enthusiasm in the video man, got a follow. I love all things that go, and have been a Chrysler Tech for almost 15yrs. .2.7 and 3.5 are not related... at all. The 2.7 3.7 and 4.7 are related. The 2.7 platform is a modular setup, kind of like Fords 4.7 engine. It was the start of modular engines as we know today in the US .
By 2005 I was already 47. Back then, cars were signs of achievement. High end models were considered status symbols. SUVs are neither of those. For me they rank right in there with refrigerators. Utility without the sport.
My neighbor across the street is selling his It’s a stick, I recently changed the starter on it for him which was super easy and actually kinda fun to do. Alternator just went out and he says he wants 800 bucks for
You did great job on the video. You do not have to apologize for your efforts. You do your research and you are learning at the same time. This is how you gain knowledge. I like the fact you cover many decades. Your footage and graphics are good. You will become great and you stay focused and diligent in your efforts. I am not interested in this car, but the video was good. That is how you keep people watching and interested. I thank you. Keep doing the videos and bringing back the memories and facts.
![DDG & G Herbo - Nosey [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/I9Ra0Zc2NlQ/mqdefault.jpg)
3,200 votes
Chevy Monte Carlo SS: 42%
Honda Accord Coupe V6: 39%
Dodge Stratus R/T: 11%
Mercury Cougar V6: 9%
the accord is the only right answer
*laughs in 1999 toyota solara*
Oddly enough I kind of like that style monte carlo, The one that came after it is atrocious
Saab 95
You forgot nissan
Yes, some of your viewers are older (I'm 64), but we're also old enough to remember owning & driving, or having friends who owned & drove, cars like the Dodge Stratus. I appreciate that you examine many off-beat &/or seemingly forgotten cars. I find your channel very entertaining. Thank you, from Canada!
Thank you man! I appreciate those kind words😎
64? God damn.. whats it like being that old? I’m only 15
I'm 38, remember the Shelby series and spirit R/t 🤤
I’m 38 and my buddy had one of these in high school. We used to race.. I had a 1997 Pontiac gtp
@@downlowgo_401 mom had a '98 grand prix gt sedan miss that car. But I still have the '00 Impala LS
I think of the SNL skit where Will Ferrell says "I drive a Dodge Stratus" whenever I see one. 😂
“I CAN DO 100 PUSHUPS IN AN HOUR!”
“I wish you werent a liar” 🤣😂🤣😂
You do not talk to me like that! People are afraid of me!
@@bradkirchhoff5703YOU DON’T TALK ABOUT MY CAR THAT WAY.
Man, I currently drive a first gen 1999 dodge stratus and seeing people recognize it as a car makes me happy
Whole purpose of my channel man! Shed some light on the cars that aren’t recognized.
I always liked the Stratus RT coupe. I thought it had nice clean lines. I like that they used some Dodge styling cues from previous models, like the Crosshair grille and wrap around tail lights were reminiscent of the Stealth. I certainly thought they looked nicer than the Eclipse they were based on. I almost had myself convinced to buy one.
i'm a dodge guy from a long time back. im 59 yrs old and have owned more than my fair share of cars. my 81 yr old mother gave me her low mileage arizona garage kept 99 300 M. (she no longer needs 2 cars). i fell in love with the intrepid when it debuted. i was never in the spot to ever buy one fresh out of the factory. anywho the 300M is basically the same car and was pleasantly surprised when she called me and said she wanted me to have it. i get so many guys chasing me down and go nuts when i explain where it spent its life. (most of these cars are such bad shape when you do manage to see one) i thought the last guy was going break down in tears. well thanks for doing this video.
That's so cool! I've had 3 Intrepids and still have one a 1997 with 18,000 mi I agree with you! I was so obsessed with them when they came out! I had a Neon too it was the best car I ever had!
i was going to buy a neon when they were introduced, they sold as fast as they came off the truck. so i opted for an 86 shelby charger. i had a lot of fun in that car. @@peachyclean93
Thanks for sharing that story!
In the early 00's Miami Dade county FL had a whole fleet of base white Dodge stratus, and ram vans, ram cargo vans, and base ram 1500 pick ups.
Oh man I miss cars. That Speedvision logo in one of the clips really took me back, ha ha. Thanks for another amazing video Hawk!
I miss speedvision 😭
@@gsxellence Speedvision was perfect.
Thanks for returning back Stinger!
@@GreenHawkDrive Always, Hawk. You ain't getting rid of me. 😂
My buddy had one of those. He drove it over a curb at 50 MPH and it was the coolest thing I ever witnessed. Nothing is funnier than a Chrysler product being destroyed by the owner.
Dodge had an R/T model for almost every one of their vehicles at the time.
even now 😂
I remember those days. Chevy did the same with their SS trim level.
@@bruskii5604pretty much😂, but back then they had an srt in every trim which was different, my friend had the stratus r/t coupe, looked nice, but underpowered
@@js_392 they wanted to seem like they were a performance brand but they couldn’t really do it at the time it seems
@@bruskii5604yeah cuz no one from the states really could compete with the Germans at the time, even joining them(Daimler-Chrysler merger), and now that they got something good going, they kill it 😂😂😂😂
Damn…. Cars were way more attainable 20 years ago compared to now because automakers weren’t so focused on high end luxury cars and maybe one tiny crossover you see everywhere.
33, I had one for my first car. Was sort of quick, but really got me into hands on work for cars!
My first car too 😁
You forgot the Sebring LXi, which was just as sporty. These coupes are essentially Mitsubishi Galant Coupes. They are built off a Galant chassis and share the same wheelbase as a Galant. Many people incorrectly refer to them as bloated Eclipse Coupes. They do use Eclipse interior bits but the Eclipse is built on a much much shorter Galant chassis.
Great vid!
I've owned a 2005 Dodge Stratus Coupe, 2.4L automatic, for 7 years now, and you know what? This car still drives and handles just great, and it doesn't fall behind regular modern cars in terms of performance. The best part is that maintenance and repairs are hassle-free and cheap. When I bought it, I thought I'd be changing it in a year or two, but I still don't want to part with it
The Eclipse got huge in 2000 as they built those off Gallant platforms, and the Gallant got bigger every gen. It was built in the Diamond Star plant with that Strattus coupe.. great vid as always Hawk Guy!
Good point! Hey, from creator to creator, thank you for continuing your videos and the support for mine😎
@@GreenHawkDriveI am merely a student....You are the Master!
Got huge? Not really, the 2g Eclipse was 172.2 inches and the 3g Eclipse was 176.8 inches, it's only 4" in the difference. The top trim 3g was in fact lighter than the top trim 2g Eclipse, 2g GSX was 3,210 lbs and the 3g GTS was 3,053 lbs. Lastly I'll just say having owned 4 Eclipse and 8 Mitsubishi total, including 2g, 3g, 4g, 3g Eclipses in that order, the 3g was by far my favorite of them all and why I own a 3g Spyder GT-P (Canada trim) today still.
@@TeamGun Eclipses did get bigger every gen .Yeah I guess a third gen may have "only" been 200 lbs more? But weight is weight LOL. Seems heavy to me as a RWD 03 350z wasnt all that much more than a 3rd gen v6 Eclipse. The 4th Gens got porky when a convertible V6 was what...3700 lbs??
@@autochatter You read wrong, I said the 3g GTS was lighter than the 2g GSX, though the 3g was 4" longer the GTS 3g was 200lbs lighter than the 2g GSX, due to the awd system. You can see this on the Mitsubishi Eclipse Wiki. You're correct the 4g GT convertible was close to 3700lbs, at 3,671 lbs. I don't put much thought into the weight of a vehicle, I've owned relatively light vehicles (2004 Celica GTS, 2016 Scion FRS) and including those vehicles, I still love my 3g Spyder GT-P more.
Hey guy I'm 24 and love your stuff. I can see the inspiration from other channels I watch, yet your videos are still unique 👍
Wow, thank you man! I appreciate that
The 2001 Mercury Cougar was primarily developed for the European market as the Ford Cougar - where it sold rather poorly, though - hence it having only Ford of Europe engines like the Duratec 2.5.
Great video, by the way!
I appreciate that, thank you!
Cougar could have easily been the 3rd gen Ford Probe. It was an evolution of that model and a Cougar in name only.
The cougar was also based off the Ford contour chassis which is why it had the same engine 2.5L option. The S model which never got released was supposed to get the 3.0L SVT motor same as the SVT Contour but that Generation Cougar got canned after 4 years of production due to sales.
The only coupes from your list I still see today are the Mustang V6 and the accord V6. Shocking how the other models just disappeared
I live in Canada, and we never got the Stratus coupe, just the Sebring coupe and convertible. Having driven those, I can honestly say, these Mitsubishi powered Chrysler models were quite nice to drive.
Wish the world still preferred coupes over crossovers!
Canadian here. I owned the Chrysler alter-ego of this car, the 2001 Sebring LXi Coupe. As you mentioned, it was Mitsubishi-built, with the 24-valve 3.0 V6 5-speed. Poor paint quality, but very good otherwise. The 5-speed was one of its best features, it was the only front-drive car that I could power-shift. I contemplated adding a turbo to it, but I couldn't find an all-inclusive kit, and I didn't have the $$ to have a custom setup built for me. I loved the handling, which responded well to even better tires in 225/50VR17 size (BF Goodrich Comp T/A). I must say, I think the Stratus R/T Coupe was better-looking, but they weren't sold here in Canada. That 3.0 V6 would have been terrific in a smaller, lighter car, but the Sebring was better for me, being 6'4". Maybe I should have considered a custom nitrous kit ... 😁. Sadly, two years ago a guy backed out of his driveway into my front-right corner, and my insurance company wrote it off. Bummer.
That’s sucks man, she was an amazing ride that’s for sure. How weren’t you able to find a turbo kit if it’s a mistu engine?
I've never forgotten about the Dodge stratus (coupe or sedan). The coupe is my personal favorite, although it's crazy that I remember seeing them on the roads EVERYWHERE back then but now it's like most have dropped off roads and ended up in salvage/junk yards
I had 2. An 01 SE coupe with 3.0L and an 04 RT coupe with the 3.0L. I loved them both.
That Mitsubishi 3.0L was the Japanese version of the GM 3.8L. Both engines were bulletproof.
“I DRIVE A DODGE STRATUS”
Lmao one of my favorite SNL clips.
Growing up my mom had a 2004 Dodge Stratus for most of my childhood. I will forever love dodge stratus and I think it was such an underrated car despite its flaws.
This video was a trip for me. My first car was a brand new 05 Black Stratus R/T Coupe. I loved that thing and never had any (major) problems with her....... well.....the clear coat coming off was probably the worst thing. She lasted me a good 15 years until I got rear ended and insurance scrapped her. So Stratus R/T coupes will always have a special place in my heart even though they weren't all that special themselves.
The stratus was always called the “9/11 car” for me because when I was a kid I saw a picture of one burning in the street from plane/building debris. That picture burned into my brain
Chrysler and Mitsubishi products where under the DSM - Diamond Star Motors name.
Although they had many cars built together like you had mentioned with the eclipse, and eagle talon, but the Mitsubishi 3000GT was entirely a Mitsubishi product on it own.
This was another Good video!!! Made me flashback to when I owned a 94 Intrepid. It was a good car for me! If I didn’t have kids at the time I’d have gotten a coupe!!!! My car lasted a long time but then the computer messed up and I got rid of it in 06
I appreciate that man! Got good use out of it for sure.
Man, I always- and still, find the first gen Stratus R/T Coupe to be a very attractive vehicle (the refresh just looked so cheap in comparison). Smooth, clean lines and enough sporty details and that scalloped rear-end. Liked it so much I seriously considered one when as a young 20-something I wanted a nicer, faster car. Preferred this to the Eclipse it was based on. BUT, decided to go the V8 route for a little more cash in a Mustang GT. So glad I did but always wonder "what if" I purchased a Stratus instead. Seeing this still makes me want one.
My friend had a stratus r/t, 5 speed...it had a turbo slapped on it, and a tune, in probably 2006... It constantly broke transmissions, and head gaskets were a constant issue. But it was a riot when it was running right.
I remeber my old boss had a turbo model from Mexico, I thought it was pretty cool interesting car.
I remember in high school when the Neon SRT4 came out amd my local Dodge dealer had one inches showroom. I was oogling it but they wouldn't dare let my 16yr old ass test drive it... but the DID let me test drive a Stratus RT coupe with the 3.0 and the 5spd. I was pleasantly surprised. Pretty cool car.
Just wanted to say I'm a 22 year old car geek who spends half my day scrolling Wikipedia for random ass cars so your channel is right down my alley 😂 I remember seeing these around as a young child and used to find the bulbous, rounded American design of these and others of the 90s and the early 2000s hideous. I was a much bigger fan of the sharper lines from Europe and Japan and my family only bought Toyotas and Nissans growing up. But I forgot ab some of these cars completely. Looking back at them now, the styling was actually pretty cool and nice. The Stratus coupe, Dodge Avenger coupe, Eagle Talon, last-gen Pontiac Grand Prix, Dodge Stealth, reluctantly even the Monte Carlo SS, all look great. I just wish more of them were RWD based :(
Had a Stratus Coupe with the 3.0l V6 from the mitsubishi eclipse back in high-school (2013). That thing ripped. Everybody had fart can Hondas and I loved racing them😂😂
I had the Stratus R/T coupe back in the day. It was when Dodge was still partnered with Mercedes. It was always interesting to work on the car and see logos on the parts from either Dodge, Benz, or Mitsubishi.
Great video Green Hawk! You did bring back more memories of cars I had not thought of in so long. I was really into SUVs at that time so I did not look too hard at most of these. The Monte Carlo SS was great. Thanks and hoping you are doing great!
Thank you for coming back!
I had an 03 Eclipse GTS 3.0 5 speed. Same car. It was so much fun
Double wishbone rear suspension. A stiffer set of springs really unlocked the 95-00 model. The 2.4 was a Chrysler engine. Based on the 2.2 turbo. With a cylinder head designed as a smaller Mitsubishi 4g63 “style” head, however with smaller Head ports to increase velocity. (Because the EDZ was supposed to be a naturally aspirated Engine) later in 2002 they narrowed the exhaust ports a little more, gave it slightly smaller valves, piston oil squirter‘s, stronger pistons and rods, One extra valve cover bolt, A turbo, (and slight engine block strengthening. that in all honesty, in the long run wasn’t needed) and stuffed it in the neon SRT4 and GT pt cruiser now calling it EDT
The reason that they used smaller exhaust ports and valves was to increase velocity to the small turbo eliminating turbo lag.
The Stratus your father had was not bad at all. I drove a "ES" model with a V6 and it was a comfortable car to be in. The only issue I had with these cars back then was centre console. It was boring to say the least. In the same year, the mid-size sedans from its rivals had better centre console and switches. I thought the 90 Dodge Spirit ES had a centre console and dash lay out. Those JBL stereo were fun!
I've always loved those old Dodge print ads like you showed in the intro.
I’m 53 and I enjoyed your video. No bullshit and straight to the facts. Great job.
Thank you man, cheers!
I used to own a TRD Camry Solara with a 5speed supercharged V6. That thing was a weapon back in the day. 0-60 in the 6s and it made around 240hp. Only thing I didn't like about it was the FWD architecture and if you were too aggressive from the dig, it was 1 tire fire smoke machine. I think TRD had a limited slip diff available for it at the time but I didn't care much and sold the car and stuck with my good ol RWD cars.
I drive a 99 LHS and i appreciate a lot more now. 252 hp and 255 tq really was impressive in 99 they should have put the 3.5 in more cars of the time
I still have my stratus. It's the 4 door, but the 2.4 motor is distant cousin of the 4g63, the 4g64, so I jokingly tell people my car has an evo motor lol.
When i was an early teen in the mid to late 90s the stratus was the hot ticket body for 1/10th rc touring car racing
I daily a 1998 toyota corolla. i got it for a six pack of beer, and it's been an amazing car. especially after i installed some subwoofers
I had a red 2001. Would have another in a heartbeat. Great sounding car with the 3.0. Love the styling still today
slobalt SS is going to be up there with the R/T of the 2000's soon
Buying a red Dodge stratus RT Coupe today and wanted to say thank you so much for this video. Crazy how it popped into my recommended a week before I buy my first ever dodge and it’s the exact same model 🤘🏽😂 I’ll post a review to my channel if it if anyone interested
The collaboration between Chrysler and Mitsubishi started in the 1970's with the colt. Throughout the era of the K cars, Chrysler used many Mitsubishi engines in their cars. The Stratus R/T was actually a Chrysler designed car made by Mitsubishi. (other cars like the Dodge Stealth were actually made for Chrysler in Japan and imported here...)
Don't forget that mistu/challenger back in the '80s!
I have an 04 stratus R/T over in Mexico, basically a more spacious srt4 and heavier, currently my project car trying to make it faster but it’s a fun sporty sedan. 👌🏻
02 Stratus SXT (Sedan) was my first car, this was very interesting
A friend of mine had one of these back in like 2006-ish. Fun car. His mom also had a Sebring coupe (probably like a 2000 model or so? The kinda hot one with the Mitsubishi V6) that was also pretty fun.
The Mopar hot-rodder family around here's kids that were around my age used to take the bigger 4-cylinders from the cloud cars and put them in first-generation Neons to make them pretty quick. I bought a clean ACR Neon coupe with a built cloud car 2.4 from one of them that was genuinely pretty fast out on the country roads here in the mountains of WV.
I had an 01 stratus R/T and it decimated pretty much anything new at the time and I had the automatic which had the Mitsubishi manual or shift tronic to change gears yourself which really let the v6 sing… I loved that car and would buy one again if one came up
The Mercury Cougar was based on the European Ford Mondeo and that's why the Essex V6 was not put into them. Three chassis simply was not engineered for it.
I had an 07 r/t I absolutely loved
I’ve sold these new and still am a Chrysler Jeep dodge salesman to this day. The coupe was a Mitsubishi and I promise you the quality was not even close to the 4 door . They were great new but they fell apart . The 4 door had a very plastic interior but they were great cars overall.
One thing that is off is that the 3800 supercharged engine was available for the impala, monte carlo, regal, and grand prix starting in 97, with a revised system in 98 that boosted power from 220 to 240. The main thing that killed those cars was the tall gearing and sluggish 4t65e-HD transmission
I was in High School when the Avenger and Sebring Coupe came out. I loved the 1st gen models from a design standpoint, decent aftermarket support from being related to all the Mitsus. When the Avenger was turned into the Stratus couple, I felt they really missed it. The Avenger name, at that point, wasn't derogatory like the Stratus was. Then in Daimler Chryslers' infinite 2000s wisdom, renamed the Stratus sedan to a Avenger.
I had a Red Viper. 1996 year. It was 1:18 scale but still felt like the real thing.
I had a stratus, it had 2 kicker comp cvr 12's which was considered very powerful subs at the time, my neighbors hated me.
i loved my 02 stratus r/t. the earlier ones looked better than the smaller grill front ends the last generation. but the rear looked better in the second generation. mine was a great car in pearl white with white leather and manual transmission
Another great video from you. Thank you! Some of those cars made it to this side of the pond too 🏴 so it’s good to see them again. Intriguing to realise how much the car market has changed, and a shame to think that even cars from only a few years ago do not exist anymore due to government scrapping schemes etc. Cheers mate, keep them coming! 🏴 ❤ 🇺🇸
Thank you for coming back!
In 1998 my best friend and I both went out and got 1996 Dodge Stratus ES's about a week apart from each other! We would both want to drive whenever we so we'd ending up racing everywhere. My tires were bald within the first month of ownership! Oh to be 22 with no wife, no kids and not a care in the world again! 🤣
These cars and the Monte Carlo SS always looked so tuff, Imagine if they threw a little v8 in these type of cars. Instead you just got something like a manual transmission which in no way made up for the lack of power lmao
I don’t understand the thinking here in the USA , we don’t need a suv , it’s a option people seem to be taking but perhaps trucks should be lesser of a option
Suvs look like shit
Sebring coupe had a really nice interior compared to the others, Avenger was so good looking at the time, a shame the V6 came only in auto.
My toy car is a heavily modified 2 door Accord with 4 cylinder vetc and 5 speed stick. Stock bottom end with over 300k. Love that thing, it takes all the abuse haha
I sold my 94 stealth for a 96 prelude si h23 I love that prelude
In my country, this car would've been known as Volga Siber Sport. But this is a sort of thoughts about parallel universe
My first boss I had when I worked at Wendy's had a light blue version of one of these, I really loved the way it looked, I've always loved Dodge vehicles, never have gotten the chance to own one myself though.
I never saw one of these things and this is from a guy who spent nearly every Saturday at a dodge dealership as a kid(my old man was a mechanic) where I used to explore the lot a lot of the time. I still remember the 1999 Dodge Viper lol
Who doesn’t love the Viper
The Toyota Camry Solara/Toyota Solara seems like it would fit in as a video on your channel. Since the whole idea I believe started with the 3rd gen Camry offering a coupe variant and that turning into the Camry Solara. Plus the choice of a I4 or V6 and coupe or convertible.
The solara was pretty quick and very reliable
In 2005 for our work car the company bought 4dr SXT's. They were really great cars comfortable got good gas mileage. I had over 130K on mine when I finally turned it in no major repairs.
The goat is back ❤❤❤❤❤
Thank you man!
My sister had a 2nd Gen Stratus sedan back then. I never understood the "crappy interior" complaints, didn't find it any worse than the Toyota Camry of the time. I remember the front seats being exceptionally comfortable, in fact. And as usual, Chrysler had the best stereos, base models included. It was a nice ride as far as I could tell (I never drove it). She eventually traded it on a Kia Optima, lured in by the 10 year warranty, which ended up being a big mistake.. Let's just say no one in my immediate family has since considered a Hyundai/Kia after what a POS that car was and how skeevy the company is with their warranty.
I know the sedan isn't the subject of the video, but the R/T sedan would be my choice, knowing that changing the timing chain and water pump every 80k leaves you with actually a very long-lasting engine with competitive power and the convenience of four doors. Even better if it could be had with a manual--but aren't we all tired of saying/hearing that..
The 99' to 02' Mercury Cougar was on the Ford Mondeo platform from Europe. The Ford Contour and Mercury Mystic was also on that platform. The Contour and Mystic had an optional 2.5L V6 that was also found in the Cougar. Being siblings of the Mondeo is why the tried and true 3.8L was not put into the Cougar.
I see more older Chrysler vehicles then any other brand! Just saw a original 95 Dodge Stratus a week ago they must have did something right for all these vehicles to be around still! And just saw a 1999 LHS too
I drive a 99 LHS😂
@@konnerkosobucki3144 cool see you still got the old girl going!
Honestly out of all of these i would go with the grand prix GTP or the carlo SS. If it didnt have to be a coupe id go with the olds aurora with its shortstar- all the good things of the northstar without the problems
I like those auroras too, I was considering buying one but I heard they have problems?
@@GreenHawkDrive mainly transmission issues from what I understand. A bigger trans oil cooler goes a long way on the 4t65s. I'm sure at their age at this point the electronics are starting to go. It's probably a bitch finding parts for just about anything on these since they were pretty unique for being a GM product
My dad had a 2008 stratus. The car was awesome!
It's cool seeing cars long forgotten
Is that your handwriting? If so, I love it! Someone with penmanship on par with mine lol. Seriously though, love your videos and channel! Got a new sub here ;)
2001 Toyota Solara coupe V6 w/ 5 speed and available supercharger kit that made around 240 hp if I remember correctly.
Hailing from Europe (U.K specifically) I always liked the design of some of those American 90's sedans and Coupé's... They looked - to my eyes - very futuristic: Long, low and sleek... I think they have aged really well... I don't think the crossovers we now have, will age as well...
I had a 2001 Sebring Coupe - always thought of it as a stretched Mitsubishi Eclipse which is what it was. More of a luxury car over the sporty Eclipse. This was in Canada and I think it was only a 1 or 2 year only thing, so it was hard to find service for it (as it was a used car out of warranty). I'd bring it to Chrysler dealers and they were less experienced with it, Mitsubishi dealers were better with it.
To me with the top level chrome wheels in black with black tint, the car was kind of a modern 'gangster' car before the 300's came in.
I had a 01 Sebring Coupe with the 3.0 V6 and 5 speed manual. All the options too. What a sweet highway cruiser that was. Mitsubishi part numbers meant you paid a lot more. I miss that car but I bought a 06 Ion Redline new and still have it. I made the better choice.
I had a 2000 Cougar and I can tell you why the engine choice. The 2.5l V6 was already crammed in that engine bay!
Both of those cars are awesome man! How’s the redline been? I feel like those cars are heavily forgotten about as well.
@@GreenHawkDrive it's been a lot of fun over the years. I installed the GM Stage 2 while I was still a Saturn dealer tech and have done plenty more upgrades over the years from ZZP and OTTP. Great aftermarket support for a small production run vehicle has been nice. It only gets a few hundred miles a year and it's a sunny day car now in NE Ohio. Still looks like new. Nothing makes me smile like that silly Tupperware car with the screaming supercharger.
@@FeralRC Tupperware😂 That’s hilarious because those things were nothing but plastic! Thank you for telling me more about it man, definitely will make a video on that car in the future.
@@GreenHawkDrive definitely appreciate your videos. Other channels are not nearly as accurate as yours. You know... Like the guy who says "THIIIISSS..."
CARS AND BIDSSSSSS!
Everyone that made Chrysler tic at this time had EXITED the building. Sad .
Dodge laser is interesting. Never heard of that before. Kind of reminds me of the Pontiac Fierro.
I find the 2000s to be an interesting decade for domestic auto manufacturers as IMO that’s the point where it all came apart.
I hate to say it but I liked how these cars looked in the early and mid 2000's. I ended up getting into Hondas though thank god lol
The mopar cab forwards. I remember when the intrepid came out, loving the front end but being turned off by the massive amount of car behind the C pillar…. My friends parents had a 4 door stratus (they owned the local Chrysler dealership) and I loved that car
Pretty crazy I was just thinking about this car I had to 04 coupe R/T in gun metal grey I had alot fun in that car I tinted the window tossed in a cold air intake and added nicer rims a bass tube as well Kinda miss this car but it had transmission issues but those cars Basically all did Mitsubishi Chrysler dodge they always took care of which was cool but eventually you knew it was a wrap and it was tike to get rid of it same issue with reverse I had as well had the car 4 years. Cool video brought memories back .
Glad you liked it man!
I know of a dodge stratus coupe rt around the corner from me and honestly apart from Monte Carlo Pace cars it might be the weirdest thing to be seen on the road in our town regularly
I love your enthusiasm in the video man, got a follow. I love all things that go, and have been a Chrysler Tech for almost 15yrs. .2.7 and 3.5 are not related... at all. The 2.7 3.7 and 4.7 are related. The 2.7 platform is a modular setup, kind of like Fords 4.7 engine. It was the start of modular engines as we know today in the US .
I appreciate that man! My mistake, must have misread something.
Awesome vid man. Keep up the great work and you’ll go far!
There is an eagle version of the stratus coupe as well. I think it's called a vision if I remember correctly
By 2005 I was already 47. Back then, cars were signs of achievement. High end models were considered status symbols. SUVs are neither of those. For me they rank right in there with refrigerators. Utility without the sport.
My neighbor across the street is selling his
It’s a stick, I recently changed the starter on it for him which was super easy and actually kinda fun to do.
Alternator just went out and he says he wants 800 bucks for
Definitely a decent choice my friend
@@GreenHawkDrive I’m definitely considering it for me
If not my mother In law has been looking for another vehicle
You did great job on the video. You do not have to apologize for your efforts. You do your research and you are learning at the same time. This is how you gain knowledge. I like the fact you cover many decades. Your footage and graphics are good. You will become great and you stay focused and diligent in your efforts. I am not interested in this car, but the video was good. That is how you keep people watching and interested. I thank you. Keep doing the videos and bringing back the memories and facts.
As always, thank you man. Your positivity and comments are always welcome. Did you vote in the poll? Curious on what your pick is and why!
@@GreenHawkDrive You are most welcome. I did not see the poll. I missed that. I am sorry.
What's your pick? I'm guessing you went with the Monte !@@OLDS98
@@GreenHawkDrive Monte Carlo with a 3800 V6.
I still own my 2003 R/T coupe and love it
man I wish they still HAD this car.....I'm fed up with vapid, uninspired, conformist SUV boxes
Never knew the Stratus R/T was related to the Eclipse🤯🤯🤯🤯 Thank you
Thank you for watching man!