Interior
reviewed by
While the outside of the Stratus looks closer to a small car than a
mid-size, looks prove deceiving once inside. The interior is extremely
roomy and airy. The Stratus can comfortably accommodate four passengers
with very good leg and headroom in front, and outstanding space in the
rear. Like most cars in this size class, it's rated for five passengers,
but, also like most, three's a crowd in the back seat.
The seats are quite comfortable and provide ample support even during
long journeys. An integrated child seat for the back is available as an
option, a convenient feature that results in the little one always being
properly restrained, whereas child safety seats are often installed improperly.
The Stratus has full instrumentation, attractively marked and nicely
illuminated after dark. Its controls are easy to reach and easy to read.
The addition of the standard full center console, which had been optional
before, is a significant improvement.
Not only can the Stratus carry four adults in comfort, it can carry
their belongings as well. The trunk, easy to load with its low liftover
and wide opening, is very large for a small mid-size car. Cargo-carrying
capacity can be expanded by folding down the rear seat. Items like skis
and surfboards can be placed in the trunk and slid into the rear seat by
a lockable passthrough.
A release latch for the pass-through to the trunk has been added inside
the trunk so when you're loading long items, you don't have to walk around
and open the car doors in order to unlock the pass-through. (Chrysler designers
came upon this clever new feature while watching Christmas shoppers try
to load their wares in mall parking lots.)
Safety features include dual airbags, side-guard door beams and front
seat height adjustable shoulder belts. Keyless remote entry is available,
as is an optional personal security package. Antilock braking is optional
on the basic Stratus, standard on the ES.
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