🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Dodge Model: Stratus Sedan Year: 2006 Chassis Code: JC Body Style: 4-Door Sedan 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Mid-size Sedan Target Audience: Families, commuters, general car buyers seeking a practical and affordable sedan. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors 2006: Chevrolet Impala, Ford Fusion, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima. Key Features Value Proposition: Affordable pricing, decent interior space, available V6 engine for a more powerful option, typically equipped with common creature comforts. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Manual Type: Owner's Manual Language: English Format: Electronic (PDF) Page Count: Estimated 150-250 pages (typical for a 2006 model year owner's manual) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Primary Systems: Vehicle controls and features, instrument panel and indicators, starting and operating the vehicle, driving and operating precautions, maintenance and care, emergency procedures, towing, vehicle specifications. Procedures Included Maintenance Procedures: Scheduled maintenance intervals, checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire inflation and checks, bulb replacement, wiper blade replacement, battery maintenance. Diy Activities: Light maintenance tasks such as checking and topping fluids, changing wiper blades, tire pressure checks, and basic interior cleaning. Technical Depth Depth: Focuses on user-level operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting. Does not contain detailed repair procedures or diagnostic information typically found in a service manual. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Readability: High resolution, searchable text (if original PDF is optimized for search). Printing: Printable on standard printers. Binding Type Original Binding: Stapled or Perfect Bound (Physical Manual) Digital Format Advantage: No binding required, easily accessible on multiple devices. Paper Type Original Paper Type: Standard paper, gloss or matte finish depending on OEM printing standards. ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Option 1 Type: 2.7L (2700cc) SOHC V6 Engine Option 1 Displacement: 2.7 Liters Engine Option 1 Configuration: V6 Engine Option 1 Power: Approximately 189 hp @ 5800 rpm Engine Option 1 Torque: Approximately 191 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm Engine Option 2 Type: 2.4L (2378cc) DOHC I4 (World Engine) Engine Option 2 Displacement: 2.4 Liters Engine Option 2 Configuration: Inline 4-cylinder Engine Option 2 Power: Approximately 160 hp @ 6000 rpm Engine Option 2 Torque: Approximately 165 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm Performance Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type I4: 4-speed Automatic Transaxle Optional Transmission Type V6: 4-speed Automatic Transaxle (likely different calibration or torque converter for V6) Features Drive Layout: Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approx. 193.7 inches Width: Approx. 71.7 inches Height: Approx. 57.8 inches Wheelbase: Approx. 110.0 inches Interior Passenger Volume: Approx. 99.6 cu. ft. Cargo Trunk Volume: Approx. 15.1 cu. ft. Weights Curb Weight I4: Approx. 3200 - 3300 lbs Curb Weight V6: Approx. 3300 - 3450 lbs 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Impact Driver: Good (for 2005-2006 models tested) NHTSA Front Impact Passenger: Good (for 2005-2006 models tested) NHTSA Side Impact Front Driver: Good (for 2005-2006 models tested) NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger: Good (for 2005-2006 models tested) NHTSA Side Impact Rear Driver: Good (for 2005-2006 models tested) NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger: Good (for 2005-2006 models tested) IIHS Frontal Offset: Good (for 2005-2006 models tested) Active Features ABS: Standard on most trims. Traction Control: Optional or standard on higher trims. Passive Features Airbags Front: Driver and front passenger airbags standard. Airbags Side: Optional front side-impact airbags and full-length side curtain airbags on some trims. Seatbelts: 3-point seat belts with pretensioners for front occupants. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: AM/FM stereo with CD player. Optional premium audio system available on some trims. Display: Basic digital display for radio and clock. Higher trims might have a small LCD for trip computer information. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard on most models. Anti Lock Brakes: Standard or optional depending on trim level. Connectivity Auxiliary Input: Unlikely to be standard. May be available as an aftermarket addition or on very late production models. Bluetooth: Not available as a factory option for the 2006 model year. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 3,000 - 7,500 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used (refer to manual for specific recommendation). Tire Rotation: Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles. Engine Air Filter: Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or every 30,000 miles. Cabin Air Filter: Inspect/replace as needed, typically every 15,000 - 30,000 miles. Spark Plugs I4: Replace approximately every 60,000 - 100,000 miles (depending on type). Spark Plugs V6: Replace approximately every 60,000 - 100,000 miles (depending on type). Fluid Specifications Engine Oil: SAE 5W-30 (check manual for specific viscosity and API service classification). Coolant: Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (HOAT type) or equivalent, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Check manual for specific Mopar part number (e.g., MS-9769). Transmission Fluid: ATF+4 (MS-9602 compliant). Check manual for exact specification...
Families, commuters, general car buyers seeking a practical and affordable sedan.
Competitive Analysis
Key Competitors 2006:
Chevrolet Impala, Ford Fusion, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima.
Key Features
Value Proposition:
Affordable pricing, decent interior space, available V6 engine for a more powerful option, typically equipped with common creature comforts.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Manual Type:
Owner's Manual
Language:
English
Format:
Electronic (PDF)
Page Count:
Estimated 150-250 pages (typical for a 2006 model year owner's manual)
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Primary Systems:
Vehicle controls and features, instrument panel and indicators, starting and operating the vehicle, driving and operating precautions, maintenance and care, emergency procedures, towing, vehicle specifications.
Light maintenance tasks such as checking and topping fluids, changing wiper blades, tire pressure checks, and basic interior cleaning.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Focuses on user-level operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting. Does not contain detailed repair procedures or diagnostic information typically found in a service manual.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
PDF
Readability:
High resolution, searchable text (if original PDF is optimized for search).
Printing:
Printable on standard printers.
Binding Type
Original Binding:
Stapled or Perfect Bound (Physical Manual)
Digital Format Advantage:
No binding required, easily accessible on multiple devices.
Paper Type
Original Paper Type:
Standard paper, gloss or matte finish depending on OEM printing standards.
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Option 1 Type:
2.7L (2700cc) SOHC V6
Engine Option 1 Displacement:
2.7 Liters
Engine Option 1 Configuration:
V6
Engine Option 1 Power:
Approximately 189 hp @ 5800 rpm
Engine Option 1 Torque:
Approximately 191 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Engine Option 2 Type:
2.4L (2378cc) DOHC I4 (World Engine)
Engine Option 2 Displacement:
2.4 Liters
Engine Option 2 Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder
Engine Option 2 Power:
Approximately 160 hp @ 6000 rpm
Engine Option 2 Torque:
Approximately 165 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Performance
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type I4:
4-speed Automatic Transaxle
Optional
Transmission Type V6:
4-speed Automatic Transaxle (likely different calibration or torque converter for V6)
Features
Drive Layout:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approx. 193.7 inches
Width:
Approx. 71.7 inches
Height:
Approx. 57.8 inches
Wheelbase:
Approx. 110.0 inches
Interior
Passenger Volume:
Approx. 99.6 cu. ft.
Cargo
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 15.1 cu. ft.
Weights
Curb Weight I4:
Approx. 3200 - 3300 lbs
Curb Weight V6:
Approx. 3300 - 3450 lbs
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Good (for 2005-2006 models tested)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
Good (for 2005-2006 models tested)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Driver:
Good (for 2005-2006 models tested)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger:
Good (for 2005-2006 models tested)
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Driver:
Good (for 2005-2006 models tested)
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger:
Good (for 2005-2006 models tested)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good (for 2005-2006 models tested)
Active Features
ABS:
Standard on most trims.
Traction Control:
Optional or standard on higher trims.
Passive Features
Airbags Front:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard.
Airbags Side:
Optional front side-impact airbags and full-length side curtain airbags on some trims.
Seatbelts:
3-point seat belts with pretensioners for front occupants.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with CD player. Optional premium audio system available on some trims.
Display:
Basic digital display for radio and clock. Higher trims might have a small LCD for trip computer information.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models.
Anti Lock Brakes:
Standard or optional depending on trim level.
Connectivity
Auxiliary Input:
Unlikely to be standard. May be available as an aftermarket addition or on very late production models.
Bluetooth:
Not available as a factory option for the 2006 model year.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 - 7,500 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used (refer to manual for specific recommendation).
Tire Rotation:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles.
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or every 30,000 miles.
Cabin Air Filter:
Inspect/replace as needed, typically every 15,000 - 30,000 miles.
Spark Plugs I4:
Replace approximately every 60,000 - 100,000 miles (depending on type).
Spark Plugs V6:
Replace approximately every 60,000 - 100,000 miles (depending on type).
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30 (check manual for specific viscosity and API service classification).
Coolant:
Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (HOAT type) or equivalent, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Check manual for specific Mopar part number (e.g., MS-9769).
Transmission Fluid:
ATF+4 (MS-9602 compliant). Check manual for exact specification and capacity.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid:
Mopar Power Steering Fluid or equivalent. Check manual for specific recommendation.
Known Issues
Common Wear Items:
Suspension components (struts, ball joints, tie rods), brake pads and rotors, wheel bearings, exhaust system.
Engine Specific I4:
Timing chain tensioner wear (on earlier versions of the 2.4L), occasional oil leaks, PCV valve issues.
Occasional harsh shifting or slipping, particularly with higher mileage vehicles. Proper fluid maintenance is crucial.
Electrical Issues:
Window regulator failures, door lock actuator issues, occasional sensor failures (e.g., crankshaft position sensor, ABS wheel speed sensor).
HVAC Issues:
Blend door actuator failures, blower motor resistor failures, AC system leaks.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Manufacturer:
Chrysler Group LLC (Dodge brand).
Model Evolution
Platform:
Based on the Chrysler JR platform, shared with the Chrysler Sebring sedan and Dodge Avenger (previous generation).
Generation 2006:
Second Generation (2001-2006). This is the final model year for this generation before a significant redesign/rebranding for the 2007 model year (Chrysler Sebring Sedan replacement).
Production
Production Years:
1995-2006 (Stratus nameplate had various iterations and body styles).
Manufacturing Location:
Sterling Heights Assembly Plant, Sterling Heights, Michigan, USA.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
IIHS Award 2006:
Top Safety Pick (achieved good ratings in front and side impacts for certain configurations).