2.0-liter four-cylinder that powers the Neon twins. It's mated to a smooth

five-speed manual transmission, the only Stratus engine so equipped.

Optional engines include a 150-hp 2.4-liter four and a 168-hp V6, supplied

by Mitsubishi. The 2.4-liter engine is paired with a fully-adaptive electronically

controlled four-speed automatic, but the ES V6 gets Chrysler's four-speed

AutoStick automatic.

AutoStick is a transmission control system introduced initially on the

larger, more expensive Eagle Vision TSi in early 1996, and became available

as standard equipment on the Stratus ES V6 midway through the 1996 model

year.

AutoStick lets the driver switch between automatic and clutchless manual

transmission modes, allowing greater control and driver interaction. When

you feel like shifting for yourself, you set the transmission in the manual

mode and simply flip the gear lever from side to side to achieve up or

downshifts. Put it back into auto mode, and it functions just like any

other automatic.

Our ES tester was equipped with this clever device, and we think it's

an ideal compromise for a household in which one person wants a manual

transmission and the other wants an automatic. And it certainly blends

well with the car's sporty character.

This transmission also has some other benefits that go beyond a regular

automatic transmission. On slippery surfaces, AutoStick can be shifted

into first, second or third gear to minimize wheelspin. Going downhill,

AutoStick can be downshifted early to allow the engine to take some of

the load off the brakes. Going uphill or on winding roads, Autostick can

hold a gear longer to achieve optimum power, eliminating hunting for the

right gear. The AutoStick-equipped Stratus can also be downshifted just

before a passing maneuver, to increase engine rpm for better no-lag acceleration.

The Stratus is a fun car to drive. With its modified double-wishbone

suspension, it provides precise steering, firm and responsive handling,

and feels quite stable in corners and around curves.

We found the V6 engine to be peppy, but still noisier than it should

be for true driving enjoyment and still not quite up to the performance

levels of some other V6 engines in this class--the Ford Contour, Honda

Accord and Toyota Camry come to mind.