The sedan gets a restyled front end for 2004, a new front fascia design with a chrome-accented grille. The coupe was completely redesigned for 2003, with a sportier, more aggressive look.

Dodge Stratus coupe has been redesigned for 2003. The 2003 coupe looks sportier, less rounded than the 2002 model, and less like the Stratus sedan. Almost all of the coupe's exterior has been updated. Grille, headlamps, fog lamps and front fascia are all new. The grille is moved farther up and it's trimmed with chrome throats. The rear fascia is new and includes new tail lamps. New side sill moldings dress up the sides, and the hood and trunk lid have been redesigned. Wheels on all models have been redesigned.

The coupe now looks the sportier of the two, but both coupe and sedan offer a sportier appearance than most other mid-size cars.

The sedan's windshield describes a graceful arch that extends into an abbreviated tail. That arching profile echoes design cues from other Dodge sedans, while the stubby prow and body-colored, cross-hair grille suggests the Viper. Rounded front corners carry multi-lens headlamps set above round fog-light openings.

The Stratus sedan was given a five-star safety rating by the federal government (NHTSA) for both driver and front passenger in a frontal impact as well as for rollover resistance. The Stratus sedan has also achieved "Good" ratings from the insurance industry (IIHS) for in 40-mph frontal offset crash testing.