Dodge Stratus Paint Info
The Color Breakdown
Dodge didn't just release a car with the Stratus; they released a rolling prism. With 50 colors recorded over its lifespan, they really went for it. You'll find everything from the high-energy Solar Yellow and Shark Blue Pearl to the deeply sophisticated Inferno Red Pearl Tricoat. Whether you're driving a daily commuter in Bright Silver Metallic or one of the rarer shades like Deep Amethyst Pearl, Dodge made sure these cars had enough personality to stand out in any parking lot.
What to Watch For
While the colors were bold, the clear coat on many Stratus models has a habit of "sunbathing" a little too hard. It's common to see the finish start to flake or look cloudy on flat surfaces like the hood, roof, and the tops of the door handles. Before you start your repair, you'll need your secret weapon: the paint code. You can usually find this 3-character code (look for "PNT:") on the driver's side door jamb. If it's not there, check the firewall inside the engine bay or the driver's side strut tower. Finding the right code is the difference between a seamless fix and a "close enough" mistake.
Driveway Repair Tip
Since Dodge leaned heavily into pearls and tricoats (like Dark Slate Pearl), those beautiful metallic flakes tend to settle at the bottom of your touch-up bottle. Give your pen or brush a vigorous shake for at least two full minutes-think of it as a workout for your forearm. When applying, remember that the "blob" is your enemy. Use several very light, thin layers rather than one thick one. Some of the more complex reds or deep blues might look a little different at first, but they just require patience to dry and darken to their final shade. Keep your layers thin, and you'll have that Stratus looking sharp again without ever leaving your driveway.