Don't "Dodge" this beauty!

I guess I should let it be known first that I fell for the oldest trick in the new car buying book: buying the first car I test drove. But I don't regret it for a second with this lovely auto.

The 2001 Dodge Stratus is more or less a totally different car, entire leaps and bounds above its previous model years with more agressive body styling and power.

The color of mine is Deep Sapphire, which resembles a variety of colors based on the amount of light and the overall cleanliness of the exterior. But regardless of the amount of grime on it, it never fails to turn heads.

The interior is a decent slate color, and features a large cabin area with plenty of legroom for taller individuals in both the front and back seats. Cruise control is easy to use and incredibly adaptive. All of the controls are large and easy to read, with the driver's controls (fuel, RPM, MPH, etc) in a bright white color during the day, and a luminescent green hue at night. A nifty wood faux-wood grain is located on top of the radio and climate controls, bringing an extra touch of class and elegance to the already impressive interior.

Cupholders and storage space are aplenty, making the car one of the best sedans for longer trips with a couple passengers.

The 2001 Stratus also features a large trunk with inside trunk release (the release glows in the dark and sports a rather humorous picture of a stick man leaping out of a trunk to safety), and sharp race-car like headlights that cut a swath through the night with ease.

Any negatives? Well, according to the dash-mounted fuel economy, I'm not getting nearly what is estimated by the EPA for the car, ratings of 20/28, but closer to 20. However, engine break-in is still occurring, so it's possible that it will pick up in a couple hundred miles or so.

2001 Dodge Stratus: A-