1997 Dodge Stratus High style, low price. By Michelle Krebs, New Car Test Drive .com

In the mid-size car game, the perennial challenge is to create a sedan capable of competing with the Honda Accord

and Toyota Camry.

Chrysler Corporation faced that very question and decided a variation

on the mid-size theme was in order. The Dodge Stratus, along with its siblings,

the Chrysler Cirrus and Plymouth Breeze, is something of a hybrid in terms

of size and price. The three models cover the range from the value-oriented

Breeze to the sporty, mid-priced Stratus to the more luxurious Cirrus.

By straddling the size and price range, the Stratus actually takes on

more competitors. Beyond the Accord and Camry, the Stratus faces off with

the Ford Contour and Mercury Mystique, the Saturn sedan, Mazda 626, Nissan's

Altima and Maxima and the new Chevrolet Malibu.

That's a lot of competition, but even so, the Stratus has carved out

a spot for itself in this crowded segment of the market with a package

that focuses not only price and size but on ride, handling, comfort and

performance, as well as eye-catching looks.