Overview & Reviews

Building affordable yet appealing compact cars has often been a struggle for American automakers. Popular Japanese nameplates have done well as a result, and U.S. consumers are familiar with their reputations for quality and reliability. So Dodge took a different tack when it introduced the front-wheel-drive Dodge Neon sedan and coupe (alongside the identical Plymouth Neon) for the 1995 model year: The company made it fun to drive. The suspension and steering were carefully tuned to make the car handle well in the corners, and a pair of engines was available, including a 140-hp DOHC four-cylinder -- a lot of power for an economy car at that time. Of course, it didn't hurt that the Neon was cute as a bug and cheaper than most peers, either. It quickly caught on with budget-minded shoppers and was popular with young driving enthusiasts looking for a domestic alternative to import performance cars.

Unfortunately, Dodge lost its way when it redesigned the Neon for the 2000 model year. The car was a bit more refined than the original but was heavier, more expensive and no more powerful. The arrival of the turbocharged Neon SRT-4 sedan for 2003 brought some enthusiasts back into the fold, but by then most economy-car buyers had flocked to other brands. The Dodge Neon was discontinued after the 2005 model year; its successor is the Caliber four-door hatchback.

Most Recent Dodge Neon

Sold from 2000 to 2005 in sedan form only, the second-generation Dodge Neon offered a roomy interior, a smooth ride, nimble handling and strong brakes. Downsides included weak and unrefined engines, excessive wind and road noise, and an overall lack of polish and feature content compared to other economy cars. Crash test performance was mixed, as the Neon earned solid ratings in government tests but performed poorly in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) testing. Antilock brakes were optional on all model years; side airbags became an option in 2001.

Initially, buyers could get only a buzzy 132-horsepower, four-cylinder engine with either a five-speed manual transmission or a three-speed automatic. The performance-oriented Neon R/T and ACR models arrived for 2001 with a 150-hp four-cylinder. They were quicker than other Neons, but you could only get them with the manual gearbox. A four-speed automatic finally replaced the three-speed unit in 2002. The Plymouth version of this car was sold only in 2000 and 2001 and was never offered with the 150-hp engine or the four-speed auto.

The Neon SRT-4 sedan is one of the few bright spots in recent Dodge Neon history. Sold from 2003 to 2005, this scrappy econosport sedan represented the most performance you could buy for $20,000. Key ingredients were a high-boost turbocharged 2.4-liter engine good for 215-230 hp and 245-250 lb-ft of torque (output increased slightly from year to year) and a completely retuned, track-ready suspension. Not only could this Neon get you to 60 mph in under 6 seconds, it was a cinch to place in the turns, particularly the 2004 and 2005 models, which came with a limited-slip differential.

Past Dodge Neons

Sold from 1995 to 1999 in sedan and coupe form, the original Dodge Neon was smaller and cuter than its successor. It also offered a better combination of features and performance for its day. Refinement was never its strong suit, though, and Neons with the base 132-hp engine and three-speed automatic transmission were noisy and slow. However, when equipped with the optional twin-cam engine, the five-speed manual transmission, and the upgraded running gear offered on Sport and R/T models and Competition Group-equipped base models, the first-generation Neon could be a lot of fun to drive.

Resale value has always been a weak point of the Dodge Neon, so buying a used one will cost you very little. The flipside is that reliability is also below average on this car, so you should expect to put some money into repairs. A thorough check by a mechanic is recommended before you buy -- steer clear of any Neon with a history of engine or transmission problems.

User Reviews:

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  Fun to drive/watch your speed! - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Frank Walton - August 4 - 10:06 pm

  My previous vehicle was an Audi A-4. So, I was quite apprehensive about getting into a Neon! One drive and I was hooked. The SRT-4 actually has more interior room than my A-4 did. However, gas mileage suffers because of the performance characteristics of this particular model. Ride quality is quite harsh around town but is very reassuring at speed on the highway.

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  Been in shop 4 xs since 5/02 - 2002 Dodge Neon
  By Vern - August 1 - 2:00 am

  I am filling this car up every two days, the dealer doesnt seem to think there is a problem. I wrote a letter to daimlerchrysler (ceo) and hoped that this would get resolved, unfortunately after this 4th time in the shop, it still does the same thing. I am fed up with this car.

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  Used and abused and still loving it - 1995 Dodge Neon
  By Nicole Towsley - July 31 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 1995 neon about ten months ago. It has been one of the best vehicles I have ever owned. My car is Red 5 speed transmission and faster then any neon I have ever had the pleasure of driving. They do have the problems with head gaskets going on certain neons, but my car hasnt had any bigger of a problem then brakes,starter,suspensioni. But what car wouldnt have these problems at seven years old. My car has surpassed 120k and it runs like a champ.

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  Please take note: - 1995 Dodge Neon
  By Straight out - July 30 - 2:00 am

  I got my Neon when a friend got too rough with it and tore the clutch out.He at the time decided to purchase a SUV instead of repairing it. I purchased it for $200.00 and have replaced the torn out clutch, replaced the broken transmission,installed new front brakes, repaired an electrical fault, and replace the A/C compressor clutch to make it a cool comfortable ride. For mileage and condition of this car I am impressed!The car performs well and handles beyond my expectations.The car is as it should be an affordable, economical, vechicle. Miles do add up and things do wear. And not all owners are equal and not all cars are treated the same.

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  I like it better now than 100k miles ago - 1996 Dodge Neon
  By whippingpostguy - July 29 - 2:00 am

  This car is a warrior, I deliver newspapers with it in Minnesota, and it keeps on running. Routine maintanence is easy, albeit a bit crowded. I never though 6 years ago Id be still driving it and it would still act and look like new.

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  02 Dodge Neon SXT - 2002 Dodge Neon
  By Ryan Tanner - July 29 - 2:00 am

  I am very satisfied with my new car. It handles very well. I think is is the best car out of all the compact cars made. #2 was the civic. There are a lot of aftermarket parts available for the neon. I have put a lot of performance parts on it and it drives a lot better than any other car I have had. The price was great and I had the first sxt in central Ohio

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  Great - 2002 Dodge Neon
  By fst_sxt - July 29 - 2:00 am

  I love my neon. I think that everyone under estimates the car. It is american made. I have owned one every year and I think that I will buy the srt-4

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  I agree - WORST CAR EVER MADE - 1995 Dodge Neon
  By earmenta - July 25 - 2:00 am

  DO NOT buy this car, its a piece of junk! My husband bought it in 1999, and its been nothing but problems. We now have a car that is worthless because it has more damage than its even worth. It now has a cracked head gasket and cylinder, the AC was gone a couple of years ago, weve had muffler problems, belt problems, power windows went out and do not even shut properly, you name it! Now were stuck trying to get another car with no trade-in (the dealers wont even give us 50 bucks for it!). We have paid more to have this car fixed than its even worth, and now there is another $2,000+ in damage on it! I will never buy a Dodge again.

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  Best Car Around for the Money - 1995 Dodge Neon
  By neonspd95 - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Ive read many other reviews that said poorly of this car, but all I can think is that those people simply can not take care of a car, because mine has been really good to me. The car is quite sporty, gets excellent gas milage (provided you dont floor it everywhere) and is quite reliable. My only complaints are some road noise from the frameless windows, and a bit of noise coming from the AC compressor. Other than that, this is a very fun, very solid, very reliable car for its price range - BUT YOU HAVE TO TAKE CARE OF IT FOR IT TO TAKE CARE OF YOU - most ppl dont seem to understand this point...

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  Get Rid of it before you hit 90K - 1995 Dodge Neon
  By disposableneon - July 23 - 2:00 am

  Head Gasket blew Chysler only paid half and it was like pulling teeth to get them to pay. A/C compressor and evaporator blew at the same time over 1000 dollars to fix. Wont do it since the car isnt worth that much. Sensors for gas gauge bad. Windows when open have water pour in when it rains had to put on vent shades.