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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  VERY HAPPY - 1997 Dodge Neon
  By cwalsh32084 - May 16 - 2:00 am

  I havent had any problems with mine. I would recommend for any college student like me to get one because they are cheap and really good cars.

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  Buyer Beware, better yet RUN! - 1995 Dodge Neon
  By Unhappy in GA - May 15 - 2:00 am

  This car was nothing but a money sucking machine. We bought this car from a cousin of ours in great condition. Within 2 months it broke down. From then to the present day, little over 2 years, this car has had more repairs made on it then it was even worth, much to our ignorance and dispair. We finally gave up when it broke down 3 times in less than two weeks because too much was wrong at one time. Head gasket is a major problem, watch out for it, especailly if the car is anywhere near 100K. This car will break down and often even if you take great care of them. I pity the person who spends money to buy this car.

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  Great Car - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By Christy Smith - May 14 - 10:00 am

  It great for a small family. Since I dont work it a great car to just run around in. Its also good on gas when traveling. It as alot of nice safty things plus Radio & 6 CD change has been great for traveling too. All the push botton things are great too.

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  Love the car! - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By Rusty23 - May 14 - 10:00 am

  This is my thrid Neon, and I love it. they handle very well, and extremely well in the winter months. Ive never had another car I have enjoyed more.

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  awesome car - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By iliwerdili - May 14 - 10:00 am

  this car is a great buy. i just got the new dodge neon in electric blue for my new car on my own. its a great buy for any young person whos trying to find something affordable.

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  Good little car. - 1997 Dodge Neon
  By jarriop - May 14 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the Neon for my girl friend. But found that this little car quite fun to drive. Aside from the little noises, the drivers door opening sensor not working (Even after having dodge fix it.) This little car is a brisk accelerater. Ihave currently begun modifying the car, starting with a cold air intake, and next is my exsaust.(Manifold is shot, as is my muffler.) I purchased the car with 62000 miles on it.

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  Best Bang For The Buck - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Frankie - May 12 - 2:06 am

  Well I got my SRT not too long ago and so far I love it. Its such a thrill to drive and I have had no problems at all with it. I would highly reccomend this car for anyone whos looking to go fast with little cash.

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  Disappointing - 1997 Dodge Neon
  By Euly - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Everyone had told me Neons were crap but that 97 was the year they started getting better. I realized that this wasnt true. I love my neon because it is fun to drive but I have had numerous problems with it. The EGR valve was a big issue because the car would completely shut off while I was slowing down. I also dont like driving on a windy day because it feels so flimsy. It is a very unsafe car. Buying from a very dishonest car dealership did not help the situation either.

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  Do Not Buy a First Year Car!! - 1995 Dodge Neon
  By JenD - May 9 - 2:00 am

  As soon as I saw the Sunflower field commercial with the Neon, I ran out and bought it. In 1994. I will never do that again. Too many variables. I can not stand the windows having no frames that they fit into. Constant noise!! A weird knocking noise coming from the back of the car that no-one ever could figure out. Squeaky brakes. The worst of all is the Air Conditioning went and until this day I only have 83k on the car. I really should have read that Lemon-Law booklet they gave me with the car. Also, 4 recalls for steering and brake issues.

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  Disappointed - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By No More Dodge - May 8 - 10:00 am

  This car is nothing but trouble. My speedometer chip, cam sensor, both front window motors , a rear door motor, have all gone out and now it always over heats. My best friend bought one too and her transmission went out at 50,000 miles. All this car is good for is looking at. Dont buy this car unless you like paying rapair costs all the time. I will never buy a dodge again let alone a neon. These cars have major problems and the dealers are very dishonest people too.