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:
Showing 1051 through 1060 of 1,187.00-
Excellent - Style, Value, and Quality - 2002 Dodge Neon
By fett76 - May 8 - 2:00 amI recently traded my 97 VW Jetta for the Neon SXT and have had absolutely no regrets. The Neon is sporty, fun, and has an overall feeling of quality to it that suprizes me for a low-priced economy car. The SXT is a great value and has been a blast to drive. The car feels a little underpowered when accelarating onto the freeway but an adjustment in driving style solved the problem. The only other minor complaint is the manual rear windows (coupled with power front). This is the only "cheap" feeling feature to an otherwise great car.
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Great Car - 1996 Dodge Neon
By Original Neon Owner - May 7 - 2:00 amI am the original owner of my 1996 Dodge Neon Highline Coupe. Ive had it for 5 years now, and 70,000 miles later, Im still very happy with it. Yes, Ive had the head gasket break too, just like everybody else, but I took care of the problem, and havent had anything go wrong since, besides a tail light bulb burning out ($1.00 replacement). I drive it hard, and its been so reliable that I am not even thinking about trading it in yet. Im planning on keeping this car for at least another 2 or 3 years. Its been a great investment!
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Neon Power - 1995 Dodge Neon
By go neons - May 7 - 2:00 amI have a standard 1995 Neon. This car is so much fun to drive and packs substantial power. With a 2.0 liter engine with 16 valves and 132 horsepower, this compact car can easily take somebody off the line. Ive had a few problems with my Neon: paint chipping and the head gasket. These problems were fixed, so Im still flying by other cars. Long live Neon Power!
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you get what you pay for - 1995 Dodge Neon
By Rex - May 7 - 2:00 amI bought my Neon in 98 and it had 40,000 miles. I knew that it wasnt really built to last but reliability was high on my priority list so I gave this car a go. For the most part, it treated me right since I didnt really have any major problems until I surpassed the 100k mark when my engine just died on me. I think this car is great for a college student or for someone buying for the first time. Keep it for no more than 3 years and move on.
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My peppy lil neon does it all !! - 1995 Dodge Neon
By Sparky95 - May 7 - 2:00 amI bought my 95 Neon 4 DR Sport with manual transmission new in 1994, and have loved putting 100K miles onto its odometer these past eight years. It has excellent acceleration, power, handling, gas mileage (32-34 mpg), and reliability. Its a terrific commuter car that fits into small parking spaces. My only complaint is with the A/C compressor - had to be replaced twice, but when its on, my Neon is cooool.
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Nice car! - 2000 Dodge Neon
By AntMan - May 7 - 2:00 amGood car, more than enough power stock, although more never hurt. Never had one problem with mine, only the factory recall issues 2 to date that I have gotten nothing really. Good design, nice new look, great gas milage, I always get more than 300 miles per tank.
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Love this Neon - 1996 Dodge Neon
By pcannon - May 3 - 2:00 amOne of the best cars I have ever owned. Hard to give it up! Really fun to drive and seemed like it was built just for me! It fits like a glove! Original owner and simply enjoyed ownership. I know many bad reports but in 7 years and 53000 miles all I had to do was replace a/c evaporator, exhaust gasket, muffler, front brakes and rotors, in addition to regularly scheduled maintenance. Also had an unrepairable wind noise problem with both front windows which Chrysler broadcasted a TSB for, so competant dealer should be able to repair but could not so I had to live with it! Few rattles beginning to develope at 53000.
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My Dodge SRT-4 - 2005 Dodge Neon
By Harold B - May 2 - 10:00 amFun car with plenty of pep. Handles like a Porsche and I had a Porsche in 1961
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Neons Rule! - 2005 Dodge Neon
By ThebigTommyC - May 2 - 10:00 amThe dodge neon is a great automobile I would recommend it for anyone. Its cheap and is great fro messing around with. I put on neon lights and a new grill on mine and it looks totally awesome. Buy a Neon!!!
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totally dependable - 1997 Dodge Neon
By spin - May 1 - 2:00 amThis car was well worth the low cost. I have driven in the cold and snow as well as the desert, it has always performed great for me. It handles nice and has a remarkable response. Hugs the curves and turns tight. The brakes have always been noisy but they still stop. I just got an oil leak but 3 different mech cannot find it.
