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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  Lots of Fun - Lets do it again - 1995 Dodge Neon
  By Glenn L - May 1 - 2:00 am

  My Neon was a late 1995 model so 95% of those early bugs were gone (it was introduced almost 2 years before it was originally intended). Wonderfully intellegent vehicle you can look and look at it and see (like it or not) the thinking that went into making it the best in the segment by a long shot. Excellent torque biased powerplant, comfort and quality of a much more expensive sedan

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  The 2000 Neon - 2000 Dodge Neon
  By lotusland6 - May 1 - 2:00 am

  2000 Neon. Purchased 3/2000. Presently 51,000 miles. Repairs: 2 recalls both minor Maintenance: Tune up, Brakes, Front wipers, Transmission flush 4 cylinder is a bit sluggish but the passing gear is low enough to provide added torque. I would purchase a standard in the 2.0 Ride is okay for a sub. Although wind noise is noticeable. Overall: With the 2000.00 rebate it is a good buy for the money.

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  An excellent "driver" - 2001 Dodge Neon
  By Glenn Laycock - May 1 - 2:00 am

  I have owned 2 Neons now, and both were extremely good at doing their job however I was surprised as how much improving Chrysler had done with the new model the Neon has definately moved upscale, trading in some of its handling in favor of a much nicer ride, refinement, and comfort. My first impression was that of a German sedan with the excellent seats, quiet torque"ie" balanced powertrain and quality of materials and finish. The original Neon missed it target just slightly (particularly early models) but this one is dead on its only handicap is the association to the name of "Neon" which does not reflect the high value of the new model.

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  OK So far !! - 1996 Dodge Neon
  By tamra - April 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Neon last Dec. from a very well know dealership for selling "BAD CARS" i did not know when they sold me the car. So far all I have replaced on my neon is the brakes and a signal bulb. My car is at 93,960. It still runs good, alittle hard sometimes, but overall nice- When I bought it they said I had a new head gasket kit done, etc., so I hope they did not lie to me because if anything goes wrong like the other people? I will be in court...

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  What a bargain! - 2002 Dodge Neon
  By J West - April 24 - 2:00 am

  This is one of the best bargains around! My SXT stickered at just over $14,000, then I found out about the $2000 cash back AND the 7 year / 100,000 mile extended warranty that was free! I priced both the base Neon and the SXT and the SXT is cheaper!! You get power windows, mirrors, locks, a 6- speaker CD stereo, tilt wheel, rear defog, remote keyless entry, fog lamps, spoiler, 15 inch aluminum wheels, and A/C!!! Wow!!! Ive only had it for 2 weeks and am already getting 34-35 mpg (w/ 5 spd). It is a blast to drive (and I traded a 2001 Pontiac Grand Am GT). It is a much better ride than the Pontiac.

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  2001 Dodge Neon - commuters-only car - 2001 Dodge Neon
  By Kensey - April 22 - 2:00 am

  Overall, this is a decent car, but a bit expensive for its type ($600 for a three-speed automatic? Come on, Dodge). This model has had at least one recall, on the brakes, so be *sure* yours has had the recall work done (the recall issue can lead to total brake failure while stopping). It gets good city fuel economy, not-so-good (but still OK) highway, and the cabin is a bit cramped if youre taller than 58". This is a car for the commute to work, not the road trip to Washington. Very distinctive style, youll either love the look or hate it.

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  what a sorry car, regret!!! - 2002 Dodge Neon
  By Night_Vision - April 22 - 2:00 am

  I just bought the car in late March, 02. The car is not even 1.5 month old, but it was in Dodge Service Department for more 2.5 weeks. There are 5 problems The problems: defective steering pump, Leak gas tank, first gear lagging/weird noise, no grease in my left CV boot which cause damages to my front axle (they replaced the axle), and weird brake noise. This is my first and will be last American car. I bought it because 911 incident and poor American economy, I wanted to support Americans by buying American made stuffs.

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  Great Performance - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Ed - April 20 - 1:30 pm

  I am very happy with this vehicle so far. The performance is great and its a blast to drive. It should also include the stage one kit for 240 horsepower and WOT boost hold standard. I think a variable intake/exhaust timing and lift would help a lot. The worst feature is horrid fuel economy. I have averaged as bad as 20 mpg on pure highway driving and it has a rating of 30 mpg highway. My Sentra Spec V had a 28 mpg rating and I was getting 35mpg. Very disappointing

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  heh - 1996 Dodge Neon
  By neon owner - April 20 - 2:00 am

  i bought a 1996 std neon for my first car, from a guy at school. i have had a few problems with it nothing real big. not to quick in acceleration wish i would of got a 6 banger now. but one set back is going up steep hills you can have the pedal to the floor and you will barely get going. other than that it drives pretty good. good steering. so all in all i am satisfied with it but advice to you get a 6 cylinder unless you want to be putting along up a hill

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  Gotta have one - 2000 Dodge Neon
  By redhottneon2k2 - April 17 - 2:00 am

  I was eerie about buying a Dodge Neon when in the market and accidently stumbled accross an ES Sedan with rear spoiler, Eagle LS tires, automatic, 2.0L V4. Has awesome power and easy get up and go. The only thing I have had it in the shop for was the damage done in a wreck which was easily replaced not repaired cause all the parts come off the frame and reinsures stability without having to weaken the structure. I was T-Boned on the drivers side, and can say that the car saved my life. The only other thing I was in for was a recall which took them 15 minutes to replace.