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:

• 

  1997 Neon by Brian - 1997 Dodge Neon
  By BrianGriffis - February 27 - 8:17 pm

  love the milage, style and handling

• 

  Still ticking - 2001 Dodge Neon
  By Happy2010 - February 26 - 11:45 am

  I bought my neon brand new back in 2001 and it is still getting me where I need to go. Other than replacing the tires, battery and a few belts, I have not had any major issues with this car. It has over 150,000 miles on it. My only drawback is the paint job. Other than that, this is a great car! I wish they still made them.

• 

  Save Yourself. - 1997 Dodge Neon
  By dont do it. - February 22 - 2:41 pm

  Chipped paint, burns oil like crazy, coolant leak, fuel pump is going out, serpentine belt is squeaking, the backseat is a joke -- really, nobody can fit in this car. There are some good things. I love the acceleration. Love the manual trans. I like how it handles and parking it is great. But there are so many other better cars out there. You may get it for cheap -- but it will cost you more in the long run.

• 

  below average, not quite a lemon - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By neon H8R - February 21 - 10:16 am

  Car bought new in 04. Around 30,000 Km the first problem arose when a computer problem was causing the engine to flutter and die. After this it ate gas for some reason and still does. Around 80,000 Km a cam shaft sensor went which was not covered under warranty. The blind spots are RIDICULOUS, even the rear window is hard to see out of. I do not feel safe making lane changes and approach every intersection and crosswalk with caution. I have almost been in numerous accidents because of them. The only piece of glass you can see out of without having some huge piece of the car blocking your view is the windshield. 6 disc changer in an idiotic place, load up before you leave your driveway.

• 

  Red SET 4 - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Dragon - January 19 - 2:43 pm

  I looked for two years to find my SRT- 4. It was worth the wait and anticipation. I recently installed upgraded turbo, components and intercooler by Hahns Racecraft. Estimated HP is 495. All I can say is hang on for dear life. Once in third gear you are gone. I fixed the transmission shift problem with a complete Hurst Shifter. I love this car. A true soon to be classic.

• 

  THIS CAR IS BAD - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By kate - January 16 - 11:52 am

  Lets put it this way... the value depreciation on this car is a joke.... I bought the car a year ago for 10 grand.... now... its worth 4 at the most IF its in excellent condition... which ofcourse its not because these cars fall apart easily. And now im stuck paying 215 bucks a month for a car that I hate. I cant get rid of it.... id be throwing away 6 grand. My last car was a 1998 honda civic coupe and i hardly had to fix anything on that car. AND it was 6 years older then my neon... But somehow i am constantly throwing down more money just to keep this p.o.s. running. NEVER BUY THIS CAR!!!! I WISH SOMEONE WOULD HAVE TOLD ME THIS A YEAR AGO!!! I OFFICIALLY HATE DODGE!

• 

  Took My Abuse - 1996 Dodge Neon
  By Cranky Teen - January 15 - 2:44 pm

  My cranky teen just went past 125,000 miles. It lasted through 11 years of spotty oil changes and benign neglect, but I may have to finally let it go. Had 2 major repairs in that time: Electronics replaced (controlling gauges, radio, etc.) and head gasket repair. Had to rig a fix when the plastic shifter connections broke. Now the transmission/clutch is slowly going, and it stalled on the highway last week. Air conditioner has to be refilled each year and does not last long. Struts gone last year. Paint, 3 speakers, wheel covers, and outside plastic door trim went long ago. She was ugly but got me where I was going now its just not worth the cost to fix.

• 

  Better Than My Honda!!! - 2002 Dodge Neon
  By MIASXT 02 - January 12 - 5:58 pm

  This car is great, bought it for 2300 with 97000 miles. Original owner. The car is in great condition. The Shocks were squeaking but I put grease on them and havent made a sound. This car really is great. Easy fixes as well. Everyone that complains about this car either bought if from a shady dealer, or someone who doesnt take care of their cars. Very fun and reliable. Now I have heard that the automatics do have some problems with the transmission, so I say its time to learn how to drive a manual.

• 

  It just wont die - 1996 Dodge Neon
  By Afterthought - January 5 - 3:04 pm

  I got this car 9 years ago with 25k on it. Sure Ive replaced tons of parts (head gasket, alternator, water pump, but not a signle front end part)but Im not too nice to a car. Decided 2 years ago Id run it until it died because its worthless to sell, but the damn thing just wont die. Dents all over, door panel coming off, blown rear strut, but still the thing gets me wherever Im going reliably and handles the winter better than a 4x4 (and does nice e-brake slides). Im gonna miss her when shes retired this month, like the really sweet ugly girl you dated that you dont want to admit to.

• 

  Why would Dodge get rid of em?! - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By Matt - January 4 - 1:56 pm

  Had this car for a very short time but its amazing on gas, has a sporty look with just a little kick to it! I previously owned an 01 Sebring and I loved it but it fell apart and I had to get rid of it. If your looking for a small fuel efficient car with sporty looks and handles like a Luxury car than the Dodge neon is just for you!