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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  SRT-4 Review - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Vooduguru - December 30 - 3:00 am

  Ive had this car for a little over a year and I must say its a hoot. The only thing I would have changed from the factory is a 1 inch wider wheel. If you want stellar fuel economy, buy a Honda. Interior is on par with others in the class regardless of what other publications tell you. The seats are amazing, and your body has no idea the car is cornering hard other than the visual references that are coming through the windscreen. Dodge has definitely hit a home run with this compact beast. No one can compete stock for stock in the price range even for a few grand more. Youll enjoy this car even if you have an abusive history with your vehicles.

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  2003 Neon SXT - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By Asrock - December 6 - 10:00 am

  Inexpensive, sporty little sedan with ample trunk space.

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  Fun cheap car - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By pap - December 5 - 5:43 pm

  I have had this car for almost a year. I LOVE IT. Plenty of room for modifications if your into that type of thing (this car is made for it) The best bang for buck for a compact rocket ship.

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  A blast to drive. - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By SDWE61988 - November 18 - 10:00 am

  This thing is a rocket. Everyone I have taken for a test drive says the same thing. "Oh my god!". I have teken a couple Corvette owners and Mustang owners. They all very impressed with the acceration. This car is the best bang for the buck value around in my opinion. While the Viper style seats are tight, They are comfortable. I think the interier is just as good as the imports, dispite all the critics comments. I would recomend this car to anyone who is looking for a fun vehicle.

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  Brakes - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Neon - November 14 - 11:53 am

  The brakes make such a noise - dealership and others say that this is way Neons are. Cannot be changed. Seems to me that if they can design other cars not to have this problem why they could not use the same technology to the Neon. Very unhappy with the car and such noisy brakes - and unhappy that the dealership and unhappy that Dodge/Chrysler seems ok with that. Also - know that the tank is only 10 gallons - always filling up.

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  New 2004 changes make this a MUST have! - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By Docace - October 24 - 10:00 am

  With 500 miles behind me now I am just more and more amazed how much car Dodge crammed into the price of $21k. This car has unsurpassed braking ability, incredible acceleration and total road holding ability. This is the new car by which all others will be judged. Finding one was tough and the fact that most dealers will stick to selling the car at the MSRP means that anyone that wants one can with a bit of patience have one. 2004 model year changes such as more horsepower, limited slip differential & better tires then last year alone makes this car such a great deal. Dodge did their homework on these issues and it shows every time you put your foot in it.

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  i love this car - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By studmasterjj - October 18 - 2:00 am

  It is very fast and fun to drive. The design is amazing, it has the same seats as the dodge viper. It has a 70,000 bumper to bumper warenty which for a turbo charged car is very rare. It has great handeling and a cool look. I promise you will be happy with this car. It has a very sporty and zippy feel to it but it also it has plenty room for all sizes. Plus for the price, it is unbeatable. able to beat any car in its class and can out do many cars that are in the upper classes. I rate it a 10!!!

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  most fun you can have for the money - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By redram - October 7 - 10:00 am

  Go est drive one it speaks for itself

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  SRT-4 Life - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By Srt-4 lIFE - September 17 - 10:00 am

  I remember in 2000 reading an article on Dodge bringing a supercharged Neon to the market. At the time I owned a first generation Neon, and was very satisfied,but I new I had to get it.I waited to hear more of this car but nothing, so I forgot about it. Finally in 2002 I read about Dodge unveilig of the turbocharged SRT-4. All I could do was hope that it was as good as they made it out to be. Dodge you have made me proud to own one.The design may not be all new, but it turns a lot of heads. I am constantly being complemented on my car, and respected by street racers.When I am driving my car all that comes to mind is sweeeet! The Dodge SRT-4 Rocks!!!!!

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  Best Sport Compact on the Market - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By SRT TURBO - September 17 - 10:00 am

  I have 3000 miles on this vehicle. I have had a small oil leak & the shift linkage seems to be very notchy when downshifting, has a little more body roll than expected, other than that this car looks, performs & sounds like no other on the market. I get approx. 20mpg, but the more you kick in the 14psi of boost the mileage is noticeably less.Dodge is now offering stageI & stageII turbo kits that make this car close to 300HP!!!!!!! Car is well worth the $19,995 sticker price.