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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  LOVE IT!!! - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By anastasialee - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I must admit that i have never liked the Dodge neons before, we went to the dealership looking to upgrade my husbands hyundai tiberon and left with my new neon. This car is zippy, stylish and fun to drive, the interior is quite spacious much roomier then my last corolla. I love the 6 disk CD changer and the rear spooler. This car definatley gives you bang for your buck and i would recommend giving it a test drive.

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  srt4 - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By Gary Baker - August 25 - 10:00 am

  this thing is great it is sporty looking drives great the interior is wonderful the seats are great when your driving a sports car u dont want to have to hold the wheel to stay in your seat these seats hold you in place it has great brakes stop on a dime great throttle response this thing is fast the funnest car ever for 20k

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  Sharpies SRT 4 - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By Mommie Dearest - July 24 - 2:00 am

  My SRT 4 has lived up to my expectations. Ordinary driving I am getting about 24 MPG. However, zoomy driving it drops to under 20 rather quickly. I have had more people look at and comment about this car than any car I have ever owned (both young and old). I am 51 years old and I think it is fanastic! Its very compfortable, stylish, fast, feels safe and is just plain fun! No more worries about getting onto the interstate fron an onramp! Believe me!

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  Poor Gas Milage - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By Mike Garren - July 24 - 2:00 am

  This car was rated at about 26 miles per gallon, I have not been able to get above 20 MPG and that was when I never let it go above 2500 RPM.. so very slow starts..and then it only hit 20MPG, avg since I have had it is about 17 MPG. Very poor for small car with 4 cyl engine. I get 25 with my V-6 Chevy S-10 Pick-up 1993 model.

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  Awesome Sedan... - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By Blackbullet - July 18 - 2:00 am

  Currently own an 04 in Electric Blue with the Sunroof and all I can say is I love it! The car is fast and can accelerate around corners real fast. After installing the Stage 1 ECU along with a Mopar Exhaust the car sounds like a beast and its only a 4 cylider. Also the Quaife LSD make a big difference, alot more power is tranferred to the wheels equally and you can grip the asphalt alot better. If your the type of person who will beat on the car and not keep up with the maintenance your better off getting a Kia, but if you like fast cars with Turbos, for the money you cant beat an SRT-4! 2003 Sport Compact Car of the Year!

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  LOVIN MY SRT - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By GREGK54 - July 14 - 10:00 am

  I had a 2000 Neon loved the way it handled and looked and wished it was faster, thanks for for making my wish come true

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  Mustang Mauler - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By KennyG - July 7 - 10:00 am

  What a great ride for a little scratch! Bought the car with a $700.00 discount then added approximately $2500.00 of "GO FAST" goodies and just set back and ENJOYED! The car has run a best 1/4 mile at Orlando SpeedWorld of 12.80 @116.08 MPH. This car now in street trim (No Slicks) spanks Mustangs, Z28 Camaros, M3 BMWs, and C5 Corvettes! All at a lot less money and with a great "Fun" factor in the process. I will probably keep this car a long time as so many new "go fast" items are becomming available. The car is easy to get into the 11s with chassis work to improve traction. A real stop light sleeper! I love it and I am 58 years old!

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  Great inexpensive car - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By jcompos - June 18 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had this car for 3 weeks, but Im already in love with it. Its a great, sporty little car. When the Neons first came out, I thought they were ugly and didnt have any pep to them. Well, Im wrong. They have changed the look of the car and they have more power than expected.

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  I love my NEON! - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By brooke - June 1 - 10:00 am

  I reacently choose to get a Dodge Neon as my first car. I just turned 16 and bought a 2001 white dodge neon. I love it. I bought it because it was afforable and a nice looking car. It gets great gas milage. I love it!

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  Pocket Rocket - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Matt - May 7 - 5:13 am

  Really fun to drive. Has the power of a V8 without the long nose or heavy feel, and the utility of 4 doors for those with a family. I still smile everytime it comes time to hop in it and go somewhere.