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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  Great Car - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By bltkate - May 6 - 10:00 am

  We have two 2003 neons and even though we have had bigger and better vehicles the gas mileage and economy of these cars is better than any truck or suv. Fun to drive and you do not have to watch the fuel gauge go down rapidly after it reaches half full.

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  Its a Cool Little Car - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Cheekymonkey478 - April 30 - 4:50 pm

  I had to replace my 1999 Ford ZX-2 due to electrical problems, so I did not have time to do a lot of car shopping. At first, I was not very enthusiastic about the Neon until I drove it. I love the body style, its not the Neon I remember from the mid-90s. Its a great looking little car. I was pleasantly suprised with its smooth ride and peppy 4 cylinder. I am a tall girl (510)and feel very comfortable behind the wheel. The interior is suprisingly roomy and the seats are very comfortable. Overall, the car is fun to drive and very stylish(it has a really cool front end and check out the spoiler). It is a great value for the money and its sporty good looks makes it a very cool little car.

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  Road Runner & Barrels of Fun - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By Earl Gray - April 19 - 10:00 am

  Some say it has cheap interior but its as good as any other car at the price and it will burn the doors off of its competition and will give the big guns a run for their money and in fact will beat a lot of the ones that is supposed to be so hot and cost five times as much. Its a KICK IN THE SEAT!

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  great car - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By blueall1 - April 19 - 10:00 am

  Havent owed the car for long but since Ive had it its been great. Never owed a Dodge before and I wiil never again own anything else.

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  Neon interior - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By Chris Gordon - March 12 - 2:00 am

  I enjoy this car very much, its got power when I need it, runs fairly quite ging down the highway. However, the interior can leave you with desire though. The side to side room(for us long legged people), is not quite enough, and the gas and brake pedal could use a little more seperation. But after 4 months, thats really all I can complain about.

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  ZOOOM !! - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By Pete00 - March 1 - 10:00 am

  off the chainn !!!

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  SRT-4 is AWSOME - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By Simon Starkie - February 10 - 10:00 am

  This is the ost fun Ive had for years.

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  Neon SXT - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By George Russo - February 5 - 3:46 pm

  Its a great car for commuting. Comfortable with the pep that you need. I would definitely recomend this for a first car or for someone that drives a good distance for work. I like the 6 disk changer in the dash and the sound system, even though it could go a little louder.

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  Neons rock! - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Lis - February 4 - 11:23 pm

  Im one of those who must own a car every three years. All but one have been Neons, and the latest is definitely the best. Noise level is drastically reduced. Gas mileage is excellent. Its wide wheel base hugs curves beautifully. Its pep makes it so much fun to drive! You think its small engine cant do much, but hit the interstate and take it to 70mph, and youll see it really get up and go. Theres still some road noise, but the awesome stereo takes care of that. The recent exterior redesign makes it look sharper than ever, and I love my cars electric blue color. Its a great car for a low price!

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  Damm Fast Car - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By GOTNEON - December 6 - 10:00 am

  I am a previous 01 Neon R/T owner and decided to take the whole neon onwership to a new level. Loved my R/T and got use to a neons quirks/problems. From mile one on my SRT I noticed a dramatic increase in handling ability and most of all POWER. Holy Horses Batman!!!! this car has POWER... Been able to walk away from WRXs, STANG GTs, and new ZZZZs. And SRT can do this factory stock. Cant wait to add stage 3 (300hp/320TQ at wheels) and mess with VETs and Cobras. Ought to give them a good run.