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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  Easy on a daily commute - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By ricoy - July 11 - 10:00 am

  Bought an SXT 2003. Great to drive on a daily basis. Mileage could be better. Gas tank should be bigger! I have not been able to put more than 9 gallons of gas.(or maybe it is my Neon only). Great sund system.

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  for the price cant beat it - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By michael siegenthaler - June 23 - 2:00 am

  I have had my car a year now and as of yet i have no complaints. It is the best car i have ever had.

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  Why this car was built by Dodge - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By seekingrapunzel - June 23 - 2:00 am

  I have about 3500 miles now on my SRT4. Here is what I have to say about it. All the reviews I ever see about this car seem to usually miss the point of what this car is for. Its for FUN! Lets remember this when "experts" claim that it has a rough ride or when they complain about the "noise" the exhaust makes. Thats the core of why this car is here. Fun car for a VERY reasonable price for what you get. How many other cars do you know of that can spank most "sports cars" that cost twice as much? Not many. Drive this car and expect it for what its for and you will never be disappointed.

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  A sporty gem - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By JMD - June 9 - 2:00 am

  I recently purchased a 2003 Neon SXT. I found this car to be value-packed and priced better than many of the imports. It feels like a more substantial car than the Nissan Sentra and Mazda Protege and costs thousands less (with available 2K rebate) than the 2003 Toyota Corolla (still a very dull car, particularly the interior) and Honda Civic.

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  Real Performance - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By IVIasta - June 7 - 10:00 am

  Refined from the begining, modded 2003 w/o limited slip, the LSD that comes standard is well worth the money, given the competition there is none, in its bracket only comparison is cars 10-15K more. i would suggest if youre looking for a cheap pocket rocket the SRT-4 should be at the top of your list.

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  Incredible value and fun to drive - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By rdolores - June 3 - 2:00 am

  Purchased a 2003 Neon SXT with 4-speed auto for my wife. For $12,159 got 6- speaker stereo w/ CD, pwr windows, pwr locks, pwr mirrors, alum whls, tilt whl, keyless entry, pwr trunk, lo- profile tires, tach. What a value! Handles like a sports car. Very comfortable. Great sounding stereo.

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  Excellent - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By Christie Malone - May 24 - 10:00 am

  The best car in the world..........

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  A great value - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By stennett - April 11 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this car from the dealership I used to work for and it was a great buy even without the dealer rebate. The SXT gives you almost all the features you want for a great price. I recommend the tilt and cruise as a must have item. Id buy another one, but get the RT instead for the handling and ABS features.

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  Fun car - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By Archer75 - April 11 - 10:00 am

  Great car, lots of features. Much better value than the Honda Civic or the Toyota Corolla and its a blast to drive. The RT has alot of power, though id like to see that power in the SXT model.

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  Dissapointment Abound - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By Very dissapointed - March 18 - 10:00 am

  Less than 1 year and it has been in the shop at least 7 times. The worst being after 6 months I was told that the engine came off the motor mount. It was a good thing they finally found it after several tries. I recently took it for the power outlet kept shorting and blowing the fuse for the locking system. They told me my phone was to powerful to charge in it and that I would have to pay to get a stronger outlet installed. ARE YOU SERIOUS. Needless to say after several attempts to get my care properly repaired I am giving up. Time to SELL