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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  The Pocket Rocket - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By David Cox - November 17 - 9:53 pm

  This is the best performing car that you can buy for the money out there in the market today. The car goes from 0-60 in 5.3 seconds, whichh is better them the Chevy SS.

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  My fun 2nd car - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Hector Fussa - November 7 - 9:10 pm

  Bought this vehicle as a 2nd car mainly for commuting, and I love it. I added 17" wheels and some fat tires, tinted the windows so it looks cool. it came with a decent warranty at an excellent price. Toyotas and Hondas are getting too expensive and I think that this Neon with the proper maintanance and care will last me a few years.

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  2005 Dodge Neon - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Bob - November 5 - 5:20 pm

  I bought this car because of its relative fuel economy vs selling price...good MPG for the price I paid. In town I get 25.5, with automatic, driving conservatively. Also, it is a previous SCCA champion road race and autoross car...it handles very well, handles super with a few minor mods.Acceleration is fun, not stunning.

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  I Love the POWER - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By mhayes716 - November 5 - 10:00 am

  This is a serious car regardless of the price. I find myself driving when I dont really need to. And Mustages eat this... lol...

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  Still Love The Neon! - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Matt D. - November 3 - 7:47 am

  We bought this car two years ago with 19k on the odometer. We now have 60k on it. The only issue weve ever had besides a stock battery with a couple dead cells in it, was with a water leak that Chrysler issued a TSB back in 03. I fixed that myself. The car handles great, fairly comfortable for a small car, and is fun to drive. Sure it could use more power, but its way more than adequate. One thing though, is the in town mileage for this car is pretty low. I average 23 MPG in town. But on the highway, especially on our vacation trips, we hit 37 MPG regularly. The factory Goodyear Eagle LS tires were horrible in the rain and snow. I replaced them with Cooper CS4s and havent looked back.

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  This car is alright - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By jhill2456 - November 2 - 2:00 am

  I got more than I bagained for with this vehicle. I tried looking for all that I wanted with the Civic, Corolla, Focus, and Jetta. It gave gave me all of that with a nice price. Yeah there is noise but it is awesome to drive.

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  not the fastest but oh well - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By Victor Cox - October 16 - 10:00 am

  i traded in my 93 probe gt for a yellow sxt neon auto... i love it. its my little put put wagon im 19 male and baught it because it was practicle and because there are still plenty of aftermarket parts to make it a quick little yellow bumble bee would have rather had the manual and r/t modle but was all i could aford...

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  Fun on the cheap - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By southside rick - October 10 - 2:00 am

  This car is fun to drive, easy to park in the city, and can beat most everything off the green light-- while still providing room for groceries and the baby seat. The interior build quality is quite good for a car that is less than $22,000 with a moon roof. The suspension and 17 inch wheels hold the road beautifuly, and in the city I find the comfort going over potholes quite reasonable for a sporty car. Its a great value for anyone who wants to cheat the ordinary everyday driveing experience, without paying the full freight of a Viper or Corvette.

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  tiny tank - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By kate_runs - October 5 - 2:38 pm

  In what parallel universe does this car get supposed good fuel economy? I have put a lot of money keeping this car in the best shape, I dont drive it in a gas-wasting sort of way, and I usually only get around 20/22mpg on a tank-- and that is with freeway driving as well. Its like driving a small tank, especially in contrast to non-American compact equivalents. It does zip along quite quickly on flat roads, depending on the weather. Positive: I feel pretty safe driving it (in terms of how solid it is), and the trunk is quite roomy. Lastly: God forbid you turn the a/c on- the mpg goes to around 16mpg

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  Chrysler could have done better - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Willie - October 2 - 3:31 pm

  The fuel economy is quite good. Vehicle came with a spoiler on the trunk lid that obstructed rear view and I ended up removing it and plugging the screw holes. At 38,000 miles the vehicle would not pass a state inspection because the lower control arm bushings seperated from their housing on both sides of the vehicle. Dealer says he has relaced these failed parts on many Dodge Neon vehicles and on PT Cruisers which have the same suspension. Had other Chrysler vehicles in the past and will certainly never buy another one.