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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  Sad to see it go - 2000 Dodge Neon
  By LuvMyNeon - July 1 - 11:13 am

  I have had my Neon for over 8 years now. I love this car, most of the time. I would gladly have purchased another if Dodge hadnt stopped making them! In the 8 years Ive had it, Ive put 108,000 miles on it(currently at 121,000+). Other than routine maintenance, I had very few problems with this car. I replaced the front brakes twice, back brakes once, replaced the timing belt and the alternator. The car always idled a little roughly, especially when it was getting close to needing an oil change. The locks on the car did freeze frequently in the winter and the drivers lock broke completely earlier this year. Im sad to see my baby go!

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  Good car for me. - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By Sami - June 30 - 1:14 pm

  Bought new at the beginning of 2003, now have 110000 miles on it. Havent had to much trouble with it in 6 years, had transmission replaced at 60002 miles under warranty, had to have steer rack replace six months ago since there was a loose passenger side tie rod(it was probably from hit a curb in a parking lot several years), and am currently have the alternator replaced. Im not one to keep up with the maintenance schedule, fix it as it needs it. Most of the few other things that I have done are all normal things that wear out with mileage. Over all been very reliable, did have to have in towed a couple of weeks ago, one of the original rear brakes locked up, but it has been 110,000 miles.

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  2nd Amazing Neon, still have the first ! - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Dodge Man - June 12 - 7:44 pm

  Absolutely excellent little car. 20,000 miles so far, w/o a hitch. 30 city/37 hwy with 5 speed. Id never own an automatic anything! I own a 95 model, purchased new in April of 94. Still going strong with 115,000 miles.... I take very good care of my equipment and it lasts.

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  amazing little car - 1995 Dodge Neon
  By dodge man - June 12 - 7:25 pm

  This car was purchased new. It now has 115,000 miles on it, virtually trouble free. Original plugs, brakes and hoses sill in place. All belts replaced at 70,000 miles. The a/c compressor bearing went out at 12 years and approx. 98,000 miles. Thats it for breakage. The car was ordered with Sport Suspension and handles like a sports car. Ive had it up to 125 mph and it had more to go.... Fuel mileage is still a consistent 30mpg city/42 hwy. since break in, stick shift of course(after the first 10,000 miles). What truly amazes me are the mutts who buy one of these with a ton of miles, put on by someone who abuses the car, and than complain about all the problems they are having.

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  The Little Car That Could - 2001 Dodge Neon
  By Hyper - June 11 - 12:58 pm

  Bought this car used in 2002 after it had been a rental. During the next seven years and 70,000 miles, I replaced oil, a battery, and the relay for the radiator fan. I had a trailer hitch on this car and pulled a U-Haul trailer back and forth across the country several times. In the end, the car was rear-ended by a large GMC pickup that was too high up to hit the bumper, but even then the trunk crumpled like it was supposed to, saving me from injury. My Neon was totaled in this accident just last week, but this was and will probably remain my favorite of the dozen cars Ive owned in my 42 years.

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  There are no other cars in this class. - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By AaronG - June 11 - 10:00 am

  The engine is fantastic. There is a bit of turbo lag, When it kicks in, look out. Handling is superb. Somewhat small turning radius. Smooth clutch. 5th gear is mainly an OD gear, going 80mph youre hanging around 2800rpm. Racing seats take some getting used to. Slightly cheap interior. Since there are only going to be 2500 of these a year, plan on not paying MSRP. At the dealership they were asking 25,500. Autonation.com: 18,756. Loads of fun for a very small price. Also Dodge has in the works Stage 1-3 upgrades which dont violate the warranty.

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  Love this CAR - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Tonks - June 9 - 5:42 pm

  I bought this car brand new in 12/2005 with a whole 99 miles on it!!! I now have 91,000 miles on it and it is still running great I have had no mechanical problems with it and love to drive it everywhere the gas mileage is amazing!!!!

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  Looks may be deceiving - 2002 Dodge Neon
  By First Car - May 25 - 8:51 am

  I bought the car in 2007 with 82,000 miles on it. Had problems frequently with it. First brakes, then the transmission. Engine light has always been on and off. Now engine makes a loud noise when the A/C is on. First car so i dont know what to think except the person before me beat on it. Ive had the electric randomly go out on my car several times for a significant amount of time and then come back on. Car hasa mind of its own. Love the interior/exterior design. The mechanics need improvement. I probably would not ever buy a neon again based on previous experiences.

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  ego killer - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By celsius - May 18 - 10:00 am

  If you want to totally embarrass mustangs, firebirds, zs, wrxs, souped-up wet-fart civics, and hang or surpass vehicles that cost $15,000 more, this is the vehicle for you. The only problem (read: fun) I have is staying out of trouble with the police. The fastest production vehicle for under 21 grand.

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  Beware of Bad Transmission - 2002 Dodge Neon
  By Vasha20 - May 14 - 3:26 pm

  bought my neon at a cheaper type of lot it was 5 yrs old with 75000 miles. Red Flag should of went up when they said no warrenty not even 30 days. It took 2 months a hose ripped off the radiator and stripped it so it needed a new radiator. $400.00. then after 1 year the transmission when out. This was not cheap, $2,400. The mechanic says neons have a transmission flaw with this year. Even after it was fixed, the transmission acted funny every time the air conditioner was on. So I dont use the air conditioner anymore. I dont think the car will last much longer. I wouldnt even give it to a kid. If you have a neon get rid of it after it is 5 years old. These are throw away cars.