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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  Nothing but tranny issues - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By thatoneguy09 - February 8 - 12:46 pm

  I bought this car new toward the end of 2002. Drove fine for the first 1 1/2 years then started having tranny problems. Would jerk real hard when down shifting almost locking the front tires up. Dealer replaced every internal part and the problem still wasnt fixed. Took it back about 2 months later and they said they could not find anything wrong. Well another 4 months or so and it started it again this time it was the harness and they replace it. Well another 3-4mths it had again. they replace the speed sensor and harness. and now for the 10th time total they are replacing all internals in the tranny again. Do not buy this car used.

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  2005 SRT-4 - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By MoparSRT-4Life - February 4 - 10:59 am

  I have always wanted a turbo-charges street legal car, and Im a big Mopar fan, so why not. I bought an ACR Srt-4 Orange blast Neon. I have been researching them since they came on to the car scene in 2003, Couldnt get my hands on an ACR because only a limited amount of them where made in 2005. But finally found one, and got a great deal for the performance I got! All I can say mainly about this car is that ultimately if youre looking for something with power, and dont want to spend tons of money, buy an SRT-4. Dont let people fool you, its not just a Neon!

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  Wonderful car - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By rick78 - February 2 - 10:00 am

  The accelarating is much better that hondas & tooyotas

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  No regrets, great little car - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By car_auctioneer - January 24 - 3:36 pm

  I have about 7,000 miles on my SRT-4. Of course its quick and fun but what surprised me is the refined ride on rough pavement, the quiet highway manners and the interior comfort. Im 42 years old, and my sense of good/bad is pretty refined by now. I can say that this car "fits like a glove" in the sense that its real easy to drive smoothly and precisely. On the down side, its had a few trips to the dealership for a bad battery and a chattering clutch, both fixed under warranty. Worst, there was a knocking in the rear struts and I got the "they all do that" from the dealer. 99 cents worth of vacuum hose jammed in the right spot and a few hours of my time fixed that though!

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  2004 Pocket Viper! - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Nathan - January 23 - 1:26 pm

  I love this car with a passion! I think of it when I am not driving, then when I am, I couldnt be happier. The coolest, most awesome car I have ever owned. Totally fun to drive, without a doubt. A true racing car through and through. Great for racing, and practical use as it is a four door sedan for families.

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  srt4 fun factor - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By Aa266 - January 21 - 2:00 am

  the srt4 is a very fun vehicle.The seats are a bit too much and the exterior is very appealing to the public.The overall feeling of driving this vehicle is very exciting and I look forward in driving the srt4 everyday.

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  360,000 miles on engine! - 1995 Dodge Neon
  By Rabbit - January 18 - 8:28 pm

  My Dodge Neons engine came from another that was in a roll-over accident, so the engine currently has about 360k on it and still running strong. (updated head gaskets as soon as it started acting up) Its amazing how it gets the mileage of a pile of junk Ford Escort but the comfort and smooth ride of an Intrepid. Overall, a beautiful car. Just be sure if you buy one, its got updated head gaskets. Thats the only problem Ive had.

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  Surprisingly reliable - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By just me - January 15 - 11:18 am

  My husband bought this car new before we met. Personally, I wouldnt have figured a Dodge to be all that reliable. But he looked pretty hot in his black sporty car. So I married him! (just kidding, mostly) Im pleased to say this car has been extremely reliable. No major mechanical work - maintenance costs only. The 6 CD changer died after only a couple of years. The hook securing the driver side sun visor broke. We started to get uncomfortable in this car with the arrival of our daughter. Exercise stroller doesnt fit in the trunk. Hard to get baby in and out - have bumped her head countless times. Three adults and a baby is almost excruciating for the adult in the back.

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  My Dodge - 1996 Dodge Neon
  By 1996 dodge neon - January 11 - 11:25 pm

  I am going to be honest. When I bought this car it was okay. As the year went by everything started to break. I had to do a water pump and timing belt in the first month, then a fuel pump. I am currently in the market now because I am tired of repairing everything on the car. All I can say is that it is a good car as long as the person before you took good care of it. If they didnt then dont waste your time because even though the repairs and parts where cheap (autozone) it still stinks having to fix it every 5 minutes. Right now anti freeze is leaking and the car stalls.

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  Avoid the Neon - 1995 Dodge Neon
  By Neon Owner - January 11 - 12:27 am

  I purchased this vehicle used with with 40k on it in 1998. While for the most part it was dependable, nearly every little thing that could go wrong did: insturment cluster failure, stereo stopped working, paint coming off with major rust, tinting bubbling, windows stopped working, power locks failed, interior and exterior trim falling off the car. I could go on. Performance-wise, the ride was stiff, but it handled well. Low power, not very sporty at all and fuel economy was bad. I averaged about 22mpg with mostly city use. Very low miles were put on the car. With no warning and about 80,000 total miles on the vehicle, it threw the timing belt and destroyed the engine.