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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  My Blue Boy - 2002 Dodge Neon
  By Miss - January 7 - 1:54 pm

  I bought my 2002 in 2002, brand new. I love the way it handles and I love the mileage. Ive had problems with transmission and just recently one of my back brakes. But its all wear and tear. Now its fine and rides great. It handles great in any weather. I got a total of 137,000 miles and its still going.

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  Good Car - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By paramedic423 - January 3 - 10:48 pm

  I bought a 2005 Dodge Neon SXT for my wife in 2005. This car gets great gas mileage. The only problem we have had with this car is we had to replace a sensor. This car always starts right up even on the coldest days. Took a long road trip earlier this fall and gas mileage was great. Just wished it would of had cruise control.

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  SRT-4 - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By moparfiend - December 30 - 1:01 am

  Third owner of the car. I own three old MOPARS and find that this is actually the most fun to drive. I consistantly get 30+ MPG and do not drive below the speed limit. I commute 75 miles round trip a day on the interstate. I have lowered the car, replaced the brakes, shocks, intake, exhaust and now have the T3R Mopar system completely installed. There are very few vehicles that can accelerate or keep up when the pedal is to the metal.

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  so far so good - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By MAT - December 27 - 2:00 am

  i have had my neon SXT for several months now and havent found any big poblems with it. my wife and i needed a reliable car that we could afford and i wasnt willing to have a traditional sedan yet. the Neon looks and feel sporty compared to other cars in its class and we are very happy with it so far

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  Work Horse - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By Ellonen - December 20 - 8:47 am

  I bought this car new and have put 145K (mostly highway) miles on it so far. Absolutely no problems whatsoever. Normal maintenance ie change timing belt at 100K, regular oil changes etc. Fun to drive. Now working in rural area and car is handling the rough terrain and dirt roads without a problem.

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  SXT review - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By tech2 - December 12 - 9:12 am

  Overall my car was very reliable. The only problem I have had since rebuilding the engine is the power control module in this car which I think is a problem. I was looking for a recall on this but did not find one. Also it could get better gas mileege. I added one of those tornados to the air intake which increased fuel economy by 3 more miles.

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  Best of the Best - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Neon Lover - December 10 - 11:14 pm

  I owned my 05 Neon for almost 3 years and drove the heck out of it! Purchased at 7800 miles and wrecked 2 weeks ago at 54000. I have driven this car as a daily commuter as well as our main travel car. I drove it cross country last summer. I have to say this car is amazing! It has never had any problems, any at all. It drives well has good handling and response. Cup holders have great placement, I love the arm rest. My model had power windows in front only- I saved about $500 and not once did I miss having power back seat windows. I did replace the tires and brakes at 53000 but they said I would have had a few months left. I got about 24-27mpg city not great but highway 33.

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  Hate this car - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By soltantoneisogni - December 8 - 12:14 pm

  I hate this car. It knows it too and hates me right back. It has just over 50000 miles on it and Ive already had to replace the cam shaft sensor, due to the car not starting last summer, and now I have to put $400 into the transmission. This car gets regular oil changes and maitanence and it is the biggest mistake Ive ever made. I owe too much to trade it in, but it is the biggest piece of garbage Ive ever owned. It has completely turned me off American cars. Never again. If you love pouring money into a hopeless case, the Neon is for you. It is the worst mistake I have ever made. Ever. I wish I could rewind my life and take it back. Hate the Neon. N.E.O.N = never ever own Neons. Garbage.

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  Leaks and more leaks! - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By apaulson - December 3 - 2:00 am

  At 400 miles, my srt was leaking oil due to a factory problem. At 3000 miles I had to replace the axle seal. Im fearing there may be more problems to come, however despite all of the problems, I am totally satisfied performance wise and for the exterior design! Its a good car with a few leaks.

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  My New Car - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By spam30735 - December 3 - 2:00 am

  I bought my car on Feb. 5, 2004. It had 15 miles on it when we bought it and I love the way it drives and feels in my hands. I have a baby on the way and I know I can depend on it to be a very safe car to bring my baby home in and to carry her around in.