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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  Cheap Go-Fast Racer - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By Tin Man - October 21 - 2:00 am

  A bundle of fun (and speed) for 20K? Its for real in this car, one of the biggest performance bargins in many years. Add to that enough room to carry more than two people, a decent trunk, and a list of standard features that leaves almost no options needed (or offered) and you have one of the best ideas from tkhe Mopar folks.

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  pretty nice so far - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By Mellojello7 - October 17 - 10:00 am

  My new sxt neon is awesome. I was able to to get it with 7 miles on it for only 10,900! It only takes 15 bucks to fill the tank! It really gives alot of bang for the buck. Its a fun car to drive on my daily commute. It looks cool on the outside with the alloy wheels and sharp red color. I love the cool sounding roar from the engine when accelerating. No other car can give you all the extras for the price.

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  The best first car ever! - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By kay - October 15 - 5:35 pm

  I love, I mean love this car! wicked fun to drive, and so easy to handle. I fell for it when my eyes saw it, so cute and really reliable

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  Fun Fun FUN! - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By B. Stepan - October 11 - 10:00 am

  I had been planning on purchasing a Subaru WRX Sedan... Until I test drove the SRT-4... Having driven an 03 SRT- 4, I had been somewhat dissapointed. The 04 however, corrected most of my concern simply by adding the limited slip Differential. Traction off the line is unbelievable for a light weight front wheel drive vehicle. My SRT-4 routinely beats the WRX off the line along with more traditional sports cars like Mustangs, Camaros and the likes. This car is, simply put, just fun to drive. I look for excuses just to drive it down the street.

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  Good car for the money. - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By Bigfoot - October 11 - 12:36 am

  Bought this car 1 1/2+ years ago for $7500 and have put 20,000+ miles on it. Knowing what I know now would buy it again. Only problems Ive had are Ive had to replace the front brake pads twice already. I put in the least expensive pads. But other than that this had been real good dependable car. Plenty of power for passing and in the hills. Decent gas mileage as Ive always gotten 29-30 any time Ive checked it. Also pretty comfortable car. My hip dont get stiff and sore on longer trips like it does when I drive my Jeep.

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  Great Vehicle - 1997 Dodge Neon
  By h j - September 26 - 6:25 am

  I just purchased for a sweet 16 gift, i rebuilt and went through everything on the car. i have been driving it to make sure it is a safe car for her, This is a great compact car, smooth ride, great handling, great on the gas mileage. it is a very comfortable car to ride in

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  Im a Dealer - These things dont break! - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By Jay Slingerland - September 11 - 1:10 pm

  I am currently on my second SRT-4 after buyer the first one that came into our dealership. The fun factor in this car is huge. I just delivered a 2009 Challenger SRT-8 and the car is fast, comfortable, and a cool muscle car. But this little Neon has the capability to be Auto crossed, Rally Raced, SCCA or NASA licensed, and can be driven as a daily driver with virtually no problems. Especially now considering you can buy a good used one with 20,000 miles for 13-15. I just installed the Stage 2 turbo kit with the Mopar Cold Air intake - Sweet Mother! Like I said, the Challengers fast - but this little Neon is something! Will definitely keep this car forever.

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  great to problems - 2002 Dodge Neon
  By susan - September 10 - 4:11 pm

  I bought my 2002 sxt 4dr Dodge neon it was awesome. It could handle any weather situation and drove like a dream. After the 2nd year the back bumper faded. Now it has hit its sixth year the warranties are gone and the transmission went out without warning. I had it diagnosed the week before because my deduction pump when out which caused my engine light to go off. No sign of the trans going. The shop I took it to said that the day it had went out it showed 7 codes.

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  SRT-4 cant go wrong - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By infynityx - September 9 - 2:00 am

  This car seriously hauls. If you cant take criticism very well do not consider this car because all you will receive are bad remarks. All civic SI, rsx type-s, celica gt-s drivers are all envious of the power this car has for the price. After you smoke them off the line the only response they have for you is "its still a neon". You will have admirers out there as well. The only complaint I have about the car is the plasticky shift knob Dodge and the PVO boys need to change it out with an all aluminum/carbon fiber leather(found on boot and steering wheel) shift knob. Buy this car!

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  Should have listened to my wife - 1995 Dodge Neon
  By Dre - September 6 - 8:35 pm

  Seemed like a good transition vehicle from the penthouse to the poorhouse! I paid 2 grand for it, twice! Everything that could go wrong with it did. Spent so much time at the shop that a few times he looked at it for free because he felt sorry for me. Now when I drive it, it just dies! Not safe, leaks oil, runs hot, no a/c, a straight bucket!