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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  Very reliable car - 2002 Dodge Neon
  By Court920 - July 16 - 6:32 pm

  I bought my neon used, i loved the thing, i never had any problems with it. I bought a Mazda and had so many problems with it, i wish i would have kept my neon!

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  Still kicking like Bruce Lee! - 2002 Dodge Neon
  By Wooolstun - July 11 - 1:28 pm

  I have been driving my Neon SXT since 2002 when I bought it and have YET to put a penny in to it, other than tires and brakes. The gas mileage is incredible. With todays gas prices, I put $15 in my tank and get to and from work for 4 days, and its a 30 minute highway drive. As far as the interior comfort, I am 6 7" and fit surprisingly comfortably. Most controls are easily accessible, except maybe the cd changer. The exterior, despite your normal dings, still looks good. I still look at it after a good wash and wax and think "wow, looks pretty good". My overall impression is a positive one. If you keep up with routine maintenance, this car should be good to you!

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  Its been wonderful - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By Terry - July 7 - 9:39 pm

  Its been almost four years and, other than gas and oil, the car has cost me a set of tires, spark plugs, and a battery. I couldnt be happier. Zero quality problems. Ive got just over 59,000 miles and it still runs like new. Dollar for dollar, this may be the best car sold in the U.S. in 2004.

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  srt4 acr - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By dodgesrt4acr - July 3 - 1:05 pm

  It is a great car the only thing I have done is replace tires and change the oil. It has been perfect and at top speed it is glued to the road it is amazing. The acr came with adjustable struts so it handles great but a little harsh. Just like it should there has been many much higher priced cars that have been shamed when they cannot keep up. This car I will keep for a long time. People complain about the transmission just install mopar short shifter and no more problem, remember mobilone.

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  That loud yellow thing! - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By Thunderball - June 28 - 10:00 am

  This car has been awesome! Love the exhaust sound on this thing! No aftermarket needed, these things are loud! My friends can hear me coming blocks away if I drive it right. Only complaint realy is the lack of cruise control, 700-1000 mile trips are a bit hard on the legs to keep a resonable speed. Also the seats while great at holding you in place can be a little bit uncomfortable. 4000 miles and no problems, great power, good looks. Awesome car overall, love it!!!

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  My little sasha - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By sometimessasha - June 25 - 9:09 pm

  I love this car! She preforms very well and I always get compliments from men and women. (mostly men) my baby moves very well and I dont let anyone drive her. Thanks Dodge for a great car.

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  Great - 2002 Dodge Neon
  By Jen - June 25 - 7:18 pm

  I have had my neon for 3 years I absolutely loved it for the looks and the way it drove but the most important part of the car was the safety of the car. Yesterday I was in a car accident . A car ran a red light and hit me in the driver side door going 45 mph in a large van. I was surprised how well the car held up my only injuries are cuts from the broken glass. Im sure going to miss my car

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  I love my SRT-4 - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By starkie - June 22 - 10:00 am

  Fastest car EVAR! But it really is quick. And quicker when you tinker with it a bit and install some of the avalable MoPar mods. Best bang for the buck on the market.

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  2003 SRT4 yellow - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By bo grizz - June 20 - 7:23 pm

  Awesome car love to drive it every chance I get. The price is great and will outrun a lot of cars that cost a lot more. When you need the power its there. I am 60 years old and it reminds me of the 60s era. All I say to people is to get in one and test drive it and you will see what I mean, it is one mean machine.

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  Beast - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By jordan_sterba - June 18 - 12:29 am

  This is a very reliable little car, unfortunately stuff from mopar is real expensive so they are easy to total. But other than that i give the car a 2 thumbs up all around