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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  Poor Mans Viper - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By gotebo - June 16 - 2:00 am

  Went to the dealer ship with no intention of purchasing a vehicle for myself.Read the specs on different vehicles available. When I saw the specs on the srt-4 my heart started racing. I saw a red one on the lot and went and looked at it and liked what I saw. When the sales person came back I mentioned that if they had one on the lot in a different color I just might buy one. Well it just so happened they had a one in electric blue. It took just one test drive to convince me that this car was all it had promised and more.

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  Not a bad low end car, better than used! - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By mkammer - June 15 - 3:00 pm

  This is the first new car that I have owned. With the current interest rates and promotions at the time, it simply made sense for the first time to buy new. Yes it is true that this is not a "Luxury" car. (Compared to our 1998 Buick LeSabre, many features are lacking). However the 5 speed stick is very responsive. The sound system is quite good, mileage very good. The only negative that I have seen is the clutch seems to "flutter" a bit in 2nd gear (sort of like a bungie cord). Overall I am very happy with the purchase. I have 13k miles with absolutely no maintenance issues whatsoever. (Also the 5mph rear bumpers really do work!) I was even complimented on my "Parking Style".

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  Never a problem - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By hardrock086 - June 13 - 11:35 am

  I bought this car about a year ago and have put 30,000 miles on it since I purchased. I got it with 35k and the only maintenance Ive really had to do was oil changes. I also did plugs and wired at 60k and rear brake, but thats all. They didnt really have to be done, but did them anyway. Im a service technician and a BMW shop and I love my neon. Do want a little more pep, but cant complain about the get- up and go with this car, especially considering the 39 mpg I get on road trips. Simply love this car!

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  Buyer Beware - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By Jason Jackson - June 10 - 2:00 am

  It says 22MPG on city I am averaging 15 MPG and that is mostly HWY Driving. After one week of having the car the check engine light came on. Took it to the dealer they said it was an air inlet sensor that needed to be replaced. The turbo boost jumps even at idle. And some times the RPMs get stuck at 3k. And the car only has one key entry the drivers.No trunk opener inside you have to set your groceries down and open it with the key. But other then that things are great...note the sarcasim.

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  Wonderful Car! - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By Ian from Florida - June 8 - 9:48 pm

  My 2003 SRT-4 has 105k on her right now. Still running strong. Basic maintenance will take you a long way! Buy one, you WONT regret it!

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  its pretty good - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By sleeza - June 4 - 10:00 am

  My neon gets me from point A to point B, i would like the faster SRT-4 but for now this car ROCKS!

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  Easy to work on, and great gas mileage - 1998 Dodge Neon
  By maw96usa - June 4 - 3:51 am

  I bought this car for its gas mileage abilities and I have not been let down. Ive been getting around 32-34mpg in town and 38-41mpg on the hwy. I drove it from Colorado Springs, Colorado to Bakersfield, California for less than $90.00 with gas at $3.50 a gallon. As a home mechanic I also appreciate how easy the car is to work on. At 150k miles I really went through the engine and replaced the timing belt, water pump, oil pan gasket, power steering pump, valve cover gasket set, thermostat, and it was all really easy to get to with out much trouble at all. I tell friends and family that if I get another car itll be another Neon!!!

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  Dont buy a dodge - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By shawn - June 3 - 5:51 pm

  Had to replace both front wheel bearings at 34,000 74,000 and 100,000 miles. Thats right 3 times. Transmission and radiator at 90,000 pads and rotors 3 times and many check engine light problems

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  Gas mileage? - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By moviebuff - May 30 - 1:46 pm

  I bought this car used. It was in Hawaii as a rental. This has been yet another great Dodge product! The only thing I dont get is that it gets better gas mileage at 75-80 MPH then at 65-70. I know another guy that had an older Neon and he said it didnt start running good until you got it up to at least 60 MPH+.

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  Keeps on Goin! - 1997 Dodge Neon
  By RedneckDixie87 - May 26 - 4:15 pm

  This was my first car and I love it its 2008 and I dont want a new car although we are having some problems with it now which is expected it is 11 years old but it gets up to speed fast and drives great. Its comfortable is roomy and with gas at $4 a gallon its great on gas! Havent had to replace much only thing is the paint especially the green ones like mine i see have the rust spots.