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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  Bad Reviews? - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By larry s. - May 25 - 9:35 am

  Cant understand the bad reviews on this car. The 5 speed manual is plenty quick yet, some say performance aint good? I get 30+ mpg on highway. Brand new the car cost me $11,000. Not many cars were cheaper in 2003 (except junk cars like a Yugo)! I have 58,000 mi. on it, highest cost item to repair was $320 for front end bushings. No new brakes, yet one post says brakes are poor? I also have a 98 Neon Sport with 73,000 (60% highway) on it, no new brakes yet!! With gas prices at $4+ a gallon, Dodge dumped the Neon for a mini SUV thats $7,000 more, lower mpg, boxy looking?? Theyre building very low mpg muscle cars and trucks that cost $1,000s more in gas a year?? Bring back the Neon!

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  Used to like it... - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Julie - May 22 - 10:30 pm

  I originally loved my bright orange Neon SXT, but the thing has had nothing but problems since we bought it. Right now we are trying to figure out why the engine keeps sputtering and cutting out which, upon further research, is common in Neons. The fabric interior shows every wet mark that ever hits it and the car, both inside and outside, scratches and damages very easily. I love the look and color of my car, but that it about all anymore. Im going to get rid of it the next chance I get.

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  Not the best of luck I guess - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By KaylaG - May 6 - 6:32 pm

  Wow. This car was great in the beginning. After about 40k miles it crapped out on me. Countless visits to the repair shop for my transmission, my engine lights always popping on, and new brakes about a million times, let me not forget the gas tank too little doesnt hold nothin! Oh and the darn thing has no oomph doesnt like to go! Theres only a few things that I can actually say good about it. The sound systems great! And its cute.

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  If you have a heart condition dont ride - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Chris - May 4 - 8:46 pm

  This car is super quick and super fast. I was in 3rd gear and the car was up to 80. Has great handling. I used to drive a Mustang GT, and a 350 hp 72 mustang. and this car blows it out of the water. Its quicker, faster, holds turns better, and is extremely fun to drive. If your looking for a fast car in the low 20s this is your car. I was amazed from the first test drive till now. With the 3 stages of upgrades this car is truely unbeliveable.

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  Going domestic - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By daryl03 - April 28 - 2:00 am

  I have always driven import cars honda and toyota. I never would of considered going domestic if not for this car. But it was worth it. You cant beat this car when you are talking about bang for the buck. I chose this car over a evo and drove both of them. I figure for the difference in the price of the two I could add a little performance be faster and still spent less.

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  SRT-4-All - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By Billy-Joe Bob. - April 28 - 2:00 am

  fun to drive, always leaves a smile on your face when you get into the throtte, the look on someones face when they just learned it wasnt a "neon" but a turbo charged monster from dodge.

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  Best Bang for the Buck - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By InDaSRT4 - April 26 - 3:53 pm

  Fast, fun, and easily upgradable. The SRT4 has the potential to be a V8 eater. This aint yer Mommas Neon!

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  Econo Dodge - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By Sheena - April 24 - 2:27 pm

  I had a wonderful bright red neon. Unfortunately I got in an accident (not my fault) a couple weeks ago and due to the low value of the car the small damage to it totaled the car. Although, my car was hit and it spun a 180 and ran into a curb and all Ive got is a bruise on my leg. Pretty good Id say. If youre a safe driver and you want something reliable and cute with great mpg, get a neon (especially if youre a bit low on cash). I only had the base model and it was a great little car.

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  Cute But Fragile - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By Michele - April 24 - 12:32 pm

  This car does not fare well in accidents, even minor fender benders. My car was totaled in a 35 mph collision that caused both airbags to release. Repairs to the fragile exterior were expensive and negated the savings of the initial purchase price. The car handles well, though, and has s spunky little engine.

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  Blue Skittle - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By legend1330 - April 22 - 9:16 am

  Flat out, the best 4 cylinder turbo car ever made. Easy to maintain, easy to fix, easy to modify. Any trouble codes that trigger an engine light are displayed on the odometer readout, no need for a trip to the service department. I have owned this car for 4 years and have no problems.