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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  Turning against me - 2000 Dodge Neon
  By genxp - April 18 - 11:41 am

  I bought this new, paid off and still driving it, has about 200,000 clicks to it. Most trouble Ive had with it are emergency brake locking my rear wheel, once. Brakes locking on cylinder when parked for extended period, a week, while on vacations. Recently replace power steering hose and sway bar. Most trouble is with brakes. Replaced timing belt, power steering, tires, and still enjoy owning it. First time new also recall having trouble with rain pooling on the rear passenger floor. Trouble was

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  Most amazing car for the Money I spent - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By ACR SRT-4 - April 13 - 11:36 pm

  I must say I was recently in the market for a new car. I could not decide what I wanted I went back and forth between cars I was looking at the Subaru sti and the evo MR until I had spoken to a friend and he advised me to look at an SRT-4. I didnt even know what they were at the time. I did some research and found out a lot about them. So needless to say last fall in sept of 07 I purchased my srt- 4. I got it used but I must say it was taken care of very well I bought the 2005 ACR SRT-4 with the acr seats and wider tires and to this day I must say this is probably one of the best cars you can buy for you money. amazing performance and everything else.

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  Great lil car - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By lil red - April 4 - 6:49 pm

  Great little car could ask for a better quality car. Im disappointed they stopped making them.

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  Great Car - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By way2fast59 - April 3 - 10:00 am

  For under 20K, I do not think you could ask for anything better. The only problem was that the sales rep that sold me the car did not know ANYTHING about the SRT-4. All in all, I am pleased with the performance of the car. Just keep your foot out of the gas.

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  this car goes the extra mile! - 1995 Dodge Neon
  By danielle - March 30 - 1:57 pm

  I have had my little neon since 2000 with one other owner. Shes a 1995, an old car but very reliable, getting me through many a snowstorm and trips up north. I get about 30 miles to the gallon on highway...a fun car to drive with not a lot of time in the garage. I love my neon and would like to get a newer model of the same car someday...when my old one finally dies

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  its o.k I guess - 2002 Dodge Neon
  By um, idk. its... um - March 29 - 5:05 pm

  O. K, I have a 2002 Dodge neon. My brother gave it to me because the tranny went out. So I got it rebuilt for 1500 dollars. Now I still have it, when I turn sharply enough the engine light comes on, then goes off when I straighten up. It shakes bad on the highway and when I get to 55. The alternators going up, hopefully no time soon, but the lights on. Um, I got a performance muffler and took the airbox off and a performance air filter, so when I give it some gas it sounds excellent for a 4 cylinder. My recommendation though... Get another car. Why spend 3250 on this when you can get a civic or something?

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  great car!! - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By fr34k - March 29 - 10:00 am

  great car very quick! fun to drive. the 4 door is good cuz it lowers insurance

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  I love this car - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By Pink Lady SRT - March 27 - 5:00 pm

  My SRT is amazing! I bought it after Katrina in 2005 after she destroyed my 2003 SRT. That was so sad, but I got my 2004 so its all good. It was stock when I bought it, but not anymore. Mopar has tons of performance parts to amp up the power and torque of this awesome little car. Dont be fooled by its small size and that its (just a neon. This is not your mamas neon. This car is for the car enthusiast who loves going fast a feeling the power as they accelerate. I definitely recommend this car to anyone who thinks they can handle it.

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  Dodge Neon SRT-4 turbo - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By Roberto Hernandez - March 25 - 3:08 pm

  I love my Dodge srt-4 2004 I always race in drag racing in Miami, fl and the last time I race it was with a bmw 2004 225i and I smoke him for five cars and I couldnt believe it but is true and I bet money 5,000 for the race. My type of car is Dodge neon srt-4 2004 stage 1 performance I am running with 18 Pound of turbo and I love it who ever are thinking to buy one trust me Ill recommend it so so cool specially when I have my car underground neon light, dvd player system, neon light on my rims, and interior neon light, with chrome engine, I have boost control that cool run with 20 Pound of turbo isnt that cool try it u Will love it.

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  2001 Neon, I bought new - 2001 Dodge Neon
  By gtohrl - March 24 - 1:50 pm

  No major problems with this unit. Typical maintenance, tires and battery, really didnt need one yet but replaced for peace of mind, and that is about it. Replaced all four struts, added brace bars front and rear and added inserts to the motor mounts. Radio went bad after 6yrs. Easily replaced. Has paid for its self as far as I am concerned! The whole vehicle, I mean to say.