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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  Fast and Furious killer foundation - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By celsius - February 20 - 10:00 am

  The sole point of buying this car was to get the fastest stock vehicle for my money (limit $30,000). The looking started a couple of years ago, and covered the RSX, RSX Type-S, WRX, WRX STi, and the new Z. With 0-60 from 5.4 - 5.9, and 14 sec 1/4 mi @ 102, the SRT-4 blew everything else away in its price range ($19,500), let alone $10000 above. Now I can have the dealership install the future stage 3 Mopar kit which will take it over 400hp and it will still be under the 7yr/70,000 warranty. Warning: this car cruises at 100mph like it was 60, and doesnt even strain at 140. Rock on Dodge!

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  Excellent Car - 2002 Dodge Neon
  By Good Times Ride - February 9 - 11:32 pm

  This fun car has given a bargain for my dollar. It is well designed for a commuter car. No problems other than normal use repairs. Great car for the price. Need to have more of them for our expensive economy. Its confy an stylish as well.

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  I love my neon - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By Whine - February 8 - 2:00 am

  Its a lot of car for a little cost. It is more than worth the price. It handles wonderfully on curves and wet roads. Plus, you look great driving it!

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  A nice looking fast car for the price - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By marie salazar - February 8 - 2:00 am

  The SRT-4 is a very fun car to have. It is a very fast and nicely designed car for the price. It gets a lot of attention on the street. You can put a little amount of money into it to increase the power.

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  1 fast car! - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By robert vansteenburg - February 8 - 2:00 am

  fastest little car on the block!! move over big block.. i just hope the tires last one year.thank you dodge you have 1 great car.....

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  Great Car For Price - 1998 Dodge Neon
  By Larry S. - January 26 - 8:13 am

  Have the Sport Coupe with manual tranny, bought new in 1998 for $13 grand. As of this post have 71,000 miles on it. Getting 32 mpg overall, 36 on interstate. Great performance and handling. Its a fun car to drive! Needs premium gas to get max performance but I "mix" 89 octane with premium to lower gas cost. In 10 years the only major problem was the water pump died. Cost was $600 to repair which was high but couldnt shop around for lower price at time. For the low price and great performance it cant be beat in its segment of the market. I also have a 2003 Neon (only made as 4 door)with manual, but it only gets 26 mpg avg. and aint as quick or the looker of the coupe.

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  Learned to appreciate it - 1995 Dodge Neon
  By colmark12 - January 24 - 1:40 am

  Bought mine with about 150 K miles. Really didnt like it at first...its not exactly attractive, and it sometimes has a tiny feel. but it grew on me due to the reliability. So many quirks--trunk/back seat leak, weak dashboard, everything rattles, 3 speakers have gone out, meters give out, AC stinks (especially here in AZ), etc. But at the end of the day its done exactly what Ive needed it to do. No major problems, just a few things here and there. The acceleration is horrible (automatic) but the car handles amazingly. Ive had friends with new cars comment on it. Lasted longer than everyone elses 92-98 used cars even though people make fun of it. The little compact that could.

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  Neon - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By larry s. - January 9 - 3:49 am

  Performance is great with 5 speed manual tranny. Car is a looker. MPG is acceptable (getting 30 mpg overall). This aint a Corvette, so saying performance is poor... bad logic! If you want racing speed, buy the Vette at $ 31,000 more! The car has a 7 yr, 70,000 warranty on the engine and tranny, so take it to the dealer under warranty, if you maintained it properly!? With cash back and lease incentives this car cost me $ 11,000 brand new! About six thousand less than a Honda Civic! Have 53,000 miles with only normal maintenance costs, plus $320 for new bushings in front suspension. Amazing how people buy a low sticker price car then expect BMW performance!

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  Mistress for an elderly man - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By tapjuice - January 5 - 12:01 pm

  Thats it! This is gonna be buried with me.. No squeaks or rattles Twenty gs, performance options abound, as much road presence as an Enzo, faster than a speeding bullet, corners as if on rails, mileage of a Fit{ told the wife that was the only reason I bought it}. 65,000 miles and no trouble at all. Stage three is impossibly, perfectly tuned. Suspension options add more grip than is needed. Of all the cars Ive owned in my short 72 years on this ball of mud, this car is the is the snottiest thing in my price range ever.

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  I love my Neon - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By jessicaann2005 - January 4 - 11:13 am

  My 2005 Neon SXT came with the SRT4 exterior package. It is awesome looking and great on gas mileage and fits my whole family. I have looked forward to finally getting one for the past few years.