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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  Pretty good car for price - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Heather - January 3 - 7:53 am

  It has a few minor problems such as brakes emitting excessive brake dust but overall a pretty good buy

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  Why did Dodge discontinue this model? - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By jrb - January 1 - 5:58 pm

  We operate this car in our courier business. It has a 5 speed manual trans. (Had been using Nissan hardbody pickups because of their reliability.) We have owned this car 2 years & 3 months it has 225,000 miles on it. We are saving a lot of money, compared to the Nissans, on insurance, fuel, and maintenance. We use synthetic oil. Only maintenance we have had to do is spark plugs and wires and one timing belt. We use it city and highway driving over 400 miles per day at 32 mpg. This has probably been the most reliable "American" make I have ever owned. I cannot believe Dodge discontinued this model. It is too good to believe except that we have used it and seen it. Why did you end it Dodge?

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  Deal of a lifetime - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Gearhead - December 29 - 4:00 pm

  After doing research, I found that the design and engineering that went into this car was amazing. I dont see how Chrysler could make and sell a car like this but then Viper and Prowler come to mind. Simply put, this is a performance bargain! The car isnt for everyone. You must appreciate high performance and a taste for the daring because the ride is a bit on the harsh side. It is designed to be high performance and everything about the car from the stance, engine sounds, to the look, feel and ride remind you of what it is. This is not a car for first time drivers or people with bad backs. It can be driven daily with ease but it is truly at home being raced at a track.

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  Cute car - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By crankyone - December 28 - 5:43 pm

  Its a cute car, its nice and fun to drive, but theres always something going wrong with it after 3 months. The engine/transmission light always comes on, even when it rains and nothing is wrong with the car whatsoever. Its frustrating taking it in thinking something is wrong with it, and then being told there isnt anything wrong with it, and still having the light on

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  piece of junk Neon - 1999 Dodge Neon
  By jimf - December 28 - 4:35 pm

  This car has got to be a low point in US auto build quality. It is a piece of junk. DO NOT BUY ONE ! Ever !!... At 20K the head gasket blew which Chrysler refused to cover. The head lights frosted over within 3 years. The moon roof broke before the car was 2 years old. The center tail light seal failed thus filling the trunk with rain water. The power windows misaligned after 3 years making the doors very difficult to open. The power door locks stopped functioning on the rear doors. Now, with only 47000 very gentle miles on it, the rear main seal blew out putting a quart of oil on the road every 60 miles. Oh yes, the tranny will not go into 3rd gear when cold. Has done this for years.

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  SRT-4 - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By MARK - December 26 - 5:50 am

  Im currently a proud owner of a Dodge SRT-4. Though many people have said its just a Neon, this car packs a serious punch. And unlike the EVO you can modify this car without voiding the warranty, as long as you stick with performance modifications made by Mopar. The best thing about this car is that they found a way to make it have all the fun toys of an expensive tuner car but still be at a reasonable price!

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  neon-oh yeah! - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By pinkerella - December 17 - 10:00 am

  Please convey to Chrysler....this car is a "must" to stay in the line up! Americans will want to stay with this American design.

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  This car is the bomb! - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By Lord J - December 17 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car i have ever drove, it has lots of features and upgrades that are avalible. Theres been no competion on the street with this car, (beside the M5 that kicked my butt which i expected for $60,000+)it is fast and furious, and i dont regret buying this car, and for the price, its a steal, im waiting for Stage 2 turbo upgrade to make this car even faster, good job Dodge, 2 thumbs up.

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  2003 Neon - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By ufarab - November 26 - 10:00 am

  Fun car to drive. Mileage could be better (26.5 on highway). Add power windows to rear. Exterior road noise too load. Otherwise, I like the car.

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  Supercar performance, poor mans price! - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By iturbosrt4 - November 24 - 10:09 am

  If youre looking for something fast, rare and eye-catching for a cheap price, youre reading the review for the perfect car. Everytime I get into my car Im afraid Im going to get a speeding ticket. You dont even realize how fast youre going sometimes. Some say the interior is cheap but I say its perfect for me. If I wanted a luxury car, I wouldve brought one. The 6 CD stereo system is crystal clear, the bucket seats are comfortable and all the controls are placed in arms reach. Thats all I need!