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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  Best car ever - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By this car is badass - August 26 - 11:10 pm

  When i bought the srt-4 it was nothing short of my expectations. Every time I get behind the wheel I feel that adrenaline rush of the anticipated speed. Straight up the best car Ive ever owned. If you are looking to wipe the smile peoples faces and turn heads whereever you may travel this is the car for you.

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  Not that great of a car - 1995 Dodge Neon
  By james - August 15 - 1:57 pm

  I bought my Neon with somewhere around 62,000 miles, which at the time seemed great. But the car leaked massive amounts of oil, and the speedometer broke and would come on and off while driving(so my Neon still has around 62,000 miles). The longer I had the Neon the worse the problems got. Often on the freeway ramp the car will take a long time to shift into a higher gear, forcing me to merge with free way traffic at 45mph. Ive taken mine to the shop to repace 02 sensor, head gasket, and just recently the wiring to the computer. I have had the Neon die on me while driving in traffic a number of times (which is both embarrassing and scary). I am done with Neons, they require too much up keep.

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  2003 Doge Neon SXT - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By Rudy Sias - August 15 - 9:49 am

  This is just a fun car to drive. With the sunroof open and the windows down, this car is a very fun car. Gas mileage is good, and this is both a good commuter car and a roadtrip car. The trunk has plenty of room, as does the car interior. Car maintenance has been simple, with just routine oil changes providing and tire rotations meeting the cars needs.

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  A Sleeper, the R/T is Great - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By maxbob - August 15 - 2:00 am

  This car has a great suspension, tires, brakes, handling, design, and stereo. Just good are seats (cloth), instuments, controls, finish. NOTHING is bad on this car. A best buy at discounted prices, made in America, and adding two things: a front tower sway bar and a replacement K&N air filter adds perfection to performance for less than $100. A great car!

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  SRT-4 - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Lin Dailey - August 15 - 1:00 am

  I have had nothing but pleasure driving this auto. It is quick and corners very nice. Many people try to race me but I just smile and pay attention to the road. I really enjoy driving and this has been one of the funnest cars I have driven in 35 years.

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  Great Little Performer - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Bryan E. Rice - August 12 - 3:06 am

  For the two months I have owned my Neon SXT, I have been very satisfied with nearly every aspect. The five speed transmission could use a little more refinement, but the engine is peppy enough to satisfy everyday drivers. Fuel economy has been very good - averaging 27 MPG. One thing I love is the virtual lack of a power lag while the AC is on. My Neons ride and handling are excellent for a small car. Cabin room is more than I expected - even my 6ft-2in tall best friend can sit comfortably in the rear seat. The interior design is clean, functional and solid, though Im prone to accidentally hitting the stereo controls when Im shifting. My Neon is a great car that Im happy I purchased.

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  fun+fast+roomy - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By Dan101 - August 10 - 2:00 am

  I think its a great all around car its easy on gas yet has the zip of a sport car and the room do get the groceries

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  Reliable Transportation - 2002 Dodge Neon
  By Alexis - July 20 - 7:42 am

  Ive had my car for five years and have had very few problems. It does great on the highway. The only problem I have with it is when the air conditioning is on the acceleration is decreased, but I think this is due to a less powerful engine. Ive gotten into a couple of accidents in this car and was pleasantly surprised that there was barely a scratch on my car. I would reccomend this car to anyone who needs affordable a to b transportation.

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  My Neon - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Blueram13 - July 16 - 10:50 am

  Decent pickup power and roomy interior for a small car. Like the new styling and color over the 1998 Neon that was traded in. Seats also more comfortable over the 98.

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  My SRT4 - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By stumpzr - July 16 - 6:46 am

  I have had my SRT-4 for about two months now. I love the car. It is an absolute blast to drive. I bought it used, so I have had a few problems to fix, but I believe those to be the previous owners fault, not Dodge.