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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  Will own this car forever! - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By Paul - July 14 - 3:15 pm

  Will never sell this car. Best/favorite car ever owned. Cheap to fix or mod up. Beats many other much higher priced cars on road and track. Use mine at Road tracks like Pocono and Watkins Glenn every year and found with various Mopar and Non Mopar upgrades the car is able to contend with cars like Lotus. Car is truly amazing. Even in winter months you can take car out in worst conditions and it performs better than any other 2wd on the market. Granted I have studded snows for car, but never had a car with snows that could go up any icy/snowy hill and stop on a dime up or down hill. Dont drive car in winter anymore though. Gotta get another stock SRT-4 for winter.

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  Used 04 Neon -84000 miles - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By Gary - July 12 - 5:44 pm

  I got this Neon used. It was time to get something in better shape than my 94 Camry. After a second trip back to the Dodge dealer for electrical issues (it died periodically for no apparant reason) it has been pretty much flawless. It was a bit sluggish - but it is only a 4 banger, so I tried putting in a K&N air filter and what a difference that made. It is not the quietest interior, but just turn up the CD player volume a little more. Ive been very pleased with getting this as a second vehicle for running around town in.

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  My Green Machine - 1997 Dodge Neon
  By sharonda - July 10 - 8:09 pm

  The Neon was my first car. Its a terrific first car. It was easy to drive, handled well, spacious, great on gas, and cute. It is also very fun to drive considering its a manual. It only had minor problems like turn signal doesnt turn off and door squeaks a little. At only 65,000 miles, it drove like new. I cant complain but only wish it was more powered: power windows, locks and steering. Also I would love a CD player over the cassette any day.

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  2004 dodge srt-4 - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By jim383 - July 10 - 10:00 am

  this car turns heads and is more roomier than it looks and im 6 ft 1 in tall.i got the optional seat with the side airbagsbecause the viper type seats didnt fit my frameand there more comfortable anyway.I have owned all chrysler hipo cars.63 ply 426 maxi wedge, 68 rr, 70 440 6 pak challenger 73 340 duster, and i fit this car better than some of them.

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  AWESOME RIDE!!!!! - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By loosenut - July 10 - 10:00 am

  FUN, FAST, easy on the family, and has more than enough room for my family of four. great on both gas mileage and fun. doesnt matter if you are young or old this car is sooo much fun to drive. I love driving this car, my family test drove one for two days we felt it had more than ample room for all of us and our things. great fuel economy with performance of a v8 engine. this car wil be with us for quite some time.

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  Kickin Car for the Price - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By codeninja - June 30 - 11:25 am

  Very stylish, incredible performance. Little bit of vibration, but thats due to the incredible rumble from the exhaust. And you can increase the performance of this vehicle with a stage 3 kit and still be under warranty! How awesome is that?

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  robs review - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By rob ellis - June 27 - 2:00 am

  The car gets alot of looks and compliments, especially from the younger generation. It has excellent accelleration and corners like a dream.

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  I absolutely love my car! - 2000 Dodge Neon
  By Rosie - June 23 - 11:49 pm

  My Neon is the first car Ive ever had and I love it. Its as standard as it comes, no power windows or locks, no overdrive, and it had been a rental car as well. Ive had this car since 2001 and I have not had one problem with it. The obvious things like spark plugs or changing a bulb in a light but thats it. It gets me where I need to go, and it looks good in the process. I would recommend Neon to anyone, and Id buy another one if given the opportunity.

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  Expensive brand new, but OK overall - 1997 Dodge Neon
  By Kayla - June 13 - 10:32 pm

  Im the original owner and this is the first car that did not have a lot of problems at all. Had the car for 10 years and plan to keep it for my son. Yes, the doors with no frame are a little disappointing. They leak a bit when raining and its noisy when driving, but overall the car has been doing OK. I just had some regular jobs done on it. Recently put a new engine, but hey, its been 10 years! The paint is still in great condition, I have the hunter green. My 16 year old son likes it and looks forward to having it for himself, and this is a manual car!

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  2nd Neon Purchace - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Kay - June 8 - 6:55 am

  This is my second Dodge Neon purchase. I bought the 2005 Dodge Neon STX model with rear spoiler this time. This model is sporty stylish and still turns heads. Its roomy and has pep when you put your foot on the gas. I love this car for the price and gas miles. Relieable so far.