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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  Mustang eater! - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Turbo-G - April 16 - 7:49 am

  This car is one rocket right out of the box. I cant believe the real power this thing puts out. I love the looks on the faces of the other brand owners when you smoke past them on the road. I live in an area with a lot of Mustang owners, and now a lot of sad Mustang owners. This car is one fun ride. Just hop in and get it on. Best bang for the buck hands down.

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  Great Value - 2001 Dodge Neon
  By The Shamus - April 10 - 12:12 pm

  Neons generally have a bad reputation. My 2001 was purchased new, and I have replaces two tie-rod ends and a fuel pump switch. I had a bad battery replaced under warranty. The interior is roomy for my large 6 foot 2 frame and the seats are more comfortable than anything else I drove in this range. I have 100K miles on this car, and it still responds well. The front disc brakes and exhaust are all still factory original. It does not handle deep snow well. Ive come back to a dead battery a few times for an unknown reason. The radio is upgraded and works well. Infinitely more comfortable and spacious for the passengers than my wifes Corolla.

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  2004 Neon - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By sdimig - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Great car. I owned an original Neon and got 165K miles and 10 years of good service out of it. I walked out of the dealer with this one for $13,040 including tax and tags. Did I mention there is a $2500 rebate? The imports (Honda and Toyota) are overrated and overpriced in my opinion. Both the Ford Focus and the Neon are very nice cars for a low price.

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  Most Fun for under $22K - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By cubano5611 - April 3 - 10:17 pm

  Great vehicle, only cost me $21,950 and has been worth every penny. The power it delivers matches that of a mid priced sports car and can easily fit four adults. Comfort is great and so is the ride quality. Iit is not luxuriously smooth, but is equal to your compact four door cars on the road today.

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  Buy this piece! - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By AgileSRT - April 3 - 2:00 am

  This car is cheap, outruns everything I come up upon on the road, is affordable to modify, I enjoy it more than life. :)

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  good little car.. - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By verbalbliss - April 3 - 2:00 am

  nice little car if you dont plan on driving a truck or suv while getting to know this little guy it does handle well and speed is not an option overall its somthing so far i can live with...

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  Not just a Neon. - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By grappler_123 - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I just bought a new SRT-4 and I love it. Performs like it should cost $30000. The performance of this vehicle without upgrades is outstanding, and with the proper mods can be breathtaking. Finally an American carmaker that gets it. I dont care what anyone says about it being a Neon, its not. Its a superstreet on a Neon platform.

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  Purchased for highway driving. - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Sean - March 31 - 2:25 pm

  I commute to work, 40 miles each way, so a car advertising high gas mileage and low pricing was key. I bought the car in October 06 when the weather was changing. It made it through the winter no problem starts promptly, never overheats but I have noticed a few things about the car: Gas mileage advertised is for 60mph. Anything over that, kiss the 32mpg highway goodbye. Engine idles at 6k rpm when stopped, which causes a slight vibration in the cabin. Coolant gauges normal range varies between top end of cold and first quarter line. Brakes squeak. A lot. Dont be fooled though, they work extremely well! Dodge transmission, expect problems! Already rough at 41.5k.

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  prefer it to my 87 celica gt - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By demrdi - March 29 - 10:00 am

  I consider the Neon to be among the most under-rated cars on the road. Its faster and handles better than the poor mans Porsche that I drove from 90- 93, and has gotten me up many a steep slipery slope in winter. Its the second one Ive owned, the first was a 96 and very satisfactory, and this 03 is better in every way.

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  Dogde neon rating - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By ljl1225 - March 29 - 10:00 am

  the dodge neon is comfortable to drive -