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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  I wouldnt believe a Neon...... - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By Scott Williams - January 7 - 2:00 am

  This is a really fun car to drive and handles extremely well for the price. And yes, the sound system is fantastic. It accelerates very well and is great in turns and twisting roads. The gas mileage is more than adequate, and its very roomy inside. My kids think there is more than enough elbow room. I would recommend this car to anyone. You wont regret buying the R/T model.

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  This is my title - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By m480 - January 7 - 2:00 am

  Cute little car- affordable.

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  Little engine that could - 2002 Dodge Neon
  By Redjaseak08 - December 30 - 1:41 pm

  I have enjoyed my Neon from day one, I bought it used when it had 43000 miles on it, I now have 80,300 miles on it. The only mechanical problem I have had with it has been the clutch, which was replaced for $700.00 and that was due to letting inexperienced friends drive my manual. I live in Alaska, and this car has done me well. I havent been stuck, it has great control and still drives likes its right off the lot. Its affordable in the following aspects, gas, inurance and general maitenance. I would reccomend this car to anyone who needs a commuter car or just an everyday ride.

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  Neon SXT - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Scott - December 28 - 9:00 pm

  I drive this car everyday. It is solid, no squeaks or rattles. I have a 5spd rated 29city/36hwy. My mileage was averaging 32-33 in mixed driving. Once the engine was broken in around 5k miles it felt quite a bit stronger.The idle speed solenoid failed at around 18k miles. No other problems to date. This is the last year of the Neon. The 2nd generation Neons (2000- 2005) are a big improvement over the 1st generation in terms of quality. I also have a 2004 SRT-4 and that has been an excellent car as well.

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  Not a good car - 1997 Dodge Neon
  By Frankie - December 24 - 7:22 pm

  I guess I should not have expected much when buying this car. Nothing special about it not even the mileage. The engine has horrible responsiveness and handles like a boat.

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  Fun To Drive and Economical - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By larry s. - December 13 - 3:29 am

  Have 44K miles and almost 4 years on my lease. Get the 5 speed, quicker and better mileage. About $6 grand less than Honda Civic. Dodge made mistake by replacing this car with Caliber, which doesnt handle as well, and aint as sporty looking. One problem that has come up recently is the front strut bushings (rubber ring to cushion ride) have slipped down making ride more rough. Car shop quoted $330 to fix, but they tend to be more expensive for repairs. Hope for a recall since this problem should not happen on a car with 44K miles.

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  Good car for the most part - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By MENACE/SRT4 - December 1 - 4:37 pm

  Well what can I say, is faster than I expected. For the price is worth it for the most part. I bought my SRT about 5 months ago. It had 27k miles on it. For the first couple months it ran good, but I started to notice oil leaks. I took it back to the dealer. It turns out to be the oil pan. Thats what they said the first time. Well Ive been to the dealer more than six times and they still cant fix that leak. Oil pan has been replaced twice. From what I hear these cars have oil leak problems. My SRT is at the dealer right now. Its the fastest under $20k but if you are thinking of buying you better get extended warranty..

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  Best car Ive sold out of. - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By rmercer - November 28 - 6:04 pm

  I travel the Houston, Texas area and am very happy with this car. The dealer recommended this one and I was skeptical. He was right. It looks small but is very roomy. I get excellant gas mileage and this car is holding up very well in the city atmosphere. Stop and go or on the highway this car is awesome!

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  GLH deja vu - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By C Howard - November 28 - 12:20 pm

  Reminds me of a GLH I had except its an updated version. Am having a little trouble with hearing distributor noise through the stereo system, otherwise no problems ..I have the live n loud system. Whenever I drive the car ...it puts a grin on my face.Just as my GLH did.

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  Great car to start with - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Chad L - November 11 - 1:14 am

  The Neon is a great little car if you are looking for something to get you from point A to point B and have a litte fun doing it. The handling is the best part about it mixed with the fuel economy. Road noise is an issue, and anyone that says the brakes are noisy is right. However, a quick spray with compressed air and that issue is gone. Only had to do that every 3 months or after going through high water. Otherwise I loved my Neon until I traded it in. This is a great car for teenagers!