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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  Dodge Neon 05 4D SXT - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By rochfiriel - September 27 - 4:22 pm

  Originally had a Stratus, needed to downsize. The cab room for driver and shotgun passenger side very similar. I like that. Back seats a bit smaller. Much better fuel economy for a Dodge. Sporty and neutral interior colors make for an enjoyable trip around town. I not only save on gas, I have fun driving it too.

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  Worth A Test Drive - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By MR772 - September 25 - 2:00 am

  I have a 2000 neon bought new. Great car got fully loaded with all options except anti-lock breaks for a little over 12k. This car can stop on a dime. Great sound system. Great hp for a car in its class. have only had a few minor problems in 3 years and 60k miles. Best car with most options for the money (try finding a civic ex for the same price). get the manual transmission its the only one worth buying.

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  Wow - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By Jon B - September 25 - 2:00 am

  For the money this car cannot be ebat

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  Pretty good car - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By joseph - September 16 - 11:06 am

  I recently bought my Neon SE and have taken 4 very long trips since. I am impressed with the quiet interior and the handling. Not a whole lot of power but then again you dont buy a Neon for power. In todays world with the rising cost of fuel and all other products, I think this vehicle is a smart and economical buy. Parts are cheap, gas mileage is good ( I get around 35-37 hwy, 28-30 city), and the warrenty by Chrysler is outstanding.

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  The dodge Neon SXT 5M - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By steve V - August 28 - 10:00 am

  This car gets me where i want to go. Its safe, stylish and fun to drive

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  dodge rule - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By desiree - August 27 - 2:00 am

  i think that the car is porfect the way it is. thanks for making such a great car

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  SXT - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By TheCube17 - August 27 - 2:00 am

  I got this car in August, and have put about 15k miles on it so far and im only in april. but this car is BLAST! passing cars is easy and i love to here that engine scream entering from a onramp. the only bad thing i have notice is wind noise when all the windows are up, and road noise, espically in rain.

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  Tuner Friendly - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By davidicus - August 27 - 2:00 am

  I have 7000miles on mine. All in 5 months, I cant stop driving it and I love it more everyday. I am a tuner and I feel like the car was aimed at me. I have swapped out performance parts with ease as if it was made for them. I am putting out 280whp on the dyno and making 13.3 quarter miles passes all day with $700 in performance modification. My engine warranty is surely voided however this engine is so strong I am hardly worried. Normal drivers will never break this car.

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  Fun Fun Fun - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Wolf - August 23 - 3:41 am

  I also drive an 01 Mustang GT and I must say that driving this car is almost as much fun and maybe sometimes more so. I bought this car for a fun daily driver and that is what it is. It is fast for sure and easy to modify. There are many parts available to make this car a Corvette killer! For the price of this car, the performance can not be beat hands down!

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  Well built for a small car - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Nice Small Car - August 19 - 12:03 am

  A nice all around car! Better looking than most small cars. Handles great, good on gas. I would buy it again.