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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  This 2005 Dodge Neon SXT is my 4th. Neon - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Marshall - August 16 - 10:40 pm

  My 2005 Dodge Neon SXT is very comfortable and fun to drive! This is my 4th Neon, and my SXT has comfortable seats for long trips. The Neon SXT is both a peppy and responsive car. The interior is very roomy with Daimler- Chryslers "cab forward" design. The instrument panel looks rather nice with the white round indicators. I like the tachometer and the green jewel-like lit up instrument panel at night. The car has good brakes and a very good air conditioning system. The electronically controlled 4 speed automatic transmission has a good feel to it. The Neon SXT handles like a more expensive sports car. I like the looks and the feel of my 2005 Dodge Neon SXT! Neon SXT is a good buy.

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  Not just a neon - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By dave - August 14 - 4:40 pm

  Everyone thinks it just looks like a neon, but its not. Fully equipped, the SRT-4 will run you around 22,000. Not a bad price for what you get. Its competitors the evo and sti are very well built cars for the price; the only difference between the evo and sti is price. The evo will run you a secure 29,000, and the sti will run around 33,000. Originally a concept car in 1998, they wanted to make the srt-4 supercharged and only running 12psi and making 170 hp. But Dodge has been making turbo cars since the early 70s with the turbo z and shelby. Experience helps in this case. But u still get the fuel economy of a sedan and the price of a typical 4 door. But the hp it provides all the fun.

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  Not Bad - 1996 Dodge Neon
  By Malisha - August 5 - 7:37 pm

  My dad purchased this car for me, as my second car. It was extremely nice at first, and I loved it. This car does lack extreme horsepower. It takes me about 20-25 seconds to reach 60! Slowest car I have ever driven. The transmission is starting to act up, and the struts are starting to go. Air conditioning was charged when my dad purchased it, and then it was warm agian the summer after. Didnt even last 1 year! But the car has never let me down. Always starts, even when its cold outside. The paint chips like no other. And the windows leak entremely bad. When I drive on the expressway, all I hear is wind, and thats with the windows up.

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  So far so good - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By Jay - August 5 - 1:02 am

  Make sure you buy the stick shift in this model. The automatic is really slow. Driving this model with the stick has been great. It more than keeps up with similar vehiles in this class. Havent had one single problem with the engine. Gas mileage is great, getting over 32mpg

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  Great fun little car - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By andy - August 1 - 9:04 pm

  The Neon has had a bad reputation over the years but Dodge really hit something with the 2005. I bought it just because it had decent gas mileage, but it turned out to be better than I thought it would. I average around 30 mpg with a good variation of both city and highway driving. The sound system that came with it is awesome for it being factory installed. The outside looks great and it is a really sporty car. I love the smooth ride and comfortable interior it offers. I love the power that it has too. Nothing that will blow your socks off ,but it is a really quick car, especially for not being turbocharged.

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  it soars - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By ivy - July 27 - 10:00 am

  I recently bought the Neon and it is the most comfortable ride. It has a great audio system. when I rev it up, the car seems to soar on the highway. I was concern in buying a neon, but I think I chose a great car at a great price.

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  Nice car that isnt that expensive! - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Sandy - July 23 - 2:13 am

  Ive owned a Neon before and let me say that they are much improved over the years. I love the newer body style. I love the stereo. Actually I put a 8 inch Rockford Fosgate bass tube in the trunk...and wow is it loud...really turns heads! I love the color...I got the red...so pretty. Really a nice car for only around $15,000.00!

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  Purple Penelope - 1997 Dodge Neon
  By Lauren - July 22 - 8:28 pm

  The Neon was my first car. It was a terrific first car. It was easy to drive, handled well, spacious, great on gas, and cute. It only had minor problems like loose cables (easy to fix). At over 118,000 miles, it drove like new. I cant complain.

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  Just purchased - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Angel - July 16 - 4:10 am

  I would never have purchased a Dodge Neon had there not been any PT cruisers. After driving the Neon and seeing that it would indeed get the best gas miliage for the money, I couldnt turn it down. Come to find out I really love the little car and will enjoy driving it for the future.

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  Love It - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By DustinSizem - July 15 - 2:00 am

  I totally love my car! I got this car for my first car, I got the electric blue and boy does it stand out! My front end drags alot and I am going to have to get the paint touched up but that is the only complaint I have.