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:

• 

  2004 Neon SXT - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By Morticia - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 2004 Neon this month and I love it! It handles great and it rides smooth. It is sporty but yet a family car. All my friends love it!

• 

  Best Bang for the Buck - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By Cracked-Out Neon - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Test drive this car, and you will fall in love with it. Very fast car for 21k.

• 

  neon - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By joepa2002 - March 8 - 2:00 am

  beatiful car could be more powerful but its good for commuting to and from work

• 

  A turbocharged neon - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Alex - February 20 - 2:55 pm

  When I first bought the SRT I was excited to get it on the road. I walk into my garage and open the driver door and climb over the highly bolstered seat. You turn the car on and you feel a rush of power and hear a beautiful deap throaty exhaust. This car goes like no other in its price range. Very quick, flooring the throttle and flattening your kidneys an seeing the cars next to you shrink in the mirror never gets old. A great car for the money. Handling, acceleration and a fun ride have never been so easy to obtain for so little money. A great car for what its built it to do, drive fast

• 

  Very Reliable car - 1996 Dodge Neon
  By Joe - February 12 - 1:36 pm

  I bought this car brand new back in 96. I have to say that as many others have mentioned, I had to change the head gasket, and I had the normal problems with other parts of the car. The latest thing I had to face was a malfunction of the speed sensor, however, it was replaced (not a very expensive replacement part) and everything was back to normal. The painting peeled off the roof, and the rest of the car was darkening (it is white, so you can tell it darkens), but I took it to a furnace full body painting in 2003 and it is brand new now! This car has never left me stranded, and even though the gas mileage is not very good in the city, it is certainly fun to drive!

• 

  pc review - 2002 Dodge Neon
  By 3rdneonowner - February 5 - 4:03 pm

  This is my 3rd Neon (1995 sedan & 1999 sport coupe previous). Nice body style, decent power. I am still wondering what the 4th gear is for, it doesnt seem to have much difference from the 5th gear. Like most other folks, I found the brakes to sqeak too much. The left rear drum break will rust if driven through much water and lock up the rear wheel. The car had to be flat-bedded to the dealer. They took it apart and found nothing wrong(?). It still locks up some, but not the same extent. The gas mileage is lower than my other 2 Neons, go figure. Car is dependable however, and I plan on many more miles

• 

  I love my Neon! - 2000 Dodge Neon
  By ambee3 - February 3 - 11:01 pm

  I bought my Neon a year ago. So far Ive had no problems with it, just new tires. I bought it when I wrecked my Intrepid and I needed a car in a fix. I bought my Neon for $4,500 with 27,000 miles on it. Ive never cared much for Neons because I used to work at an auto parts store and people that had them would always complain about them. But it was a good deal when I needed one. A year later, Im glad that I bought this car.

• 

  Surprisingly good car - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By Davert - February 1 - 2:00 am

  Have heard so many bad things I cant believe I drive the same car people talk about. I have a 1995 too and its been pretty reliable and lots of fun.

• 

  SRT-4 - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By Hayden Baker - February 1 - 2:00 am

  Car is a blast to drive. When you get into it and feel that turbo kick it, you will probably need new pants. Seats make it very easy to take corners fast with the side support action. Yes the stereo system is not state of the art. But you have that exhaust to listen to.

• 

  The Ultimate Lemon - 1995 Dodge Neon
  By Andres - January 31 - 8:58 pm

  Be prepared to have it in the shop often, and be prepared for the most expensive of repairs. Beware corrosion issues with the starter cables/wires, battery, and terminals. Beware belts breaking/snapping, burning for both serpentine and timing belts. Beware having to replace the Head Gaskets, and the AC/compressor. Beware having to replace O-rings & seals for solving gas tank leaks. Beware the windshield suddenly cracking right down the middle while its parked and untouched one random day. I have to admit, when the car ran, it was a decently good car. Problem is, it doesnt run often, requires towing often, and is expensive to live with.