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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  Fun & Cheap - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By larry s - January 6 - 6:32 am

  The car cost me $11,500 about $6 grand LESS than a Honda Civic! OK it doesnt hold its value like a Honda...picky, picky. So far the car has been great, but the last review scared me(electrical short at 50K miles). Dodge has a nasty habit of not taking care of customer problems after warranty over and not fixing them on a timely basis. I say this because I also own a 98 Neon Sport(150HP engine). The early Neons (first 3 model years especially) had engine head gasket oil leaks due to imperfection in metal, not the gasket. Too many customers had to pay $600 to over $1000 to get it fixed. Dodge needs to fix design flaws at no charge or its going to lose customers like me.

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  The baby Viper - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By baby viper - January 5 - 12:38 am

  My SRT-4 is the most fun car Ive ever driven. Two thumbs up to Chrysler on this one. It scares me every time I crank it over. Its extremely fast for a $20,000 passenger car.

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  Fast - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By iowaSRT-4 - January 1 - 10:00 am

  I just bought mine and only have a couple miles on it. I guess some of the big things that need to change are; Add Cruise Control! If with the sporty attitude of the car, Cruise would still be nice. The front seats are very supportive and do their job very well, but they are hard to get in and out of. You have to tilt the wheel out of the way just to get in and out of the car. The Sound that this car makes is worth any of the things listed above. The way it pops and crackles in between shifts and while off the gas is unlike anything in the 4 cylinder market.

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  One Great Ride - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Ted - January 1 - 2:21 am

  We love this car and MPG. For the money you cant go wrong. The interior has so much room and comfort, great stero and options.

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  First New Car - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By Michael N. - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I studdied alot of cars and this one just stood out. All of the features and rebates made this car a real winner. The performance is great with the 5 speed and i love the standard six cd changer. All in all the best $14000 I ever spent.

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  Wish it was a two door but... - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By wreckless - December 26 - 10:00 am

  This car is more fun than a barrel of monkeys. The only problem is all the kods want to race you. The cars handling is above average bur sprung softer than my previous ACR Neons. The quality of construction is much, much improved. Fit and finish is excellent. Huge spoiler takes some getting used to as it blocks rear view. The major plus is that wonderful engine. Wow! Oh, the seats are tight so if you are larger than you should in girth save yorself the trouble and order the R/T seats with the side airbags.

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  Excellent vehicle to run around in - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By sxt sedan - December 24 - 10:39 am

  We have owned 4 Neons, 3 at present. Excellent 36+ mpg all highway. A little stiff on storage but otherwise fun to drive. AC is comfortable and heat is comfortfortable. Easy to maintain and wash. No problems with running. Virtually maintenance free with exception to regular oil changes and the like. Great in parking lots and tight spots. Fun to park. Maneuverability is excellent, ride is good on good roads but a little bumpy on rough roads. Fairly quiet ride with factory tires, better with newer better quality tires. Use cruise control all the time and like tilt wheel for better position on long drives. Power windows and mirrors are great and just love the sound from radio or CD player can play

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  Badest little machine ever - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By neonsrt4 - December 23 - 1:33 pm

  I love this car. I installed the Mopar Blow off, and its extremely fast. The interior is awesome and it will stop on a dime. Expect to go through a lot of tires. Its hard to restrain yourself when with that much on tap. It handles pretty good but needs a little negative camber up front to handle better. Trunk is huge and useful and the back seat lays down easily. For the first 10,000 miles I got 17 MPG. after the engine got broke in it pulled to near 27 on the highway. Dodge asks that Mobil 1 full synthetic oil be ran in it. Other than that Ive had no qualms with maintainence. If youre buying one, get maintainence records. On a turbo car ensure that the oil changes were done

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  Cool Car - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By El VatoLoco - December 18 - 12:12 pm

  So far this car has been very fun to drive and the factory sound system is just awesome. The body styling is also the best styled Neon ive seen so far. The interior is well made as well and its also great on gas. And there is so many aftermarket parts for it as well which is a good thing for me.

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  2004 Road Runner - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By 1969 Road Runner - December 9 - 10:00 am

  I have owned the car since 3-26-04. In 4000 miles of driving zero complaints 28mpg and one ticket. The most fun car I have ever owned. Better than when I had a Mustang GT. Should have purchased the Livin it loud stereo system to mask the exhaust sound.