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:
Showing 501 through 510 of 1,187.00-
Great car, needs more juice - 2003 Dodge Neon
By Tallman - October 12 - 3:18 pmFirst off, this car is definitely worth the money, just for interior space alone. Im somewhere in the 67" to 68" range and I still fit comfortably (albeit with the seat all the way back and tilted a bit). Ive also driven it about 33,000 miles and no problems at all other than the occasional flat (weird tire size, Walmart doesnt even carry them). This cars one main drawback is its not very quick off the line, no real torque. Luckily, the Neon is a sport compact tuner car, so lots of performance parts are made to remedy this, if you have the money for em. Speakers are incredible, I dont even have the urge to switch them out. All in all, a great car for the money.
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03 dodge neon - 2004 Dodge Neon
By keldy22 - September 26 - 10:00 amGreat car with great reliability. Smooth ride and trustworthy breaking. Great car for the money.
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Whoa - This Car Is Sweet! - 2005 Dodge Neon
By Jeff - September 23 - 4:03 amIve bought about 30 new cars in my life and recently traded in my Ford truck for a new 05 Neon, primarily for the fuel savings. I had a 98 Neon that I drove for 150,000+ miles trouble free, so I knew they were reliable. This new model (SXT) is so much nicer than the 98 I cant believe it. Its comfortable, quick, and looks great. The fit and finish is outstanding and the price is reasonable. The suspension and steering and feel of the car is just flat "stuck." I really dont see how the folks at Daimler Chrysler can afford to sell this car for the price they charge, its that nice of a car. It feels almost large inside and is so well made and tight that I recommend this vehicle to anyone.
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Its all right - 2000 Dodge Neon
By Byron - September 22 - 12:38 pmI have had a few problems out of this car first my fuel pump went out at 70000 miles and then I just had to replace a gasket on it and now there tellin me I need a timing belt and a water pump for some one who get there service done on time should not be having these problems.
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My Neon SXT - 2004 Dodge Neon
By ChrissyCat66 - September 20 - 2:00 amI love my Neon and its not just for teenagers......Im 37 and I love driving my car and so do my teenagers. Its for grown ups too.
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Most Excellent - 2004 Dodge Neon
By Taimaidh - September 20 - 2:00 amI was born into a Ford Family! I never thought I would ever drive a Dodge, Let alone buy one! I Love this car! When the salesman said take a look at the neons, I looked at my husband like he was all messed up! But I drove the 5 speed and it is fast! It is all I thought Dodge couldnt be, then some! It has a 4 cylinder hemmy,I cant say enough good stuff about the car!
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bang for the buck Rush!! - 2005 Dodge Neon
By handling guy - September 14 - 7:50 pmI finaly went out and drove the SRT-4 yesterday and was more than pleasantly supprised. Understeer was very minimal with considerable wheelspin on slower corners. But when I expected understeer the car clung to its line and glided exactly where I wanted it. High speed cornering was a little less impresive with the car seeming to wobble around and not want to keep a set but overall balance was excellent for a car in this class. Compared to the nissan spec-V the dodge has much less understeer on slower cornering and accelerated with a punch that the nissan didnt have. However on the high speed corners the SER seemed more set and planted at the limit. all in all I had a smile on my face.
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Not just a neon - 2004 Dodge Neon
By kayc - September 8 - 10:00 amIf your are in the market for a perfomance car you dont wanna miss the srt4.Most power youll find for 20k.Ive had mine for four months and I love it.
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Better every year - 2003 Dodge Neon
By Dave - September 7 - 3:31 pmThis is my 3rd Neon. Previously owned was a 95 sedan and 97 coupe. My excellent owners experience with them in the past prompted me to buy this 03 SXT and Im glad I did. For 38,000+ miles its been near flawless. The only problems were the result of a minor accident and the subsequent improper repairs by the body shop which have since been corrected. The only option my car does not have is the engine block heater...seriously. The only option I required was ABS as its a VAST improvement over the standard non-ABS brakes. I wish it had a 5 speed for a little better performance but the new 4 speed auto is decent and much improved over the old 3 speed. Overall, best car Ive ever owned.
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awe vehicle - 2005 Dodge Neon
By hww - September 3 - 10:00 amwe have 3 neons 99,03,04. all perform flawlessly. have had no mechanical problems with them, start good, run good, mileage is excellent always 35 mpg or better. handle very well, ride is comfortable, performance is good. travel a lot of highway, 300+ miles per trip every other week end. have also packed a lot of stuff when haul too. is limited to size on some hauling. a lil more trunk space would be nice, like make the back about a foot longer?
