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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  Lovin my Neon. - 1999 Dodge Neon
  By limniade - September 1 - 3:55 pm

  Ive had my 4-Door Neon Sport for over six years now. I drove it off the lot with 8 miles on the odometer, and today Ill roll over 107,000. Ive had almost NO problems, except for an alignment issue and frozen wheel bearing due to an accident. The car handles very well, especially for a 3- speed automatic. I dont get a ton of pickup, but its a zippy little car thats as fun to drive as it was the day I bought it. The brakes squeal a little, the cars got a lot of air noise, but its been a champ for as long as Ive owned it. I know a number of Neon owners have had issues at 60K miles, and I bought the 99 thinking theyd have the bugs out by then, and its been very reliable for me.

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  2003 SRT4 - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By SRTNJ - September 1 - 3:42 am

  The SRT4 is really fun to drive and by far the best bang for the buck in performance. Hands down. I have owned one for two years now and the car has performed beyond my expectations, leaving a long list of other "quick cars" in the dust. Just to name a few, I have embarrased drivers of Mustang GTs, Camaro V8s, WRXs, 350 Zs, G35s, Sentra SERs, and Audi TTs. Some of these cars put up a better fight than others. The SRT was even able to keep up with such hot rods as the Audi S4 (4.2L V8, 340 HP) and the new Mustang GT (V8, 300 HP). Some will doubt this, naturally, but it is true in my experience. However, the car is a hot rod and should be driven with care, especially in bad weather.

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  Transmission is pathetic - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By larry price - August 30 - 2:27 pm

  Car handles well and has some pep at low speeds. Cruising on the interstate above 70 mph the car is very sluggish. The transmission has been worked on two times and the dealer service was pitifull (one dealer FORGOT to put in transmission fluid)

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  King of Bang for the Buck - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By SRTified - August 25 - 1:32 pm

  What a great little car! Stuff a 2.4L Turbo, heavy duty trans and limited slip diff underhood, then add a good suspension, different styling, and viola - the perfect FWD performance deal. Ive been getting about 27 mpg after the engine break-in. No problems to date. Exhaust is a bit loud, but I kind of like it. It doesnt drone on the expressway. Handling is darn good for a FWD car, and brakes are terrific. It has the Kicker/Livin Loud stereo, and sounds very good! I would prefer to be able to turn the sub up a bit. Cant go wrong for the money!

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  My car - 2001 Dodge Neon
  By Just y - August 22 - 5:11 pm

  I bought my Neon during the spring of 2003. I drove it out to Houston and from there to southern California as well as all the driving around the cities. I also drove it 50 miles one way to work 5 days a week. I have 108,600 miles on my Neon and it is still running like it was when I bought it with 33,000 miles on it. I have never had to do any major repairs. It is the best car I have ever owned. I really enjoy it.

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  srt-4 - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By trekguy - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased it 2 days ago and have 190 miles on the odometer. Very fast, although i HAVE YET BEEN ABLE TO SPIN THE WHEELS (maybe the LSD will not permit that). Car is very comfortable, and I love the racing seats. Brakes stop excellent. Paint is almost flawless, but the sound system could be better-price is GREAT!

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  My best investment - 1997 Dodge Neon
  By Dee - August 10 - 8:03 pm

  I bought my Neon new in 97. Aside from normal maintenance such as tires, brakes, etc., the single only repair I have had to make was replacing my starter at 90k miles. I love my Neon and would gladly purchase another. Key point: take care of it. My oil was changed regularly with protective additives routinely. I havent even had so much as a belt break. I drive about 200 miles a day for work 4 days a week now, and I am thankful for this car and its dependability.

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  srt4 - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By DrQ - August 8 - 2:00 am

  dopest car ever! so fast for so cheap, you cant find a cooler car in the market for this kind of money, or even 5k more!

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  King of the road! - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By CrackaJack - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Dodge built this car for one reason. To wipe the floor with anything that pulled up next to it. You dont drive this car for comfort or for a nice leather covered dash or seats. You drive this car to go fast and enjoy the ride. If you want comfort or a butt warming seat... get a VW or a Toyota...Just make sure you remember that you will be seeing our tail lights.

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  best deal going - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By the real hannibal - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I feel as though I pulled one over on everyone. I bought this because it was the most inexpensive deal that I could get. Turns out that it suits everyone of my needs and is very economical to operate. Took it on a 6000 mile road trip around Europe this summer and it has satisfied me every kilometer along the way. It has enough speed for the Autobahn, sufficient power for the swiss alps, causes me to ignore the high price of fuel in France, and is sexy enough for the Italian Autostrada. I love this car. What a bargain.