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:

• 

  Speed Demon - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By Scott - July 18 - 3:18 am

  Overall I would have to say I like this car. The acceleration is awesome, but the engine is too loud. Brakes are nice. Shifting is too stiff, and acceleration in first gear is difficult since its FWD. If you accelerate too fast, the front tires bounce so it slows you down a little. The car seems to make some funny noises in the motor which Im praying are just noise and not an upcoming problem. I had a 2001 Neon SE, and they are very similar in driving (except for the turbo). It kind of scares me though, since after 70,000 miles the Neon SE began losing power and the brakes got worse.

• 

  The best bang for your buck - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By rezin8 - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Buy this car. Thats all I can say.

• 

  Best Small Car Period - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Matthew - June 25 - 1:50 pm

  I traded in my pile of crap Chevy Cavalier which basically fell apart on me for my terrific new solar yellow Dodge Neon SXT. The car has been a delightfull suprise so far. I havent put too much mileage on my vehicle as of yet. The cars performance is perfect. Tranny is a bit clunky when starting up and shifting into drive but otherwise the car is near flawless. Do yourself a favor and buy a neon for the new year!

• 

  Fastttttttttttttt - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By srt4you - June 20 - 2:00 am

  fun car I have owned over 100 cars to this day none more fun

• 

  Great Car, No Problems! - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By Rey Rivas - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I bought my car in July of ‘03. Its an 03 SE model in Black (not much different from the 04 SE) Im a college student & I needed a car that was reliable & that could handle being driven on 6 hr long road trips between my school and home, aswell as a car that looked & felt good to drive. When I test drove it I knew this was the car I wanted. I’ve had no mechanical problems. Ive added a spoiler & CD player, plus other things that I will install shortly. Interestingly enough, if I had to do it again I wouldnt buy it, only because after I got my car I noticed other cars that looked sportier, but I definitely dont regret getting my Neon!

• 

  Neon R/T - 1998 Dodge Neon
  By Paul - June 4 - 1:27 pm

  This is one of the best cars for the money. Even after 7 years, it cant be matched on a performance for the dollar and reliability basis. I drove the heck out of it for 132,000 miles without even so much as a wimper. No only did I teach two teenage daughters on the car, we autocrossed it hard for 5 years! What other car could be had for $13,000, 7.5 sec 0-60 15.9 1/4 mile and 130mph top end and gets 37+ MPG? To top it off its big enough to haul anything except a sheet of plywood. All I can say is wow!

• 

  180,000 miles and still running strong - 1995 Dodge Neon
  By Natedogg - June 2 - 1:34 pm

  I bought the car with 145000 miles on it, and all I had to replace was the head gasket. I bought some performance struts and lowering springs. The car carves corners like nothing. With only 132 hp, the car is pretty quick. I havent had any problems with this car and I plan to own it all the way to 200,000 miles! My only complaints are that it leaks oil, and the brakes stink, but upgrade them and it shouldnt be that big of deal. I love my Neon!

• 

  Cant stop talking about my car - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By Erica - May 25 - 2:26 am

  I have owned my car over a year now, and everyone around me is already sick of how much I talk and talk about it. I have had owners of much more expensive sporty sedans, coupes, and true two- seater sports cars try out my SRT-4 and to a person have all been amazed at its power, acceleration and performance. Fun to drive is an over simplification. When I mention the price, it cant be believed. Reading professional reviews, most complaints are about the interior. Well, I say, Id take a toned-down interior to be able to afford this kind of power and performance! In my opinion, I want all of the "bells and whistles" under the hood.

• 

  Great Car - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By Lela - May 20 - 10:00 am

  My Dodge Neon is my first new car. I must say, I love it. The sound system is great, ask for the chromed tires!! As a teenager, I fully enjoy this car, its so much fun to drive, and its affordable! Way to go Dodge!

• 

  AN AQUIRED TASTE - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By DOUGNOSSER - May 20 - 10:00 am

  After driving the car now for a month, It still surprises me with its power and roadhandling capability. Turbo lag is non-existant and the car never stops pulling.