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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  SRT4 = Bang for your Buck!! - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By ATCDUDE - May 18 - 11:39 pm

  I was sceptical at first, being a previous Subaru owner. But, I purchased this car upon first release in Florida April 2003. This is by far the best "Bang for your Buck" of any car I can think of in terms of what you get in performance. I only have 9,200 miles in two years of ownership and smile everytime I step into the cockpit of this little rocket. Gas mileage is impecable considering the level of performance in this class. When easy commutting or long distance traveling, I ger 23 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. Of course with a heavy foot, these numbers decrease significantly. I highly recommend the SRT4 to anyone looking for sports car performance package on a budget.

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  Good little reliable car - 1996 Dodge Neon
  By Elisa - May 18 - 5:52 am

  I bought my Neon in 12/2000 and it has always been a great little car for the money. It does have its problems but what car doesnt? Some notable ones were: the head gasket blew at 43,000 miles. The air conditioner worked great until 60,000. The transmission needed replacement at 115,000. Cosmetically, the paint seems to be a big problem with Neons, as it starts to peel and chip around 80,000 miles. It has always been very reliable for me- always starts when you need it to. The ride is a little noisy as the windows sometimes dont seal properly. The seats are relatively comfortable. The only complaint I have is cruise control is not standard. I would recommend the Neon for a 1st car or single person/couple.

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  Best $5K I ever spent - 1998 Dodge Neon
  By ETPHONEHOME - May 17 - 1:37 pm

  I purchased the car used for about $4K. I knew it had an oil leak when purchased. I had to change the head gasket and drive shaft seal, and also decided to change the water pump. Another $1K invested. The head gasket was known design defect that was fixed, and Ive had no leaks since. The car now has 160K miles on it and still runs great. No problems. Its fun to drive. It has a good interior and great head room for persons under 6 ft. Im getting 36 mpg (70- 75 mph) in warmer months with good Mobil gas...generic gas about 3 mpg less. Best $5K I have ever invested. An excellent basic commuter car.

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  My first car won me over - 1998 Dodge Neon
  By neonkinpatsu - May 15 - 5:50 pm

  Ive had my 98 almost 5 years. As much as Ive heard about the Neon back then, I was reluctant. Before buying I did a lot of research and drove at least 3 from each year. Now Ive driven them all. I couldnt afford a new 2000 then, but I was aiming for a 98 because I noticed a huge difference in price. Once I drove mine, I was hooked. The head gasket was replaced before I bought it, so no issue there. Tranny died this year but the warranty covered it. EGR valve went in 2002. Other than that, only VERY minimal maintenance. Im considering a new car because of age and trade-in value. If the new Neons are still out in a year or 2, Im likely to buy a Neon again. I love my baby. I will cry when I trade her in.

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  Cute, but some problems - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By Sportster - May 12 - 4:42 am

  Ive had this car almost 2 years now. I have the Solar Yellow with a manual transmission. I bought it at the time with being a affordable car with a $3000 rebate. The car is cute, and is comfy for the long trips. I dont get near what the sticker said on gas mileage. The car has a 10 gallon tank, and Im getting on 250 miles to tank of fuel. Im not happy with that aspect of the car. Im having paint problems on the body where the door closes, being worn off by the doors rubber seal on both sides. Dealership trying to give me run around saying it normal for Dodge. Whatever... I love the car, but worried it will have problems when warranty wears out. I only have 10,500 miles on this car.

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  Good looking, performing w/"no-frills" - 2000 Dodge Neon
  By Bradske - May 5 - 1:09 am

  Put a new water pump on at 65K that cost a bit. Other than that, I havent had a problem. I just started having water leakage into the passenger side floorboard -- that MAY turn into a big prob. Mechanically very reliable, efficient, fast, and good looking ride for the $10k I paid for it new. Good value.

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  Not ever again - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By Misery - May 4 - 5:18 pm

  I bought my Neon brand new with only 10 miles on it. I wanted a safe car for my family. I have a infant. The car rode great. All the ammenities were great. A little small when traveling, but overall its good. Six months after owning my car I got into a little "finder bender" or at least I thought it was little. I hit a Camry from behind, scratched their bumper and totalled my car. YES TOTALLED!! These cars are not very safe. I wasnt even going over 20 mph. I am just lucky that my son nor I were hurt. I would never buy a Neon again.

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  Most fun in years - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By Srt4mom - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my SRT-4 for 6 months now. I upgraded from a 2000 Neon. I love the car, I love the reactions of people when they see it. The performance is outstanding and it is definitely the most fun Ive ever had with a car - and Ive been driving for 35 years. Im just waiting for my husband to get his rebuilt Firebird on the track so I can show him just what a little "neon" can do.

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  2003 Neon SE - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By Nicki - April 29 - 9:28 pm

  I bought my car used in October of 2003 and it has had no problems. It runs smoothly & has a slightly gutsy sound when you accelerate...like a mini- muscle car. Its a great car for commuting to work, school, or just for a day around town. The only downfall with this particular model, the SE, is the little perks between the SE and the SXT. The engine and everything is the same EXCEPT for power windows/locks, paint-colored body trim mouldings, trunk release & trunk lighting. If you have the extra $2-3k, but dont want anything too expensive, go for the SXT. Either one is a good car to own.

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  Piece Of Junk - 2000 Dodge Neon
  By Shy - April 27 - 10:51 pm

  Ive had the worst experience with mine. I have only owned it 3 years and replaced a cam sensor, speed sensor, spark plugs, freeze plugs, all the belts, thermostat, rotor, motor mounts, the upper and lower one, 2 window motors, and a door motor. Still waiting to replace the power steering pump too but am broke because mine is in the shop every 3 months. If you love spending money for your car to be in the shop all the time, this is the car for you.