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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  Good Bang for the Buck - 1998 Dodge Neon
  By King Piper - November 7 - 9:18 pm

  Purchased new with 1500 rebate. Fun car to drive great gas mileage and very quick and fun to drive. Replace trunk gasket because it always had a wet trunk. Replaced heat gasket at 65k with Dodge deductible of 150, replaced timing belt at same time for another 350 while it was taken apart. Changed oil every 3k mile and looks great on the inside. Front disk pads replaced at 90k, wow thats some good pads. Replaced headlights because of foggy condition of the lens after 80k miles got them on ebay for 165 and really easy to install. Keep up with the maintence and this car will keep up with the best of them, 125k and still going. I would recommend a Neon to anyone that ask.

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  1999 Dodge Neon Coupe - 1999 Dodge Neon
  By kbuhl - November 1 - 2:00 am

  Good car until about 60,000 miles, lots of rattles. Everything starts wearing out. $2000 in repairs in the last year. I would not buy another used one, or a new one if its only gonna last 60,000 miles.

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  DOWNSIZED - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By SAMIAM - November 1 - 2:00 am

  I RECENTLY FOUND IT NESSESARY TO DOWNSIZE FROM A 2003 MALIBU LS TO THIS 2004 NEON SXT. THIS LOWERED MY PAYMENT BY ABOUT $100.00 A MONTH. WHAT I DIDNT KNOW WAS THAT IT WOULD COST ABOUT $200.00 A YEAR MORE TO INSURE, AND I LIKED THE 70,000 MILE DRIVETRAIN WARRANTY UNTIL I FOUND OUT THAT THE ROUTINE MAINTENCE WAS SOMETHING THAT COULD VOID THE WARRANTY IF NOT THE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE WAS NOT FOLLOWED.

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  Careful on Dodge Neons - 2000 Dodge Neon
  By Sarah423 - October 28 - 2:00 am

  I like my Dodge Neon EXCEPT for the back brake design. They squeal when it rains or snows when you come to a stop. It is SO NERVE wrecking! The car is good otherwise although I think I am headed for transmission problems since there seems to be a hesitation and they are noted for transmission problems. Overall, I feel lucky with mine, after reading others problems with them. Would I buy one again....NO

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  A GREAT FIRST NEW CAR - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By Rich in Pa. - October 25 - 10:00 am

  I bought this 2003 neon back in Oct. 2002, and havent had any problems as of yet. I would say to all this is a very good car to consider.

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  Great little car - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By Lewcoope - October 17 - 2:00 am

  Purchased as a commuter car, This little car has a lot of features. great buy for the money

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  sweet little car - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By newsrt - October 11 - 2:00 am

  Very pleased/surprised with the performance of the car, have driven about 3500 miles so far with no flaws whatsoever apparant. Would highly reccomend car to anyone seeking reliable, functional, and fast transportation at a great price.

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  First New Car. - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By Devilrock31 - October 10 - 2:00 am

  I was shopping for a new car and went to many other dealerships. I saw this vehicle and thought it was very sporty. I drove the car and the ride was smooth and the features were very good and good space for traveling.The deal I got was incredible and this dealership in Philly,pa bent over backwards to please.

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  sharons car - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By sharon moeller - October 10 - 2:00 am

  i love my car--- i do alot of driving it handles the road well. its very comfortable to drive. it does fit a 65" tall guy.

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  More room than it appears to have - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By Debtinator - October 9 - 2:00 am

  After a year of ownership, I am pleasantly surprised by the Dodge Neon. This car has been driven in the winters of Northern PA, has made a trip from PA to FL, and has handled the summer heat of Central Florida. In all conditions, the car has performed flawlessly. The gas mileage is quite good, the ride is comfortable, and there is much more room than I would have expected. Service from the Dodge dealerships has been very good, and I would recommend this car to anyone that is looking for a smaller car with mid-size comfort.