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 631 through 640 of 1,187.00-
So far, so good! - 2004 Dodge Neon
By SXTDriver - August 19 - 2:00 amIve only driven a few hundred miules thus far, so of course this review is brief, and limited to my inital impressions. Style - Great! Dodge has done a great job of keeping a somewhat old design looking fresh and stylish Ride/Handling - Great! Smooth and quiet for a car in this class. Power - Im still breaking the car in, but so far - more than adequete. Quality/Durability - The big question mark...Ill let yall know as time passes Cargo/Space - Extremely roomy: Im 62, and have plenty of wiggle room! Price/Features - Almost unbeatable - loaded to the gills, my Neon cost less than 13K after rebates/minimal haggling!
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2799 miles and blown Headgaskets - 2004 Dodge Neon
By cvman46 - August 19 - 2:00 amWell This car was fun as hell, untill a manafacturing default ( warped master cylinder ) caused the head gaskets to blow......not fun especially something that major with only 2800 miles on it, and i havent even done anything to it yet, and was going to take on my co workers Porche in the 1/4 mile which i know will be no contest per the srt-4 I drove for my friend and blew a SVT away, lol untill he got into 4th gear...lol but i think that blue flame had something to do with it..lol But cant wait to install the stage 2 turbo, comes with alot of extras that you probably have bought seperate already, that is why i was wating....
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everything about the car is great - 2004 Dodge Neon
By Linda Leonard - August 19 - 2:00 amI love this car its fast and cheap ! The best thing dodge has done next to the VIPER!!!!
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TURDMOBILE - 1995 Dodge Neon
By smug1 - August 17 - 2:00 amThis car is a TURD. . . Shakes Rattles & Rolls along the road. I bought it for basic trans for work. Paid 2K for it with 47K miles. Every two weeks I have to add 2-3 quarts of oil, its quite embarassing. Somehow this car manages to start & drive me at anytime anywhere. Ive driven this car hard for 8 months & 20K miles and Its been pretty reliable.
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Aint worth the money - 1995 Dodge Neon
By Hawk - August 15 - 2:00 amwell, I bought this car with 103000 miles, big mistake. I should have not gotten american I4 with that manys on it. It was OK at first. Then one thing happened after another. First had to replace 2 O2 sensors ($150 each). Then back drums went out($250). then all 3 engine mounts went out ($450 all replaced). I heard from a Dealers parts department "Neons dont last after 100,000 miles. Stupidest car dodge has made in a long time." so now I think Im goin to go get what seems the best I4 out there, Honda Civc
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SRT-4 Review - 2004 Dodge Neon
By Jason SRT-4 - August 14 - 10:00 amAwesome bang for your buck performance ride! Already three months old and I still get an ear to ear grin everytime I get into it. With just a few minor performance modificatons (provided by Mopar), my car is already putting down 280hp to the wheels.. I just cant get over the fun to drive aspect of this car! I definitly think there is a direct correlation between my right foot and a smile on my face!
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SRT-4 - 2004 Dodge Neon
By P-38lightning - August 14 - 10:00 amINcredibly fun to drive, and the best performance that you can get in the price range.
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STAY AWAY - 1995 Dodge Neon
By 95neonsport - August 11 - 2:00 amThe dodge neon was designed to be a cheap car and it is. I have paid for the thing numerous times in repairs, and I find it spending more time on jack stands than on the road. Unfortunately I have learned alot about cars since I could never keep this thing running. If you were to consider a neon I would say at least 2000 or new, that is when Dodge finally got their act together. Overall this car is garbage and I would never recommend this thing to anyone unless you want lots of mechanical experience.
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Great car, great price - 2005 Dodge Neon
By Namdarb72 - August 9 - 10:00 amIm impressed with the car dodge has created for the incredible price. This car has the speed of its competitors for 10k less with the performance and styling to go with it. Mopar also offers great performance upgrade packages with the car and better than expected prices and better than expected hp increases. You cant beat the performance for the price.
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It would be nice IF - 2003 Dodge Neon
By sandyscats - August 9 - 2:00 amThis car with a manual transmission cannot pass a gas station without stopping for a drink.When I first drove it my gas milage was 16 MPG a far cry from the sticker that claims 39 highway & 30 city.By shifting so that Im driving in 4th gear at 30 miles an hour.I finally got 30 MPG but half was highway in 5th gear & I can Hear the transmission complain. The dealership claims that car is within specs and there is no fix. The key has a computer chip in it so that I cannot make an under $80 duplicate & carry it in my wallet. The radio antenna does not telescope into the car pillar making likely to break off,city reception is poor.
