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 651 through 660 of 1,187.00-
Great bargain and fun to drive - 2002 Dodge Neon
By My 2002 RT - July 11 - 2:00 amOnly a few problems. It was a month before a bad clutch cyl went bad, fixed ok since. Radio went bad around 20,000. Reverse back up sensor went bat around 30,000.
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Neon Sport - 1996 Dodge Neon
By Beth D. - July 8 - 2:00 amPerhaps Ive had a bad experience because of the dealership I went through to get my car, but so far Ive paid for much more than this cars value. It worked perfectly the first 6 mnths. I had it, but now there is continually a different problem each week and it has become more of a headache than a joy. Im beginning to learn that purchasing this car was a bad investment. Ive had to replace the head gasket (which Neons are supposedly known for having problems with), and Im having continual battery problems (which may be related to the alternator). This was originally a great car, maybe I just got stuck with a lemon.
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Best Performance Bargain of the Decade - 2004 Dodge Neon
By Lee2220 - July 3 - 10:00 amThis cars speed scares the crap out of me. Great performance/acceleration and supurb handling as well as braking. The stock 230 horses under the hood will melt the plastic off the front bumber in this great compact. The acceleration is as good if not better than new stock Mustang Mach 1s, Nissan Zs and the comparable WRX. The anti- lock brakes will stop the car in no time. This thing is treasure found in a chest. The best investment I have ever bought! Althought I dont suggest tyring 150 mph on the freeway, this car is capable of it!
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great car...great value if used - 2002 Dodge Neon
By mikesurf - July 1 - 2:00 amRemarkably roomy with very good seats Great handling, and the 4 speed trans makes the car feel so much better than earlier ones I drove as a rental. Now has 27000 miles and no hint of squeak or rattle, except for squeaky brakes which I hear is common problem with Neons. NOTE: I bought mine one year old--SE so has power wind/lk/mirrors--for just $8,600. Nearly new Neons seem to have terrible resale value, so perfect cars to buy used. Unless you are even fussier than I am, buy one used and save
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Greaaat Car - 1997 Dodge Neon
By BigRickK - June 27 - 2:00 amThis car goes fast, gets good mileage and is fun to drive. No major problems, just do the maintenance. Goes thru brake pads quickly though.
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ehh. - 1996 Dodge Neon
By diggit616 - June 26 - 2:00 amThis has not been my favorite car but it has done exactly what I needed it to do. No more, no less. It has had its share of problems though. Drivers window has never worked right, HEAD GASKET, A/C, radio, left blinker turns on when you brake, wears front tires uneven, door panel broke,... At this point I am just glad it still starts and that is one thing it has always done, start. It may not be the best car I have ever had but it gets me to where I need to go. Great car for new drivers and collage kids. Just dont fool yourself into thinking you wont have any problems with it. Neon quality is an extinct dinosaur.
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typical low end vehicle - 1999 Dodge Neon
By horselover - June 23 - 2:00 amI would not recommend this car to anyone that does not want to do car repairs. My main master seal went out, my head gasket went out Transmission was getting ready to go out when I finally sold the car. I had no problems with the car until it hit 60,000 miles before that point it was a great car.
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The best cheap car - 1997 Dodge Neon
By redmonza327 - June 17 - 2:00 amThis is by far the best cheap car that money can buy. It out performs all other cars in its price range with respects to acceleration, braking, handling, and MPG. Only major complaint it paint quality, and some goofy interior parts.
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A good, sporty, economical car. - 1997 Dodge Neon
By JP04 - June 14 - 2:00 amIm the original owner of the Neon and I will admit that during the first two years, this car suffered through a lot of problems. Some examples are blown head gasket after 9 months, clouding paint after one year, and factory sunroof breaking EVERY summer ( three times during the third year ). However, after these "teething" problems, the car has turned out to be a reliable, thrifty, comfortable and fun little car.
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SXT with SRT DesignGroup Kicker - 2005 Dodge Neon
By SXT-SRT - June 11 - 4:23 amI got a 2005 SXT with the SRT-4 Design group and The Kicker Audio System all for $16,500. The best part is even with my lousy credit, I still was approved with Chrysler Financial for a 4.9% interest rate. Overall, the car is far superior to the first generation Neons in all areas. It feels more solid and well built than the 95- 99s. The manual transmission pulls the car much better than the automatic. With the dual exhaust, Ive got some 0-60 times around 7.8 seconds.The fuel cut off doesnt kick in until about 7.2k on the tach, so thats an improvment. all it needs is the Indy intake manifold and a CAI and should be right around 6.9 - 7.2 for the 0-60
