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 681 through 690 of 1,187.00-
The Neon Glows, If Not Shines - 2000 Dodge Neon
By CarDiva76 - May 1 - 2:00 amWhy the disdain for the Neon? Reliable vehicle with a relatively fresh exterior. Perhaps the first generation had several bugs, but this vehicle only sees the dealership for routine maintenance.
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The neon Car For America - 1999 Dodge Neon
By donald duck luver - April 26 - 2:00 amDear www.edmund.com, This car is basically the best car. Its fast,comfortable, and a really cool car. Its sensible and safe for any teenager. Like me, anyway about the car its easy to drive (and doesent have a stupid stick shifts.) Well thats all why the neon is a good car so long!
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Fast! - 2003 Dodge Neon
By FastAttack - April 26 - 2:00 amThis car has to be one of the best cars dodge has ever produced.. High performance and a reliable car as well. Ive had the car for about 1 year now.. and Ive had 0 problems. Very easy to mod and it has great factory support.. cant beat a 19,999 pocket rocket!
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DONT BUY NEONS - 1998 Dodge Neon
By HateNeon - April 23 - 2:00 amThis car was good for the first year I had it. In the past 2 years it has been nothing but a headache. I wouldnt recommend this car to any one. Has a low resale value. In the past 2 years I have put at least $3000 of work into it. The a/c no longer works and now needs to be replaced.
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Neon ES- 2000 - 2000 Dodge Neon
By Skip R. - April 17 - 2:00 amReliable, problem -free since day #1, a good value for the money. It loves to go fast!
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Good Car! - 1998 Dodge Neon
By Robert K. - April 12 - 2:00 amThis car is an excellent daily commuter. Nothing fancy. It runs good and the air-conditioner is great. The only negative is the headlights which become foggy over time.
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My Neon - 2003 Dodge Neon
By alpineuser01 - April 12 - 2:00 amI am very satisified with my Neon. It gets the milage the dealership said it would. Its handling in the curves is top notch. Though it may be a compact, the interior is laid out nicely. The wife and I are very pleased, sometimes extatic about this lovely car. Dodge has done it again, with a quality product. If you are looking for a car to run around in that is fun to drive and looks good also, I suggest that you try a Dodge Neon on for size. Sincerely Yours,jcpecany@msn.com
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Shes so Cute - 2002 Dodge Neon
By Jessica Pearce - April 12 - 2:00 amI love my little red neon! I just bought it this week due to my saturn (which I loved as well) being totaled in a car accident. It is perfect for me being a college student, yet it is still o so cute and fun to drive! Gas is ok...not as good as my saturn, but thats what happens when you upgrade a little. If you are looking for an inexpensive, yet fun and cute car...the Neon is the way to go!
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very cool - 2004 Dodge Neon
By william trujillo - April 9 - 10:00 amreally cool car; fast too.
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srt-4 - 2003 Dodge Neon
By Boosty - April 6 - 2:00 amBest bang for the buck...literally.
