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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  Mini Viper Strikes without warning - 1999 Dodge Neon
  By Steven D. - February 20 - 2:00 am

  Compact, fast, tight handling, awsome gearbox, unlimited possiblities. pulling up to a stop light next to a camaron iroc-z, and beating the crap out of it, makes you feel that much better because your getting 20 mph more than they ever will.

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  Just Got It - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By SHOPE - February 19 - 10:00 am

  Traded in a 2003 sentra specv,I really liked that car,this car is faster,handles well,and is faster.love it.

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  Good car for the money - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By Duff Mckagan - February 19 - 10:00 am

  Great Car for the money, and very sporty when you opt out for the SXT model with sport appearence package.

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  2003 neon - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By Dwayne - February 18 - 2:00 am

  we purchased this car based on the fact that it was affordable, and with a four cylinder it would be good on gas. since we purchased it we have been very pleased with the realibility of the car.

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  One quick Neon - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Cole Johnson - February 14 - 4:43 pm

  Although I have not had my SRT-4 for very long, I can say that this car is not your ordinary Neon. The car has plenty of power to back up the fact that it is still a Neon. Not to mention the car handles extremely well from the factory. Overall I am very impressed thus far a look forward to further enhance the performance of my SRT-4 in the future.

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  I love my little Neon - 2000 Dodge Neon
  By jes - February 4 - 2:00 am

  I love my little neon so far! I chose this over a Chevy Malibu after reading all the horrible reviews and problems that Malibus have. If you are looking for problems on cars, EVERY car has its problems, I dont know one single car that hasnt had SOMETHING go wrong with it. This car will treat you right if you treat it right. Take good care of it and do regular maintance. Feed it its oil and gas and every once in a while, give her a bath and she will be your new best friend.

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  dont get one even if its given to you! - 1996 Dodge Neon
  By jetta lover - February 1 - 2:00 am

  We were happy at first- the style, cabin capacity, and mileage are all good. That was the honeymoon period. Then, the head gasket had to be replaced and the air conditioner repeatedly recharged. At 50,000 miles the engine started crapping out- consuming oil and the engine needed to be replaced- the cost would have "totaled" the car. Had to fill it with a quart of oil once a week. Speedometer worked only when it felt like it... wiring in stereo was bad and the right-passenger-side speaker set on fire. Needed new tires at only about 30,000 miles. Charged A/C a week and a half before we traded it in, and was out of fluid the day we turned it in.

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  Im 56 Years Old and I love It - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By Sobieprime - January 31 - 10:00 am

  I am in love with sport compact cars having had a number of them over the years. I havent had this much fun since I had my 1995 VW GTI VR6. This car is fun, period. It has great power and handling and the build quality youd expect from a much more expensive car. The exterior styling has a love it or hate it quality however. It looks fine to me.

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  I hate my neon - 1997 Dodge Neon
  By Tanya - January 28 - 2:00 am

  I think neons are the worst cars ever! I hate my neon, i only get 11 miles to the gallon, it shakes so bad. I cant go over 20mph on hills.

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  A good little car - 2001 Dodge Neon
  By shenny - January 18 - 2:00 am

  Not a bad car. Greg looks, especially with the spoiler. Enjoy driving it, although it is not real smooth. I bought it as a result of price. It was new, and I got it at an end of year close-out price of $8000.