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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  This is a great little car! - 1997 Dodge Neon
  By Neonlover - September 25 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I bought this car new in 97. We have driven it in virtually all weather conditions that you may encounter in the United States. This car is phenomenal in the snow. My wife and I are not gentle on the car either. We both like to use the 150 HP engine, bringing it to redline every once in a while. Gas milage has been as high as 39 on the highway and as low as 28 in the city. Not too bad in my book. We did have to replace the Head Gasket at 39K miles under warranty, but since then, we have only had fun with the car. I would highly recommend this car.

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  Best Little Car - 1996 Dodge Neon
  By TexRodeo - September 25 - 2:00 am

  This car was bought at a Vehicle Auction sale for the bargan price of $1400. And I bought it from a friend of mine. She has been a Great little car, Comfortable, Reliable and with Cab Forward design....(GREAT LEG Room for all) NO Power but gets me where I need to go with No questions asked.

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  Dodge Neon SXT 2003 - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By TL103 - September 25 - 2:00 am

  Just bought SXT, traded in a KIA.... need I say more. So far so good, love the sportiness. Only have 350 miles on it, but I already love it. Owned a 98 Neon Expresso and 99 Neon R/T, new, after other non-dodge products.... we went back to the most reliable....

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  200 Neon ES - 2000 Dodge Neon
  By TheDon - September 24 - 2:00 am

  Ive had a pretty decent experience with my car so far. Im already up to 97K miles on it. The horn has shorted out several times. Started going through spark plugs fairly quickly after 70K. This car has two converters on it... Most cars only have one. I found this out the hard way. One converter is over $500 for just the part. When one goes out, the other one does to so expect to pay about $800 there. The AC also went out around 90K miles and it didnt need just a recharge...Other than that I havent had any major problems.

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  could be better.... - 1995 Dodge Neon
  By Lil Red - September 22 - 2:00 am

  The two biggest problems with this car are the A/C and the Oxygen Sensor. Cant believe how many times they have each been repaired. I have completely given up on fixing the A/C because it is like throwing money out the window. But, the car is really fun to drive. Very zippy! And it does get good gas mileage. Currently pondering an expensive head gasket repair. I know I should just buy another car...

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  my neon - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By rackboy - September 18 - 2:00 am

  excellant value and vechile for the buck

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  I got the best one! - 1998 Dodge Neon
  By YukiHyo - September 17 - 2:00 am

  My car is probably the best Neon ever made. I have driven it pretty much into the ground, but its still going. I had NO problems until well over the 100K mark, but its now starting to show its age at 183K miles. Until about a year ago, the only problem was a battery that quit at 116K.

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  Solar Yellow to my Eyes - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By sportster97 - September 15 - 2:00 am

  Purchased 2003, 11 miles, Solar Yellow SXT 5spd at invoice and revieved what I wanted on trade-in. I just cant keep my eyes of the Solar Yellow paint. Interstate driving was smooth and enjoyable at 75mph. Stock stereo decent. Slate interior attractive. I found seats to be comfortable, and plenty of places to store items. Easy access in & out of the back seats. Plenty of trunk space. Keyless entry nice bonus. Will use Royal Purple synthetic oil @ 3000 miles to add years to engines life. Two thumbs up from me. :)

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  Hurry, the Korean replacement is coming! - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By Rick E - September 13 - 2:00 am

  Bang for the buck? How about blinding nuclear flash for 25 cents? A bulletproof twincam I-4, superstrong transaxle (built in NY, originally designed for turbodiesel Graz-built minivans!) wrist-size halfshafts, beefy brakes, "lasts forever" Quaife diff, real Viper seats, for $20K. Runs 13.8 dead stock, 12s with easy bolt- ons. Remember, these will be built for the rest of 04, a few months of 05, then the partys over. The next geneartion will be a Mitsu/Hyundai conglomeration. Ugh. The last real Mopar from Belvidere, IL. He who snoozes, loses.

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  Not that shabby - 1998 Dodge Neon
  By Frenchgrl9 - September 12 - 2:00 am

  Although I did have to have a few things replaced in the car like everyone else, I was fortunate that it was under warrenty. I recently was in a wreck and the car kept me from being seriously injured. I have a neon rental car now! This one drives even better than the first and is making me think that I might try a newer neon again. I have been informed by reliable mechanics that the newer neons do not have the same problems as the others.