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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  Not happy about my neon! - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By unhappy in ohio - October 23 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car new in 2005 and only have 46,000 miles on it 5 years later. I have had to have the front control arm bushings replaced 4 times now. The first time I only had 15,000 miles on the car. It would stall out in the middle of traffic and the highway at 20,000 miles. Had it in three times before they could figure out why. I bought the extended warranty but the only thing that has helped with is a loaner while it is being repaired: ( I have had to pay for labor out of pocket even though the parts were covered. I now have a problem with a seal in the rear drivers door. It fills with water every time it rains. I will not purchase another Dodge vehicle.

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  Great First Car - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By jc960551 - September 30 - 2:00 am

  I brought the Dodge Neon with about 45,000 miles on it. i had a few small problems with it in the beginning, but because it was under warranty it got fixed for free. I recently got in a car accident and ended my rolling my car into a ditch. This cars strong auto frame helped save my life. I walked away completely unhurt. When i crashed my car i had over 110,000 miles with no present problems.

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  Has a Weak Link - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By Discusted - September 28 - 2:00 am

  My wifes 04 SXT still has under 70,000 miles on it. Recently, the radiator blew. This sent transmission fluid into the engine, and coolant into the transmission. New radiator install, $350. Tranny rebuild $1,800. The transmission shop said, "We see this all the time." Dodge counts on you being a foolish American consumer, wrapped up in keeping up with the Jones. My 92 Toyota Tercel with 170,000 miles on it is not a chick magnet but when a lady wants to go out for the night, rest assured I can get her there. Shame on you Dodge, I am sure this is only the start of Neon failures.

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  A car to have. - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Miguel - September 26 - 2:00 am

  I wanted one since the first day I saw it (had audi a6 biturbo quattro at that moment). Got it. The vehicle is superb, gives so much pleasure while driving. Been very reliable, never gave me any trouble whatsoever. Parts are inexpensive. Gets compliments all the time from both men and women. Exceeded my expectations in terms of interior quality. I put leather with blue stitches on top of a dashboard and all leather/alcantara steering wheel which made the interior look really expensive. Truly amazing American little muscle car. Nobody believes its that cheap! Overall a fantastic car for this money. I am very happy to own one. Its really sad Daimler Chrysler decided to kill this model.

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  My 2005 Neon SXT a Perfect 10 - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By JimmyTheGent - September 26 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car new in 2005. Bumper to bumper this car has been the best Ive ever owned. Im a pretty big guy at 6 and about 240 lbs. and is very comfortable and roomy even for me. With 33,000 miles the car still runs and handles new. Even the stereo sounds just as awesome as it did the first day I drove it. Chrysler really had a Winner with this car and hope they will make a Neon comeback someday. So far this car has been a perfect 10 all around and have no intention on trading it or selling it anytime soon.

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  Great little car - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Mark - September 19 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car after our daughter was hit head on with a 1998 neon. After I saw how it was in a crash I decided to buy another. I enjoy the handling. It gets 32-33 mpg all the time. I did have the cam position sensor go out, but it was not a big deal to change. I found out that it is a common problem. I run Goodyear comfort tread tires, and it really hugs the road in tight turns. I actually accelerate through the turn.

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  Good little car - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By kevin - September 15 - 2:00 am

  Just turned 76,000 miles and have had to do nothing other than change the oil. Car has had an occasional engine knock for a few seconds right after start up almost from the beginning. Was pretty concerned about that at first, but apparently some Neons just do that. Started using synthetic oil and it has pretty much stopped. I have had minor brake squealing issues like a lot of other people have reported here but it usually only lasts a minute or two when first taking off. AND Ive still got over a quarter inch of pad on THE ORIGINAL brake pads! Im hoping to make it to 100,000 miles on the original pads. Anyway, the car has been great. Reliable, fun to drive, great gas mileage. Buy one.

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  Dont waste your money! - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By guest - September 8 - 12:39 pm

  I bought this car in 2007 for almost 11 grand. That was my first mistake. It had 20k miles on it n I traded it in at 56k just in may of 2010. During the time I had it, I didnt feel safe. I would pull out into the road and sometimes it would stop me in the middle of the road. I had issues with fuses and my gauges not working. I replaced 2 02 sensors and a battery. I lived only 12 miles away from work and I feel like I fueled up all the time. In the winter, when I started it up, it would start jumping and the lights would flicker and it would shut off on me all the time. Its left me sit several times. I traded it in a few months ago and its the best thing Ive ever done!

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  Dodge this Neon - 2002 Dodge Neon
  By MrOtoko - August 30 - 1:23 am

  Bought this car w/salvage title. Owned since 04, and put 75k mi on it (113k total now). There seem to be a lot of technical problems with it, but Im not sure if that is due to the salvage title. Cant mess with the tranny or it will go out. Most everything went out by 100k. AC is cold, but I think I have radiator fan problems so it overheats. Mechs say its an O-ring problem but they are WRONG all the time (already fixed that 3 times!!! and still overheating - even when idle and no AC on. Car was discontinued for a reason.

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  Cheap and Fun - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By Aaron - August 25 - 9:49 am

  In most buys, I would say you get what you pay for. But, this car offers great features at a relatively low price. However, the low cost is evidenced by a few minor things such as manual rear windows. But, these are definitely made up for by the look and performance of the vehicle. First thing I did was put Bosh Platinum 4 spark plugs which increased my gas mileage and performance. I get anywhere between 32-35 mpg with this car. My only parts repair has been the starter so far and I have owned the vehicle since it only had 28,000 mi on it. Due to no under carriage, I destroyed my motor from high water. Totally my fault, but I (quite easily) put a new engine in and it runs great