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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  Best Car yet - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Eddie - June 6 - 6:46 pm

  After reading the reviews on the SXT, I was a little concerned purchasing the SRT-4. I do not regret it now. This car is great to drive and has serious power for the price. The exhaust sounds great, not one of those cans you find on the Civics. I can say I love everything about the car but if I could change one thing I would ask Dodge to offer a different set of rims, something different from the SXT style. (Chrome would be nice)

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  Its a great car - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By the marty - June 6 - 10:00 am

  Bought an SXT neon with the 4 speed automatic trans everyone complains about. It is quite a bit slower than the manual, but about the same as other automatics in its class and not all that slow. Passing power is very good. Gas mileage isnt that good. About 23 mpg. It could be better. Its a pleasure to drive this car. It handles like a sports car and the brakes are incredible. Try one - youll like it.

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  It Keeps Going - 1998 Dodge Neon
  By Jimmy W - June 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought this 1998 Neon from a friends son to have as a highway vehicle. I bought it in non-running conditon with under 100000 miles on it and it was in POOR shape. I towed it home, replaced the head with one I found on eBay (for about 250.00) and some other parts (total cost was under 350.00 + my time). After shampooing the interior several times, new floor mats and a clay bar + wax job the car has ran 20,000+ miles without ANY PROBLEMS!! I dont even bother to change the oil, i just make sure it is topped off and that the car idles fine. It isnt the prettiest thing on the road but I cant believe how this car never dies. A Great buy for anyone...

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  Great Little Car - 1997 Dodge Neon
  By zxcvb - June 4 - 2:00 am

  We bought the car in 99. My Teenage daughter drives it. It has had some considerable use, in the time that we own it. I have not had any repair costs for this vehicle, only the usual maintenance type of stuff. Its a GREAT little car.

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  Not so hot Neon - 1998 Dodge Neon
  By carrie - May 30 - 2:00 am

  Head gasket problems seem to be normal for this car ours had to be replaced around 35,000 miles (and the head remilled to boot). No recall for this problem, but Chrysler did kick some cash back to the dealership for repairs after a considerable amount of complaining. Also, trunk has always leaked -- friends of mine had the same problems with their Neons. After five years of misc. mechanical problems, Im happy to be getting rid of it!

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  confused - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By truclippfan - May 30 - 2:00 am

  well my experience with this car is on a so so basis. because it really is a good car to drive with a slick built of the car. nice power for a small car . but when it comes to maitainace it really dont fit for the price range. you will indeed spend more on keeping the car running then what u paid for the vehicle.so in all i am confused with the purchase of my dodge neon.

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  Best money Ive ever spent (on a car)! - 2002 Dodge Neon
  By BrightApollo - May 30 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned lots of other cars, and the most fun Id had was with the 79 Starfire and 95 Neon, because they were awesome on gas and could put (a little) power to the ground and corner extremely well. The 2002 Neon ACR is the pinnacle of cheap fun. It has 75hp/ liter so youre not shortchanged on power, but it has adjustable suspension so I can set this car up for autocrossing in an hour. People who look at it and think "rental car" usually only get to see my taillights the rest of the way. And I scored it for $11,5k certified used with 1300 miles on it. It pays to shop!

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  Dont Buy a Neon!!! - 1996 Dodge Neon
  By dalandra - May 28 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car since 1999, and I am very disappointed in it. I have had to replace the brakes, shocks, struts, rotors, strut mounts, and numerous other parts. Its constantly leaking and now the transmission is starting to go. Also my vents dont work properly and the defrost doesnt work. My paint started peeling six months after I bought it. This seems to be a problem with many Neons. They are also very, very bad in snow, and slide and get stuck very easily. Several of my friends have Neons and they hate them too. I regret buying my car and I am now in the process of buying a new one. DONT BUY A NEON, you will regret it.

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  Great Car! - 2001 Dodge Neon
  By Shenny - May 25 - 2:00 am

  A great buy! Last day of the month, and I bought the car brand new for $8K. Ive had two problems. One was with the steering column clicking, which the dealership fixed by replacing the steering column free of charge. The other is the sound the brakes make when wet (and I knew that was an issue).

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  Fun to drive and reliable too! - 1999 Dodge Neon
  By gr00vych1k - May 20 - 2:00 am

  This is a very fun car to drive - it is very reliable, gets decent gas mileage, and takes corners like its on rails! I purchased this car after owning a ford escort, which gave me nothing but problems. I have had the Neon for two years and have had minimal problems. The car has been completely reliable despite the commute I have put it through.