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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  PEICE OF JUNK!!!!! - 2001 Dodge Neon
  By TDBoy - May 3 - 2:00 am

  Within the first two years I had to visit the shop about a dozen times for repairs that shouldnt have to be done on a new car. It vibrates too much, engine surges, slips gears, the auto sunroof broke, engine mounts had to be replaced, gearshift doesnt disengage sometimes when brake is pressed. Would you like me to go on. If I could figure out a way to drive it off a cliff, I would. Stay away from ALL DODGE PRODUCTS< THEY SUCK!!!!!!

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  just a lil bit of improvement - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By yungcancer_6to9 - May 1 - 2:00 am

  This car is a smooth ride, that can handle the curves very well. It also can hit 0 to 60 very fast. Its sleek interior is very appealing to the eye. It also has great gas mileage, and an excellent exterior.

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  Awesome Car! - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By MikedawgSRT-4 - May 1 - 2:00 am

  Well after considering the Sti, Evo, Mini S, and even the accord v6 I chose to go with the Srt4. I am very happy with my decision. Not only was this car he cheapest, its pretty much the fastest from a roll. The seats are great and I have had nothing but fun with the car. Only gripe is all the ignorant people asking my why I bought a NEON?? Haha. When I step on it in 2nd gear they find out!

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  A good little car really - 1996 Dodge Neon
  By TexasNeon - April 14 - 2:00 am

  My parents bought me this as my first car. It certainly isnt the most flash car ever...its accelleration is suffering a bit with age...but all in all, as a first car it has served its duty. It is fairly reliable

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  I like it - 2001 Dodge Neon
  By aht - April 14 - 2:00 am

  Ive had zero problems with my Neon. ANd man is it fun to drive. Small engine, but also in a small car with a 5 spd and 0-90 is flat out fun. Handles pretty well for a small car with a decent ride.

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  Too many repairs - 1996 Dodge Neon
  By Neonowner - April 12 - 2:00 am

  I have had my neon for about 7 mths. i bought it in 2002 with 63k miles. Within 2 months i had to replace a circuit board which costed $343 then i had an oil leak that costed $80. Now i am having a new valve put on i dont rem. what the valve was called. and motor mounts because they were corroded and cracked. this repair will cost over $600 dollars. take my advice dont buy a neon.. they are decent cars but you will end up spending as much money as you paid for it in repairs.

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  Junk Car - 1997 Dodge Neon
  By extremely unhappy - April 8 - 2:00 am

  This car has many problems. Head Gasket went, squeaky brakes, windows dont seal....seems to be a recurring problem. Like others, the "customer service" department didnt live up to thier name! I would NOT recommend buying a Neon!

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  very safe car! - 1998 Dodge Neon
  By BLUEGREENNEONLUVR - April 7 - 2:00 am

  I think this is a GREAT car, I was in a accident where i was hit in the rear really hard, and the persons car went up under my car and just scratched my rear I feel so safe in this car,I lost my other car in an accident, this was my second car, i really like it allot. Nice design, my husband has a sound system in it and it sounds great! It good on gas,handles well. I recommend it.

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  Bang for the Buck! - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By dwood1999 - April 6 - 10:00 am

  I havent driven many cars, the SRT-4 is only my second automobile, but I really like this car. This car is for someone who mostly wants a sports car, but wants to be practical. Ive gotten 30MPG on the freeway driving like a lesser endowed person, but when you got it you cant help but race around where ever you go. For the money cant get a faster car, its alot of BANG for the BUCK!

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  My 97 Base SOHC - 1997 Dodge Neon
  By 1hotjava - April 2 - 2:00 am

  This car has performed flawlessly since new. It consistently gets 38-42 mpg on the highway, with 26-32 in the city. No mechanical problems since new (now 65,000 miles). Only problem was paint flaking off, but Chrysler re-painted the car. My next daily driver will probably also be a Neon...