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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  piece of trash that goes fast - 1995 Dodge Neon
  By lovethepower - February 26 - 2:00 am

  I wont lie to you. I enjoy driving this car. Its fairly fast for the price and manual trans is the best way to go here. The style is good, too. Unfortunately, the standard features on this car are awful. It has no power steering or a/c. Theres no armrest or center console, making it difficult to be comfortable in the car. Other than the blown head gasket (I hate Chrysler), its been very reliable. It has never broken down or had another serious problem in the eight years that its been running. Go power!!

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  Zooooommm! - 2000 Dodge Neon
  By mysilvrescapepod - February 25 - 2:00 am

  My neon has 137k miles on it & its running fine (knock on wood). I live a long distance from anything so its gets me where I want to go. Great factory installed system other car companies should copy. Breaks squeak when its damp outside, its seats are a bit stiff, the motor isnt the strongest but it does the job I bought it for. I change my oil every 4,000 miles without pause which I honestly feel keeps my lil escape pod purring perfectly. Interior is nice & neat & easily able to clean when splattered w/ food or beverages. Exterior is awesome, with tint on the windows you might mistake it for one of the bad boys. Its a great start up car.

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  95 Neon. Not a bad little car - 1995 Dodge Neon
  By John Smith2 - February 24 - 2:00 am

  We may have been lucky and got a good one, but we have had good luck with our 95 Neon. No mechanical issues other than a voltage regulator going. Good mileage, relatively fun to drive with a stick shift. Brakes have always been a little soft, but overall not a bad little car.

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  fun for cheap - 1998 Dodge Neon
  By 98neonrt - February 20 - 2:00 am

  my experience has been good with the 98 neon r/t. just look at it for what its worth—a cheap car. build quality and dash components need some work. performance and fun are high points. car corners like a dream—only 2500 lbs— dodge has done a great job with suspension. the dohc requires premium gas, but you get better gas mileage (29/38 mpg) and more power from the engine (150hp.) the seats may feel tight for normal people, but just right for small/skinny people. abs, sun roof, dohc, etc. are some good options. the rear windows didnt come as automatic, though. 5th gear whines and can get a little loud. its a darn good car for the price.

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  Never Again!!!! - 1996 Dodge Neon
  By Hollywood - February 19 - 2:00 am

  This was my very first car and the absolute worst experience Ive ever had. It has been one depressing moment after another. I have spent more on fixing the car than what it is actually worth. Id list all the problems, but there is far to many. Mainly brakes and head gasket problems. Oh, did I mention it dies a lot. Especially when I slow down. I took it to four different mechanics, all of which looked and me and said dump. So, that is what I am now doing. Ive heard the newer neons are much better, but because of having such a horrible experience with this one I will never buy another neon or doge product and will tell others not to waste their money.

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  Not Bad - 2000 Dodge Neon
  By uscg68 - February 18 - 2:00 am

  This car is reliable and has great fuel economy. With minor inexpensive add-ons it looks really sharp. It does however have a lack of horse power so dont think it will get up n go when you stomp the gas. It does have a alot of great factory options. Mine was fully loaded with all the bells and whistles. Premium Sound, Alloy Wheels, sun and moon roof. By adding tinting a rear spoiler and a bra it looks real sharp. For the buyer who wants performance Dodge makes the Stealth or Avenger. For a High School or college student away from home this is a PERFECT vehicle.

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  Please Stay Away - 1996 Dodge Neon
  By Noneon - February 17 - 2:00 am

  Original owner 85,000 miles went thru 2 head gaskets under warranty and Head Gasket is leaking at present time. (no warranty) Had Transmission replaced under warranty.(Lucky) This car is slowly falling apart one piece at a time. Paint on trunk is falling off, interior not holding up well. I will not go near a chrysler product again.

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  My commuter car - 1997 Dodge Neon
  By mswing11 - February 11 - 2:00 am

  Its just plain fun to drive, even to work. For a small car, it fits a tall guy quite well. It has been very dependable. For a used car to need no repairs except a battery and front brake pads is awesome. An easy car to service.

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  This car handles GREAT! - 2001 Dodge Neon
  By neonguy - February 9 - 2:00 am

  This car runs excellent... I put about 100 miles a day on it and use a fraction of the tank of gas. In the snow, it handles great- it helps to put weight int he trunk in the neons, as they seem light in the trunk. Highly reccomend this car to anyone for a reliable, safe, and peppy little car.

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  Need more parts - 2000 Dodge Neon
  By Blue2000 - February 6 - 2:00 am

  I cant keep up. This car is starving me and its not paid off yet. - 2 fuel injectors - Computer - Speed Sensor Relay - Axle trouble. (Some bearing) - Brakes - Tire size is so non-standerd they charge extra. - Air Conditioner