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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  aarrgggg - 2000 Dodge Neon
  By SlvrNeon2000 - December 2 - 2:00 am

  Ok where do I start Ive had the neon for about 2 1/2 years now and it has 63k on it... and the air conditioning went after one summer use the sunroof went on me after one summer use... it makes awfull noises... and vibrates horribly although it does surprise me for room im 61 and able to fit in it not very comfortably but, i do fit... but, I wouldnt recomend this car to anyone that has high expectations... it is very affordable but, you get exactly what you pay for!

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  SRT4 - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By Moparmike98 - November 29 - 10:00 am

  This car is amazing, I tested the SRT4 against the Civic Si and Focus SVT and they couldnt even come close.

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  1995 Dodge neon Highline 4door hardtop - 1995 Dodge Neon
  By CEsoldo - November 26 - 2:00 am

  Great value overall. I paid 12,500 for this vehicle new and has 200,000 miles to date and is still running strong. I have had a few minor problems, but nothing that is not considered to be normal wear: Cruise control actuator, fuel gauge sending unit, timing belt tensioner, shifter cable ends (5-spd).

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  Years have passed - 1998 Dodge Neon
  By Capt M - November 25 - 2:00 am

  I have driven this car for 5 years and it has been wonderful. It performs better than cars costing twice as much. The only minor complaints are: head gasket went out (replaced by dealer) and that it is a bit buzzy on high speed interstate driving. Otherwise, I would recommend this car to anyone!

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  my neon sport - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By lisadm - November 24 - 10:00 am

  this is a very good car .i have one thing i have problems with since ive gotten the car the tires seem to always get low on air in the front.other then that its great.

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  What A Joke - 1997 Dodge Neon
  By A SUCKER - November 24 - 2:00 am

  This is truly a piece of junk. These cars come staight from the factory with a warped head. Which i believe is like most owners of this car "warped heads". If you dont get the head shaved on theses cars you will have the same problem over again. And then they will start to burn oil and you are spending more money then for gas it seems! I have never had to do so much work to keep it going. I will never own another and will tell my friends the same.

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  dodge fan scarred for life - 1999 Dodge Neon
  By what a joke - November 23 - 2:00 am

  this was the first new car i bought. I have taken awesome care and have always been an avid dodge fan. this car has been a bad joke. it had major electrical problems at one month, a new stereo at two months, a blown headgasket, two major oil leaks one at 38000 just after warrenty and dodge told me" its too bad, those cars all have oil leaks" they wouldnt help at all. the repair of the leaks cost me about 2000.00 total. now it hasa transmission leak, the trunk will no longer open from the inside and the rear doors will no longer unlock with the power locks. What a dissapointment.

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  my rants - 1999 Dodge Neon
  By vanilla - November 20 - 2:00 am

  over all this car is very good! There have been a few things that required servicing more than once. The sunroof has caused a few concerns as well as the head gasket leaking. Both items being covered under the warranty.

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  Great starter car! - 2000 Dodge Neon
  By Brianne - November 19 - 2:00 am

  This is my first car. I bought the 2000 model used with about 48,000 miles on it (highway driving). So far, I have no complaints. The one I bought is stripped down (no keyless entry, so CD player, no power windows or door locks), its an automatic transmission (which leaves a little to be desired seeing as it is only a 3-speed auto). It drives very nicely. I have noticed a wee bit of engine noise, this is only when I am above 75mph on the highway (not very often). The brakes squeal if it has been sitting for a while (like if I dont drive it for a couple days). Once the car warms up its fine. In any case, its a great little car, perfect for me.

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  Sleeper - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By jwoodward_78109 - November 18 - 10:00 am

  I was totally sold on this vehicle by the different car magazines that did features on it. I traded-in a 2000 Mustang GT that was putting out around 320hp to the engine and Im looking forward to modifying the SRT-4.