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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  My little bubble - 2000 Dodge Neon
  By Bebe - September 7 - 2:00 am

  The car has been good, although the power steering pump had to be replaced and the air conditioning broke after using it one summer. The car needs more pep and whats up with the back windows having no power?? I went to Honda to trade my car in and they were totally making fun of my cars lack of power windows in the back seat! Its good as a starter car but definitely move on to something better.

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  Great Car - 1998 Dodge Neon
  By SpeedyNeonR/T - September 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Neon R/T used with only 4,000 miles on it and have driven it for 3 years now. 70,000 miles and still going strong. I had the head gasket replaced under warranty at 35,000 miles. Other than that, no problems. Everything still works as new. I am impressed with the reliability of the engine and transmission. I have really put a beating on both of them and its sitll running as strong as ever.

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  Doesnt owe me a dime - 1995 Dodge Neon
  By old_dog - September 4 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car in 97 with 89,000 miles on it. It now has over 190,000 miles on it. Now,the headliner is falling paint is chipping speedometer is intermittent head gasket was replaced and, the block has a hairline crack. So what! Over the past 5 years this car has been a blast to drive. In the right hands, with a 5 speed, this car will embarrasse Hondas, Toyotas, and a few V6s. I now do all the work myself and Im amazed at how much you can do for cheap. The car is on its second college student. It was a godsend when we bought and it doesnt owe us a dime. Its one of those special family cars you here about.

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  2003 Neon SXT - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By clockit1 - September 4 - 2:00 am

  Wait for the promos / discounts and grab one. Features vs. Price - this car is an exceptional value. Fun to drive and responsive. Great sound system and inside much roomier and better thought out than its competitors. Dont listen to the reviewers touting the imports - cost vs. value vs. cost to own - this car rates at the top. The sticker may say 16k, but wait for the right promo and youll grab one for 11k - see if Toyota will give you this much car for that price - not on your life!

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  Slick Car - 2001 Dodge Neon
  By John Pouwels - September 4 - 2:00 am

  Good small car, roomy in the back and good trunk Good engine - Power Slick looks

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  not pleased - 1997 Dodge Neon
  By not pleased - September 3 - 2:00 am

  Got it at 42k. I have put another 45k on it, but have also put tons of repair money too. This year alone I have put a new headgasket, brakes(again), suspension, ignition wires, battery (again), and it still needs work on the AC. The sticker price might not me too high, but youll make it up in repairs. Although I hear later models have improved.

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  Best Economy Car Late 90s - 1999 Dodge Neon
  By micweb - August 27 - 2:00 am

  Sure, a Toyota or Honda might be more reliable, but a used 1999 Neon will be a lot cheaper. In reality, the 1999 Neon is highly reliable - they got all the bugs out of this car originally introduced in 1995. It rides and handles like a much bigger car - it is fast and safe. Good gas mileage too. The 3 speed automatic isnt as good - it needs the fourth speed. The 5 speed is great, like a sports car.

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  03 dodge - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By playjon - August 24 - 10:00 am

  i needed a new car that got better gas milage and was an automatic because i extended my work drive and i am very happy with my purchase.

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  2000 Dodge Neon - 2000 Dodge Neon
  By Jonathan Hoffman - August 24 - 2:00 am

  This car has been very reliable, and also fun to drive. I cant say one bad thing about this car. It gets good gas milage too!

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  Fun car less than poor quality - 1999 Dodge Neon
  By LaBron - August 23 - 2:00 am

  Fun driving car, great on the track, great gas mileage. Its got rattles throughout the car and its spent more time in the shop than reasonable. Blown head gasket, warped trim, a/c compressor failure, electric sunroof failure, injectors clogged even on premium gas!! Essentially, if you want fun to drive and reliablitity together you should buy something else.