What kind of car is a Dodge Neon?

The Dodge Neon is a compact, front‑wheel‑drive car produced by Dodge (a Chrysler brand) from the mid-1990s to the mid‑2000s. It was designed as an affordable everyday compact, primarily sold as a four‑door sedan, and it gained notable attention for a high‑performance variant called the SRT‑4.

Overview

The Neon belongs to the compact car segment, a class that emphasizes efficient size, reasonable interior space, and economical operation. It was built to be a practical, entry‑level vehicle with a focus on simple maintenance and straightforward driving dynamics. Throughout its life, it used front‑wheel drive and offered a range of four‑cylinder engines, with later versions emphasizing a more spirited performance personality in the SRT‑4 variant.

Generations and timeline

The Neon went through two main generations during its production run. Details below outline the broad timeline, noting the evolution in design, powertrains, and features.

• First generation (model years roughly 1995–1999): introduced as Dodge’s compact front‑wheel‑drive sedan on the Chrysler JS platform, with a base four‑cylinder engine and improving interior and chassis tuning over the period.


• Second generation (model years roughly 2000–2005): redesigned to modernize styling and features, with updated engines and a broader options list, culminating in the high‑performance SRT‑4 variant launched in the mid‑2000s.

These two generations reflect the Neon’s shift from a basic economy compact toward a more refined, feature‑rich daily driver, topped by a niche performance variant that attracted enthusiasts.

Notable variants and features

Key variants and engineering choices define the Neon’s appeal and its place in Dodge’s lineup. The following points highlight the most widely referenced configurations and performance options.

SRT‑4 performance model

The SRT‑4 version, introduced in the early 2000s, boosted the Neon with a turbocharged four‑cylinder engine and upgraded suspension and brakes, delivering markedly higher horsepower and a sportier character compared with standard Neons.

Engine options and drivetrains

Standard Neons offered smaller displacement four‑cylinder engines aimed at efficiency, with a more capable 2.4‑liter option in later years. The SRT‑4 used a turbocharged version of the 2.4L, producing significantly higher output. Transmissions typically included a five‑speed manual, with an automatic option on many trims.

These variants helped the Neon span a spectrum from practical daily driver to a budget‑m sports sedan for enthusiasts.

Body style, market position, and legacy

In its primary market, the Neon was a compact sedan designed for affordability, reliability, and ease of maintenance. It occupied a value‑oriented niche in Dodge’s lineup, appealing to buyers seeking a small, economical car. The SRT‑4 variant left a lasting legacy among enthusiasts for offering genuine performance within a humble, affordable package. While later replaced by newer compact models in Dodge’s lineup, the Neon remains a notable chapter in 1990s–2000s American automotive history.

Summary

The Dodge Neon is a compact, front‑wheel‑drive car produced by Dodge from the mid‑1990s through the mid‑2000s. It started as a practical, economical sedan across two generations and gained fame for the high‑performance SRT‑4 variant, which brought turbocharged power into an affordable small car. Today, the Neon is remembered as a budget‑friendly, everyday vehicle with a surprising edge for enthusiasts who chased the turbocharged thrill.

What type of car is a Dodge Neon?

compact car
The Neon is a compact car built from November 1993 until 2005 by the American Chrysler Corporation over two generations. It has a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout and was available in two-door and four-door sedan body styles.

Is a 2005 Dodge Neon a good car?

A 2005 Dodge Neon is considered a good car for its value, sporty handling, and affordable parts, but it can be a mixed bag due to potential issues like cheaper interior materials, electrical problems, and a noisy cabin. It's a fun and practical choice for a budget-conscious driver or a first-time car, especially in a manual transmission model, but buyers should be prepared for potential maintenance needs.
 
Pros

• Affordable: The Neon is an inexpensive car to buy and maintain, with cheap and readily available parts. 
• Fun to drive: Many owners praise its sporty handling, quick acceleration, and good ride quality, especially on winding roads. 
• Practical: It offers a roomy interior for its class and good gas mileage. 
• Performance variant: The SRT-4 trim is a fast, performance-oriented car with a turbocharged engine. 

This video reviews the 2005 Dodge Neon SXT and highlights its affordability and fun-to-drive nature: 1mShooting CarsYouTube · Feb 20, 2024
Cons

• Interior quality: The interior is often criticized for feeling cheap, basic, and noisy. 
• Reliability concerns: Some owners report issues such as transmission failures and electrical problems. 
• Noise: Wind, road, and engine noise are more prominent than in some rivals, according to Edmunds. 
• Maintenance: While parts are cheap, some owners report the need for more frequent maintenance and repairs, particularly with the automatic transmission. 
• HVAC issues: The HVAC system can develop a persistent musty odor due to bacterial growth, notes CarParts.com. 

What was the last year they made the Dodge Neon?

The last year the Dodge Neon was made was 2005, with production ending after the 2005 model year. It was replaced by the Dodge Caliber in North America.
 

• The second generation of the Dodge Neon was produced from model year 2000 to 2005. 
• Production of the SRT-4, a high-performance version, also ended with the 2005 model year. 
• The final model year included two trim levels: the value-oriented SXT and the performance-focused SRT-4. 

Why was Dodge Neon discontinued?

The Dodge Neon was discontinued primarily due to a decline in sales and popularity, compounded by a negative reputation stemming from early reliability and build quality issues. Chrysler also discontinued it as part of a strategy to replace it with a different model, the more SUV-like Caliber, which was introduced as the 2007 model year replacement. 
This video explains the history of the Dodge Neon, including its flaws: 1mMarspeedYouTube · Sep 13, 2019

• Declining sales: The Neon's popularity waned over time, leading to its discontinuation after the 2005 model year. 
• Reliability and quality reputation: The first generation Neon was plagued with issues like head gasket problems and poor paint quality, which damaged the brand's reputation. While later models improved, the negative perception persisted among consumers. 
• Model replacement: Chrysler discontinued the Neon to replace it with the Dodge Caliber, a vehicle with a more SUV-like shape and a hatchback design, which was launched for the 2007 model year. 
• Market changes: The market for compact cars evolved, and Dodge shifted its focus to other vehicles, such as the Caliber.