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Dodge Neon
Manufacturer	Chrysler Corporation (1995-1998) DaimlerChrysler (1998-2005)
Also called	Chrysler Neon Plymouth Neon (1995-2001) Dodge SX 2.0 (Canada)
Production	1995-2006
Assembly	Belvidere, Illinois Toluca, Mexico
Predecessor	Dodge Colt Dodge Shadow Plymouth Sundance/Duster
Successor	Dodge Caliber
Class	Compact
Layout	FF layout
Platform	Chrysler PL platform
Related	Dodge SRT-4

First generation
Also called	Chrysler Neon Plymouth Neon
Production	1995-1999
Body style(s)	2-door coupe 4-door sedan
Engine(s)	2.0 L A588 I4 2.0 L 420A I4
Transmission(s)	5-speed NVG T-350 manual 3-speed 31TH automatic
Wheelbase	104.0 in (2642 mm)
Length	171.8 in (4364 mm)
Width	67.5 in (1715 mm)
Height	54.9 in (1394 mm)

The Neon was a compact front wheel drive car introduced in January of 1994 for the 1995 model year by Chrysler Corporation's Dodge and Plymouth brands. It was branded as a Chrysler model in Mexico, Japan, European and Australian (where it was the first car to be sold as a Chrysler since 1981) export markets, as well as briefly in Canada. It supplanted the previous Dodge Shadow and Plymouth Sundance & Duster models and the Dodge & Plymouth Colt. The Neon was offered in numerous versions and several configurations over its production life, which thankfully ended on September 23, 2005.

Contents 1 1994–1999 1.1 Trim levels 2 2000–2005 2.1 IIHS Crash Test Results 2.2 Trim levels 3 Final year 4 Related 5 External links

The first generation Neon was introduced in January 1994 and manufactured until 1999. It was available as a 4-door sedan or 2-door coupe. It was powered by either a 132 hp (98 kW) @ 6000 rpm and 129 ft·lbf (175 N•m) @ 5000 rpm SAE 2.0 L SOHC or a 150 hp (112 kW) @ 6500 rpm and 133 ft·lbf (180 N•m) @ 5600 rpm SAE 2.0 L DOHC 4-cylinder engine. The Neon was available with a 3-speed automatic transmission or a 5-speed manual transmission and was sold as a Dodge and Plymouth in the United States and Canada, and as the Chrysler Neon outside of the United States.

Often neglected in discussions of the Neon is the relative power compared to other cars of the day - the Civic DX at 102 hp (76 kW), the Civic EX at 125 hp (93 kW), the Sentra, the Escort ZX2 at 130 hp (97 kW), the Corolla at 115 hp (86 kW), etc. The Neon's torque output was also higher than competitors. At the Neon's release, then chairman of Chrysler Corporation Robert Lutz said, "There's an old saying in Detroit: 'Good, fast, or cheap. Pick any two.' We refuse to accept that." Indeed, the Neon made a sizable profit - the only recent American car in its class to do so.

First-generation Neons are highly competitive in SCCA Solo autocross.[1] Available with both the SOHC (sedan) or DOHC (coupe) the ACR was one of the most competitive in its class, and featured four-wheel disc brakes, Arvin non-adjustable struts for 95-96 models and Koni adjustable dampers for 97-99 models, thicker anti-sway bars, fast-ratio steering, heavy-duty front wheel hubs, and a 5-speed manual transmission with a numerically higher .81 fifth gear and final drive ratio of 3.94 for quicker acceleration. 1995 through 1997 models featured adjustable camber. The computer-controlled speed limiter was also completely removed from 1995 ACR models, and raised from the standard 190 km/h (118 mph) to 210 km/h (130 mph) for subsequent years. The ACR offers no badging to distinguish it from other Neon models; the only visible differences are a bumper with fog light holes, but no fog lights and a lack of side mouldings. In 1995, the ACR was only offered to SCCA members, but in subsequent years it was available to the general public. The name "ACR" was initially the internal ordering code for the "Competition Package", as it was termed in dealer materials; however, as knowledge of the model spread, the ACR name stuck, and backronyms such as "American Club Racer" were given to it by fans.

The R/T model (Road/Track) debuted in the 1998 model year featuring many of the ACR's mechanical upgrades such as the numerically higher ratio 3.94 5 speed manual transmission with the .81 5th gear. The R/T, however, was intended for the street, with many more comfort and convenience features standard or available, and specialized racing parts like the adjustable dampers removed, although the dampers found on R/T models were slightly stiffer, offering an advantage over standard model Neons. Many R/Ts also featured bold stripes over the top of the car, and prominent "R/T" badging and was only available as in a DOHC 5 speed configuration.

Early Neons had a number of reliability problems, the most famous being head gasket failures. By November 1998, the head gasket had been replaced with a new MLS (Multi Layer Steel) design which proved to be much more reliable and was standard in most 1999 models and was also retrofitted to earlier models. Many early Neons suffered from poor paint finish quality, particularly with white or Lapis Blue colours, where the paint became brittle and peeled off in sheets, partly because of teething problems with a new environmentally-friendly waterborne paint process. Either way, by the end of the first generation, most problems had been sorted out and the Neon proved to be a reliable car.

Neons also suffered from some interesting design choices, including the unavailability of power windows in the rear doors, and a climate control system which had drivers move the fan knob in one direction for air conditioning and the other for vent. The latter caused less conscious drivers to drive consistently with the air conditioner on, which greatly hurt power and fuel economy, since the unit was quite powerful. The air conditioning evaporator proved to be prone to failure after warranties expired (a problem addressed in later years), which is an expensive repair since it is relatively inaccessible.

Certain color Neons, such as red and black, had bumper covers molded in color rather than painted. These covers would not shine like paint, but they absorbed scuffs and scrapes with less notice. The mid-level Highline models were well known for their unique "bubble" hubcap design. Neons, especially the 1995 to 1999 generation, had issues with fading headlamp lenses causeing a decrease in light on the road.

The Australian-market Chrysler Neon came in two models, the SE and the better equipped LX. Later, the LX model was replaced by the LE with the updated model in 1999. In the United States, the lineup started out as Base, Highline, and Sport, with different styles and options in each line, but the lineup titles changed frequently (other trim lines included Expresso, SE, ES, SXT, ACR, and R/T). In Europe, the car was also available with a 1.8 L engine. Europe received one limited edition model, the CS, which only came in Platinum paint. Fitted with the 131 bhp DOHC engine, American R/T specification suspension, rear spoiler and unique alloy wheels it was the best performing first generation Neon available in Right Hand Drive.

Plymouth Neon:1995-1999

• base - 1995-1997
• Highline - 1995-1999
• Sport - 1995-1996
• Expresso - 1996-1999
• EX - 1998-1999
• Competition - 1998-1999
• Style - 1998

Dodge Neon:1995-1999

• base - 1995-1997
• Highline - 1995-1999
• Sport - 1995-1999
• EX- 1998-1999
• Competition - 1998-1999
• R/T - 1998-1999

• Note: In Canada, both Dodge and Plymouth models were available in an EX package, similar to the Expresso (which was also available). These models generally featured chrome "EX" badging, along with the "power bulge" hood, among other standard options.^{[citation needed]}

Chrysler Neon (Europe):1995-1999

• SE - 1995-1999
• LX - 1995-1999
• CS - 1998

Second generation
Also called	Chrysler Neon Dodge SX 2.0 Plymouth Neon
Production	2000-2006 (model years)
Body style(s)	4-door sedan
Engine(s)	2.0 L A588 I4
Transmission(s)	5-speed NVG T-350 manual 3-speed 31TH automatic 4-speed 41TE automatic
Wheelbase	105.0 in (2667 mm)
Length	174.4 in (4430 mm)
Width	67.4 in (1890 mm)
Height	56.0 in (1422 mm)
Related	Dodge SRT-4

Sales of the second generation model started with model year 2000 and production ended with the 2005 model year. The second generation Neon was only available as a 4-door sedan. In some regions, including the United States, the sole engine was the 2.0 L SOHC engine, the power output remaining at 132 HP (98 kW). It also came with an optional Magnum configuration (including an active intake manifold) that produced 150 HP. Both engines had a redline of 6762 RPM.

The second generation was much more refined than the first generation car. It was advertised that the second generation Neon had over 1,000 refinements from the original generation. The first generation's frameless windows (which would pull away from the door in a strong crosswind) were replaced with a full-framed door. Numerous other NVH refinements led to a much quieter and enjoyable passenger car. The more refined interior and greater size did, however, come at the cost of increased weight. This, along with the discontinuance of the DOHC engine, caused the second generation car to be less competitive on the race track.

In 2001, The R/T trim returned after a one year hiatus. The R/T consisted on a new 150 horsepower (112 kW) SOHC Magnum 2.0 Liter Engine, 16 inch wheels, spoiler, dual chrome exhaust tips, quicker steering box and stiffer springs. The 2001 R/T had a one-year-only aircraft style spoiler -- for 2002-, the R/T models wore a rounded spoiler (a smaller version of the SRT-4 wing). The Neon also offered a Sport package for the 2001 model year only. It consisted of an R/T wing, R/T 16 inch wheels, R/T springs, white instrument cluster and R/T steering box. It was an R/T visually except for the lack of dual exhaust, R/T lower mouldings, fog lamps and R/T exclusive front bumper. The Sport only came equipped with the base model's 132 horsepower engine and was available with an automatic tranmission (unlike the manual-only R/T model). 2001 was the last year for the Plymouth Neon, and the Plymouth brand as well, the last Plymouth Neon (which was also the last Plymouth), a silver 4-door sedan, rolled off the assembly line on June 28, 2001.

When DaimlerChrysler discontinued the Plymouth brand, the former Dodge and Plymouth Neon were briefly sold under the Chrysler name in Canada from 2000 to 2002, until being replaced by the SX 2.0. In Europe, Australia, Mexico, and Asia, the car had always been sold as a Chrysler, as Dodge and Plymouth passenger cars were not marketed outside the US and Canada. Besides the 2.0 L engine, it also used the same Tritec 1.6 L unit found in the BMW MINI prior to 2007. The 1.6 L unit is a variation of the 2.0 L SOHC engine designed by Chrysler and built jointly by Chrysler and Rover.

Originally, the second generation Neon featured a five-speed manual transmission using the former ACR gear ratios to make up for the acceleration loss caused by greater weight. However, this hurt gas mileage and made the car noisier on the highway, and eventually the original gear ratios were restored along with the original gas mileage. A four-speed automatic made its way into the Neon in the 2002 model year, with gearing improved a year later.

The Neon's name was changed to SX 2.0 in Canada in 2003. In Australia and Canada, the Chrysler Neon was discontinued in 2002, due to declining sales and expensive price compared to its competitors. In 2002, the front clip was changed to match the R/T and ACR front clip. The Neon was facelifted again for 2003 with large "crosseyed" headlights and crosshair grille. The ACR model was discontinued for 2003; the R/T model for 2005. The Chrysler Neon continued to be sold in Europe until 2004.

In Brazil, the Neon was marketed as a luxury mid-size saloon; for Mexico it was a competitor to the Ford Escort, and sold as a Chrysler with either the 1.6- or 2.0-liter engine and European-style taillights (with separate amber indicator lights), except for the R/T model, which was a Dodge, with US-style taillights.

In 2001, the 2nd Generation Neon earned only a "Marginal" rating in its frontal crash test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, a minor improvement over the "Poor" rating earned by the 1st Generation Neon. In 2005, the Institute carried out side impact tests on fourteen small car models, simulating an impact with an SUV. Among these, the Neon performed the worst, with the Institute calling it a disaster.[2] This was likely one of the events which led to the discontinuation of the Neon.

Dodge Neon:2000-2005

• Highline - 2000-2001
• ES - 2000-2002
• SE - 2001-2005
• ACR - 2001-2002
• R/T - 2001-2004
• base - 2002
• S - 2002
• SXT - 2002-2005

Plymouth Neon:2000-2001

• Highline - 2000-2001
• LX - 2000-2001

Chrysler Neon:2000-2004 (Europe)

• R/T - 2000-2003
• LX - 2000-2004
• SE - 2000-2003

DaimlerChrysler discontinued the Neon, with the final cars assembled on September 23, 2005 at the Belvidere Assembly plant in Belvidere, Illinois. [3] The Dodge Neon was replaced in the spring of 2006 with the 2007 Dodge Caliber, which is based on the shared Chrysler/Mitsubishi Motors GS platform. Like the Neon, the Caliber will have a SRT-4 variant. The Belvidere plant underwent retooling for the Caliber, Jeep Compass and Patriot.

In markets like Australia and Brazil the Neon range was reduced to either 2.0 LX or 2.0 SE models.

Dodge SRT-4

• 1GN.org - Newest First Generation (Year 1995-1999) Neon Enthusiasts Website
• 2GN.org - Largest Second Generation (Year 2000-2005) Neon Enthusiasts Website
• Dodge Forum - Unofficial 2nd Gen Neon Website
• Neons.org - Neon website (Largest Neon Enthusiast Site, Catering to all Neon and SRT-4 Models)
• Neon Society of America - NSA is a nation wide Neon enthusiast organization that is dedicated to the advancement of all Neon Owners
• Allpar.com - Neon section of Allpar
• Chrysler.com - 2001 Plymouth Neon, courtesy of Internet Archive
• Chrysler/Dodge/Plymouth Neon/SX 2.0/SRT-4 Information TSBs, FSMs, 2nd Gen VIN Decoder
• NeonCanada.com - Canadian Neon website
• Hot Neons - Home Of The BadAss Neons - Modified Plymouth and Dodge Neons Ethusiast Site
• Midwest Neons - Midwestern United States Neon Enthusiasts
• Neon America - Modified Neon Enthusiast By State and Or Car Club Association
• ChryslerNeon.net - British Neon website
• Neonowners.de - German Neon website

Dodge road car timeline, North American market, 1970s-present -  v • d • e
Type	1970s										1980s										1990s										2000s
	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9
Subcompact									Omni
										Colt
														Charger
Compact	Colt												400					Shadow								Neon												Caliber
	Dart						Aspen					Aries
Mid-size									Magnum		Mirada			600						Spirit							Stratus												Avenger
	Coronet							Diplomat												Dynasty
Full-size	Monaco									St. Regis											Monaco			Intrepid												Magnum
	Polara																																				Charger
Sport compact															Daytona											Avenger								SRT-4
Sports	Charger
	Challenger								Challenger						Conquest							Stealth																	Challenger
	Super Bee																						Viper

<- Previous

Plymouth road car timeline, 1970s-2000s, North American market  v • d • e

Type

1970s

1980s

1990s

2000s

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

Subcompact

Cricket

Horizon

TC3

Turismo

Colt

Compact

Arrow

Sundance

Neon

Colt

Valiant

Volaré

Reliant

Mid-size

Caravelle

Acclaim

Breeze

Satellite

Fury

Gran Fury

Full-size

Fury

Gran Fury

Gran Fury

Sports

Duster

Sapporo

Laser

Barracuda

Road Runner

Conquest

Prowler

Prowler

GTX

SUV

Trailduster

Pickup

Arrow Truck

Scamp

Minivan

Voyager/Grand Voyager

Van

Voyager

v • d • e Dodge (Vehicles • Chrysler LLC)
Current
Cars	Avenger • Caliber • Charger • Magnum • Viper
Vans / SUVs	Caravan/Grand Caravan • Durango • Journey • Nitro • Sprinter
Trucks	Dakota • Ram
Historic
Cars	024 • 330 • 400 • 600 • 880 • Aries • Aspen • Avenger • Challenger • Charger (B-body) • Charger (L-body) • Charger Daytona • Colt • Conquest • Coronet • Custom 880 • Dart • Daytona • Demon • Diplomat • Dynasty • Intrepid • La Femme • Lancer • Matador • Mirada • Monaco • Neon • Omni • Polara • Shadow • Sierra • Spirit • SRT-4 • St. Regis • Stealth • Stratus • Super Bee
Vans / SUVs	Mini Ram Van • Raider • Ramcharger • Ram Van • Ram Wagon • Sportsman • Town Panel • Town Wagon • Tradesman
Trucks	50 Series • 100 Series • 500 Series • A100 • B Series • C Series • D Series • Power Wagon • Rampage • Ram 50
Corporate	Fratzog • John Francis Dodge • Horace Elgin Dodge

v • d • e Plymouth (Vehicles • Chrysler)
Historic	Cars Acclaim • Arrow • Barracuda • Belvedere • Breeze • Cambridge • Caravelle • Champ • Colt • Concord • Conquest • Cranbrook • Cricket • Deluxe • Duster • Fury • Gran Fury • GTX • Horizon • Laser • Neon • Plaza • Prowler • Reliant • Road Runner • Sapporo • Satellite • Savoy • Special Deluxe • Sundance • Superbird • TC3 • Turismo • Valiant • VIP • Volaré Vans / SUVs Adventurer • Voyager/Grand Voyager • Trailduster Trucks Arrow Truck
Concept	Cars Backpack • Belmont • Cabana • Duster I • Explorer • Expresso • Howler • Pronto • Pronto Spyder • Prowler • Slingshot • Speedster • Voyager 3 • XNR 500 • XX 500