Segment:
Compact Car / Economy Car
Target Audience:
Budget-conscious consumers, first-time car buyers, and owners seeking DIY repair and maintenance capabilities.
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cavalier, Hyundai Elantra, Mitsubishi Eclipse
Value Proposition:
Affordable pricing, surprisingly spacious interior for its class, and a focus on practicality.
Manual Advantage:
Provides in-depth technical knowledge essential for maintaining and repairing a vehicle that often represents a significant portion of a household's budget.
Powertrain:
Engine Mechanical, Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Engine Control System (PCM/ECU), Transmission (Automatic and Manual)
Chassis:
Suspension System (Front and Rear), Steering System, Brake System (Front and Rear, ABS if applicable), Wheels and Tires
Electrical:
Lighting System, Instrumentation, Power Accessories, Audio System, Engine Electrical, Chassis Electrical, Body Electrical, HVAC Electrical, Driver Information System
Body:
Body Exterior, Body Interior, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Seats, Glass, Trim Panels
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks and Changes, Tune-ups, Belt Replacements
Repair:
Engine Rebuilds, Transmission Overhaul, Brake Component Replacement, Suspension Component Replacement, Steering Rack Repair, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Replacement, Body Panel Repair
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Charts, Symptom-Based Diagnostics, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Component Testing Procedures, Wiring Diagrams
Special Procedures:
Airbag System Service, Immobilizer System Service, Climate Control System Service, Cruise Control System Service
Depth:
Complete diagnostic, repair, overhaul, and reassembly procedures for all major vehicle systems.
Engine Code:
ECC (1.8L SOHC I4), AGK/AJO (2.0L DOHC I4)
Displacement:
1.8 Liters (1755 cc), 2.0 Liters (1996 cc)
Horsepower 1.8L:
116 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque 1.8L:
122 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Horsepower 2.0L:
132 hp @ 6000 rpm (SOHC), 145 hp @ 6500 rpm (DOHC - ACR model)
Torque 2.0L:
130 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm (SOHC), 137 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm (DOHC - ACR model)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Bore X Stroke 1.8L:
87.0 mm x 97.0 mm
Bore X Stroke 2.0L:
86.0 mm x 86.0 mm
Compression Ratio 1.8L:
9.3:1
Compression Ratio 2.0L:
9.3:1 (SOHC), 10.0:1 (DOHC ACR)
Valvetrain 1.8L:
Single Overhead Camshaft (SOHC), 16 valves
Valvetrain 2.0L:
Double Overhead Camshaft (DOHC), 16 valves
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
★★★★☆ (4 Stars)
NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:
★★★★☆ (4 Stars)
IIHS Frontal Offset Impact:
Acceptable (for early models)
ABS:
Optional on some trims
Traction Control:
Not commonly available
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts, pretensioners for front seats
Child Safety Anchors:
LATCH system for rear seats
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Limited speaker configurations (2 or 4 speakers).
Climate Control:
Manual HVAC system with fan speed and temperature controls. Optional air conditioning.
Cruise Control:
Optional feature on higher trim levels.
Auxiliary Input:
Not standard, requires aftermarket modification for modern device connectivity.
Instrument Cluster:
Speedometer, tachometer (on some trims), fuel gauge, temperature gauge, odometer, trip odometer.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (synthetic oil recommended after initial break-in).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-20,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 100,000 miles (platinum tipped plugs).
Timing Belt Replacement:
100,000 miles or 7 years (critical component for interference engine).
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.0 Quarts (3.8 L) with filter change (1.8L/2.0L)
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (API Service SG or higher)
Coolant Type:
Chrysler/Mopar HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Engine Mounts:
Premature wear and failure of engine and transmission mounts, leading to vibration and noise.
Heater Core:
Leaking heater core, often requiring dashboard removal for replacement.
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, and front crankshaft seal leaks are common.
Suspension Components:
Wear on ball joints, tie rod ends, and control arm bushings.
Power Steering Pump:
Leaks and noise from the power steering pump and hoses.
Electrical Connectors:
Corrosion and failure of electrical connectors, especially ground points and chassis wiring harnesses.
Brand Context:
Chrysler was positioned as an American automotive manufacturer offering a range of vehicles from compact to luxury.
First Generation Introduction:
1995 (PL platform)
Second Generation Introduction:
2000 (facelifted PL platform, this model year)
Key Changes 2000:
Revised exterior styling (front and rear fascias, headlights, grille), updated interior, improved powertrain options (introduction of 2.0L DOHC engine in ACR models).
Manufacturing Location:
Belvidere, Illinois, USA
Sales Performance Context:
The Neon was a significant model for Chrysler in the compact segment, aiming to compete with established import and domestic rivals.
Car And Driver 10Best Recognition:
The first-generation Neon was a Car and Driver 10Best winner in 1995.
Automotive Design Appreciation:
Praised for its distinctive styling and interior packaging for its class at launch.
