Segment:
Compact Car (Economy segment)
Brand Strategy:
Dodge's offering in the highly competitive compact segment, aiming for affordability and sporty styling.
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Escort, Chevrolet Cavalier, Nissan Sentra.
Design Philosophy:
Cab-forward design, multi-link rear suspension (a notable feature for its class), relatively spacious interior for its exterior dimensions.
Value Proposition:
Affordable pricing, good fuel economy, and a generally youthful and sporty appeal.
Primary Coverage:
Parts Listing, Labor Hour Estimates
Secondary Coverage:
Repair Guidance (Implied by product description)
Estimated Page Count:
Varies by specific edition, typically hundreds of pages for comprehensive parts catalogs.
Type:
Parts List Catalog / Service Information
Format:
Likely printed book format, or potentially a digital format (PDF) depending on the source.
Powertrain Parts:
Engine components, transmission, exhaust, fuel system, cooling system, ignition system.
Chassis Parts:
Suspension (front and rear), steering, brakes (front and rear discs/drums), wheels, hubs, axles.
Body And Exterior Parts:
Body panels (fenders, doors, hood, trunk), bumpers, glass, mirrors, lighting (headlights, taillights, signals), trim, seals.
Interior Parts:
Seating, dashboard, console, door panels, carpeting, headliner, seat belts, airbags (if applicable).
Electrical And Electronic Parts:
Wiring harnesses, fuses, relays, battery, alternator, starter, lighting components, sensors, control modules (ECU).
Labor Time Estimates:
Estimated labor hours for various repair and maintenance procedures, critical for estimating repair costs.
Part Identification:
Detailed illustrations and part numbers for accurate identification of replacement components.
Depth:
Detailed part cataloging, enabling identification of even obscure components and fasteners. Labor guides provide insight into complexity.
Digital Format Potential:
If digital, typically PDF; searchability is a key feature for efficiency.
Print Quality Expectation:
High-quality printing with clear illustrations and legible text, essential for technical reference.
Binding Type:
Likely spiral-bound or stitched binding for durability and ease of use in a workshop environment.
Paper Type Expectation:
Durable paper stock suitable for workshop conditions, potentially with laminated pages for critical diagrams.
Engine Code And Description:
2.0L SOHC (Single Overhead Cam) I4 (16-valve) - Engine Code: ECC
Displacement:
1996 cc (2.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
87.6 mm x 83.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
9.8:1 (typical)
Horsepower:
132 hp @ 6000 rpm (typical for SOHC)
Torque:
130 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm (typical for SOHC)
Induction Type:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Regular (87 octane recommended)
Performance Variant:
2.0L DOHC (Double Overhead Cam) - Engine Code: AGT (High Output), 150 hp, also found in ACR models.
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission (with lock-up torque converter)
Manual Gear Ratios:
Refer to manual for specific ratios per gear and final drive. Typically geared for economy.
Automatic Transmission Type:
Chrysler's A500/A518 derivative family, adapted for front-wheel drive.
Wheelbase:
101.4 inches (2576 mm)
Length:
174.4 inches (4430 mm)
Width:
67.4 inches (1712 mm)
Height:
53.0 inches (1346 mm)
Passenger Volume:
Approx. 95 cubic feet
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 13 cubic feet (sedan), larger for hatchback models.
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2500 - 2700 lbs (depending on trim and transmission)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Refer to VIN sticker or manual.
NHTSA Frontal Impact Ratings:
Refer to specific NHTSA reports for 1995-1999 models; early models may have had lower ratings.
Braking System Type:
Front: Ventilated Disc, Rear: Drum Brakes (standard). Optional ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) available.
Traction Control:
Not commonly available on base models, may have been an option on higher trims or later years.
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Airbags standard from 1995 onwards.
Seat Belts:
Three-point front seat belts with pretensioners; three-point rear seat belts.
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Basic speaker configurations.
Display:
Analog gauges, basic climate control knobs/sliders.
Cruise Control:
Available on most trims, typically as an option or standard on higher levels.
Connectivity Options:
None (pre-internet era for mass-market cars). No Bluetooth, USB, or auxiliary inputs.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 to 5,000 miles or 3 to 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil used. Check manual for specific recommendation.
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 to 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically around 60,000 to 100,000 miles for platinum or iridium plugs. Copper plugs would be much sooner.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 30,000 to 50,000 miles or 2-3 years.
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Automatic: 30,000-60,000 miles. Manual: Inspect and change as needed, typically 50,000-100,000 miles.
Engine Oil Specification:
API Certified SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check owner's manual for climate-specific recommendations).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.0 quarts (3.8 liters) with filter for 2.0L engine.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant, Mopar Orange or equivalent. A 50/50 mix with distilled water is typical.
Transmission Fluid Type Auto:
ATF+4 (Chrysler's recommended fluid) or equivalent, or ATF Type 7176 for earlier models.
Transmission Fluid Type Manual:
Refer to manual for specific gear oil type, typically GL-4 or GL-5 SAE 75W-90.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Engine Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gasket and rear main seal are common leak points.
Cooling System Problems:
Plastic radiator end tanks can crack, thermostat housing can leak.
Suspension Wear:
Ball joints, tie rod ends, and control arm bushings can wear prematurely.
Exhaust Manifold Cracks:
Cast iron exhaust manifolds are prone to cracking, leading to exhaust leaks and noise.
Evaporative Emission Control System:
Canister purge solenoid and vent solenoids can fail, leading to Check Engine Light.
Dodge Brand Positioning:
Historically known for muscle cars and trucks, the Neon represented Dodge's push into the mainstream compact market.
First Generation Launch:
Launched in 1995 as an all-new model, replacing the Dodge Colt.
Body Styles:
Available as a 2-door coupe and a 4-door sedan. A 5-door hatchback was also part of the original design but primarily marketed under the Plymouth brand in the US (Plymouth Neon).
Facelift Updates:
Minor styling and feature updates occurred throughout the generation, with a more significant refresh often noted for the later years.
Manufacturing Location:
Belvidere, Illinois, USA.
Production End Year For Generation:
First generation ended with the 1999 model year, leading into the second generation Neon.
Automotive Press Acclaim:
Often received praise for its handling and sporty driving dynamics for the price, particularly the ACR models.
Car And Driver 10Best:
Was featured on Car and Driver's 10Best list in 1995.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Consumer Reports often rated the Neon as average to below average in reliability for this generation.
