Positioning:
Affordable, practical, and performance-oriented for its class
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Escort, Chevrolet Cavalier, Mitsubishi Eclipse
Design:
Distinctive cab-forward design, aerodynamic styling
Performance Variants:
Offered sporty trims like the ACR and the R/T, emphasizing handling and power
Value Proposition:
Provided a compelling package of features and performance at a competitive price point
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, disassembly, rebuild, lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery, ignition, exhaust, emissions control
Engine Performance:
Diagnosis and troubleshooting of performance issues, tuning procedures
Transmission Manual:
Clutch system, manual transmission overhaul, shifting mechanisms
Transmission Automatic:
Automatic transmission operation, diagnosis, fluid service, overhaul procedures
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive system, axles, CV joints, drive shafts
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, springs, shock absorbers, bushings, alignment
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (discs/drums), hydraulic system, ABS (if equipped), parking brake
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, ignition system, instrument panel, wiring diagrams
Body And Chassis:
Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, frame, structural components
Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning HVAC:
HVAC system components, refrigerant, diagnosis, repair
Emissions Control:
Emission control devices, diagnosis of emission related faults, EVAP system
Preventive Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, tune-ups
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, symptom-based troubleshooting
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major components and systems
Diagnostic Trouble Codes DTC:
Explanation and clearing of DTCs, diagnostic flowcharts
Component Replacement:
Detailed instructions for replacing parts like alternators, starters, water pumps, fuel pumps, brake pads, etc.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical schematics for all vehicle systems
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine/transmission rebuilds and advanced diagnostics)
Engine Code:
SOHC: 2.0L (1995cc) 16-valve I4 (VIN B)
Engine Code Performance:
DOHC: 2.0L (1995cc) 16-valve I4 (VIN D - High Output)
Horsepower Sohc:
132 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque Sohc:
130 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
Horsepower DOHc:
150 hp @ 6400 rpm (standard) / 170 hp @ 6600 rpm (ACR/R/T)
Torque DOHc:
135 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm (standard) / 130 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm (ACR/R/T)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Recommended Octane:
87 Octane (91 Octane recommended for optimal performance, especially DOHC)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
4 Stars (1997)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
4 Stars (1997)
IIHS Offset Frontal Impact:
Acceptable
ABS:
Optional on most models, standard on some higher trims (e.g., R/T)
Traction Control:
Not commonly available for this year
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Airbags (Standard)
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seat belts
Oil Change:
Every 3,000 to 5,000 miles (refer to manual for specific oil type and viscosity)
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years
Spark Plugs:
Every 30,000 to 60,000 miles depending on type (refer to manual)
Timing Belt:
Every 60,000 to 100,000 miles (CRITICAL: Non-interference engine, but replacement is vital to prevent damage if it breaks).
Engine Oil:
API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 (or 10W-30 if ambient temps are higher)
Coolant:
Chrysler Type 1 (Long-Life) Antifreeze / Coolant (Blue) or equivalent. 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Chrysler ATF+4 (or equivalent, check manual for exact specification, ATF+3 was common)
Power Steering Fluid:
Chrysler Power Steering Fluid (or equivalent ATF Type SP)
Engine Mounts:
Commonly fail, leading to vibration and clunking noises.
Radiator And Cooling System:
Plastic end tanks on radiators can crack, leading to leaks. Heater core leaks are also frequent.
Suspension Components:
Ball joints, tie rod ends, and control arm bushings can wear out prematurely, affecting handling and causing noise.
Alternator:
Early models were prone to alternator failure.
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gaskets and oil pan gaskets can degrade and leak.
Marque:
Dodge (Chrysler Corporation)
Generation:
First Generation Neon (1995-1999)
Platform:
Chrysler PL platform (also used for Plymouth Neon, Dodge SX 2.0, Chrysler Cirrus/Stratus/Breeze in some markets)
Manufacturing Location:
Belvidere Assembly Plant, Belvidere, Illinois, USA
Market Introduction:
January 1994 for the 1995 model year
