Segment:
Compact Economy Car
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cavalier, Nissan Sentra
Vehicle Design:
Known for its distinctive 'cab-forward' design, sporty handling, and aggressive styling for its class.
Performance Variants:
Offered with both standard and high-performance DOHC engines, including the R/T models.
Powertrain:
Engine (2.0L SOHC & DOHC), Transmission (manual & automatic), Clutch, Fuel System, Exhaust System
Chassis:
Suspension (front & rear), Steering, Brakes (front & rear disc, ABS), Wheels, Tires
Electrical:
Wiring Diagrams, Lighting, Ignition System, Charging System, Starting System, Power Accessories, Instrument Cluster, Body Control Modules
Body:
Body Exterior, Interior Trim, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Glass, Seats, HVAC System
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspections and replacement, brake pad replacement
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting charts, OBD-II diagnostic codes and explanations, system-specific diagnostics
Repair And Rebuild:
Engine component removal and installation (e.g., cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft), transmission overhaul, brake caliper and master cylinder replacement, suspension component replacement (struts, control arms), power steering system repair, HVAC component replacement
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, fluid capacities and types, electrical specifications, diagnostic parameters
Depth:
Detailed step-by-step instructions, exploded views, diagrams, and illustrations for complex procedures, covering both basic and advanced repair scenarios.
Engine 1 Type:
2.0L (1996cc) SOHC I4 (16-valve)
Engine 1 Power:
132 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)
Engine 1 Torque:
130 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm (approx.)
Engine 2 Type:
2.0L (1996cc) DOHC I4 (16-valve, Mitsubishi 4G63 derived)
Engine 2 Power:
145-150 hp @ 6000-6400 rpm (approx.) for non-turbo, 175 hp @ 5500 rpm for R/T Turbo (limited production)
Engine 2 Torque:
136 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm (approx.) for non-turbo, 175 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm for R/T Turbo
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane recommended (higher for performance variants)
Coolant Type:
Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (HOAT - Hybrid Organic Acid Technology), or equivalent (typically a 50/50 mix of ethylene glycol and distilled water)
Transmission Type Std:
5-speed manual transmission
Transmission Type Opt:
4-speed automatic transmission
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch (manual transmission)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or SAE 80W-90 gear oil
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mopar ATF+4 (MS-9602) or equivalent. Capacity approximately 7-9 quarts for rebuild.
Height:
54.7 inches (coupe), 55.7 inches (sedan)
Curb Weight:
2600-2800 lbs (approx., depending on trim and body style)
Trunk Capacity:
13.1 cubic feet (approx.)
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
4 x 100mm (4.5 inch)
Wheel Size Std:
14-inch or 15-inch steel or alloy wheels
Wheel Size Opt:
16-inch alloy wheels (on R/T and some higher trims)
Tire Size Std:
185/65R14 or 195/60R15
Tire Size Opt:
205/50R16 (on R/T and some higher trims)
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
4 stars (1997-2000 models, actual rating may vary slightly year-to-year)
NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:
4 stars (1997-2000 models)
IIHS Small Overlap Front:
Not rated (Vehicle class predates standardized IIHS small overlap testing)
ABS:
Available on higher trims and as an option, typically front disc/rear drum or all disc depending on model.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags standard
Seat Belts:
Front pretensioner seat belts, three-point rear seat belts
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/Cassette or AM/FM/CD player, with optional premium sound systems and amplifiers.
Display:
Basic dashboard-mounted display for radio, climate controls, and instrument cluster.
Cruise Control:
Available on most trims
Anti Theft:
Factory immobilizer system on some models
Aux Input:
Not typically available from factory; aftermarket solutions required.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions and oil type used. Refer to specific oil recommendations.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 synthetic or synthetic blend recommended for most conditions. Check owner's manual for exact specification and API service classification.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed, based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approx. 60,000-100,000 miles for platinum or iridium spark plugs (depending on type installed). Check manual for specific plug part numbers.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-3 years.
Timing Belt Replacement:
For 2.0L SOHC engine: Recommended every 90,000-105,000 miles. For 2.0L DOHC engine (non-interference), still recommended at similar intervals for belt integrity.
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 US quarts (with filter) for 2.0L SOHC and DOHC engines
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 brake fluid
Power Steering Fluid:
Mopar Power Steering Fluid or equivalent ATF+4 (check specific model year recommendation)
Engine Mounts:
Common failure point leading to vibration and noise
Radiator And Cooling System:
Plastic end tanks on radiators can crack, leading to leaks. Heater core leaks are also reported.
Suspension Components:
Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, and control arm bushings are common with age and mileage.
Clutch Assembly:
Clutch wear and failure can occur with high mileage or aggressive use.
Ignition System:
Coil packs and spark plug wires can degrade, causing misfires.
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gasket and oil pan gasket leaks are common.
Parent Company:
Chrysler Corporation (at the time of production)
Generation:
First Generation (1995-2000)
Facelift:
Minor styling updates occurred throughout the generation, with more significant changes for the 1998 model year (e.g., revised front and rear fascia, interior updates).
Manufacturing Location:
Belvidere Assembly Plant, Illinois, USA
Production Years:
1994-2000 (for the first generation)
Automotive Press:
The Dodge Neon, particularly early models, received praise for its handling, sporty nature, and value proposition in the compact car segment. Some performance variants were well-regarded by enthusiasts.
Crash Test Performance:
Generally positive crash test ratings for its era (as noted in safety section), contributing to its market appeal.