Brand Perception:
Affordable, sporty styling, value-oriented
Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cavalier/Cobalt, Hyundai Elantra
Design:
Distinctive styling, particularly the coupe version, offering a more aggressive look than many competitors
Value Proposition:
Offered a good balance of performance, features, and price point, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers
Engine Options:
Reliable and relatively fuel-efficient 2.0L World Engine
Coverage Scope:
All models and all repairs A-Z
Applicability:
Vehicle/Model Specific
Estimated Page Count:
Refer to actual product for precise count (typically 1000+ pages for comprehensive workshop manuals)
Type:
Service and Repair Workshop Manual
Format:
Digital (likely PDF, based on typical sales for this type of product)
Powertrain:
Engine (2.0L DOHC GEMA I4), Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Drivetrain
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brake System (Front Disc, Rear Drum/Disc), Wheels & Tires
Electrical:
Body Control Module (BCM), Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Ignition System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Audio System, HVAC Controls, Power Accessories (Windows, Locks)
Body:
Exterior Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Interior Trim, Seats, Glass
HVAC:
Air Conditioning System, Heater, Ventilation
Safety Systems:
Airbag System, Seat Belts
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation, spark plug replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, fault code interpretation, symptom-based diagnosis for all major systems
Repairs And Replacements:
Component removal and installation for engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, electrical, and body components
Diagnostics:
OBD-II diagnostics, specific diagnostic procedures for sensors, actuators, and control modules
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical schematics for all circuits
Depth:
Comprehensive (includes basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, complex electrical diagnostics, and body repair)
Target Audience:
Professional Technicians and Advanced DIY Enthusiasts
Engine Code:
GEMA (World Engine)
Engine Type:
Inline 4-Cylinder (I4)
Displacement:
2.0 Liters (1998 cc)
Valvetrain:
DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft), 16 Valves
Bore X Stroke:
87.6 mm x 83.0 mm
Horsepower:
132 hp @ 5600 rpm (approximate)
Torque:
131 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approximate)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Octane Rating:
87 Octane (minimum)
Engine Control Unit:
Chrysler NGC (Next Generation Controller) or similar
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual Transmission (Getrag A578 or similar)
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission (Chrysler 41TE/42LE or similar)
Automatic Features:
Electronically controlled, overdrive
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Refer to manual for specific type (e.g., SAE 75W-90 GL-4/GL-5)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Chrysler ATF+4 (Mopar)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 105.0 inches (2667 mm)
Length:
Approx. 174.4 inches (4430 mm) (Sedan) / Approx. 167.3 inches (4249 mm) (Coupe)
Width:
Approx. 67.4 inches (1712 mm)
Height:
Approx. 54.3 inches (1380 mm) (Sedan) / Approx. 53.3 inches (1354 mm) (Coupe)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2700-2900 lbs (1225-1315 kg) depending on body style and transmission
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Refer to vehicle's VIN plate
Towing Capacity:
Not Recommended/Designed for Towing
Payload Capacity:
Refer to vehicle's VIN plate
NHTSA Front Impact:
Driver: 4/5 Stars, Passenger: 4/5 Stars (for 2004 model)
IIHS Side Impact:
Acceptable (for models with side airbags, 2005-2006 models recommended)
Braking System:
Front Vented Disc Brakes, Rear Drum Brakes (standard on most trims), Optional Rear Disc Brakes on some performance variants or higher trims
Antilock Braking System ABS:
Optional on lower trims, standard on higher trims or performance variants
Airbags:
Standard front driver and passenger airbags. Optional side-impact airbags for front occupants.
Seat Belts:
3-point front and rear seat belts with pretensioners for front seats
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD player. Optional premium audio systems with more speakers and amplifier.
Navigation:
Not available from the factory
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims
Auxiliary Input:
Rarely equipped from factory; often requires aftermarket installation
Dashboard Layout:
Circular gauges for speedometer, tachometer, fuel, and temperature. Central console with climate and audio controls.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles (8,000 - 12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (synthetic oil recommended for longer intervals)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (24,000 - 48,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for iridium-tipped spark plugs (refer to manual for specific type)
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km) or 2-4 years
Transmission Fluid Change Auto:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km) or as per manual recommendations
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (API Certified, meeting MS-6395)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Chrysler OAT (Organic Acid Technology) Pink Coolant (Mopar P/N 68048553AA or equivalent)
Power Steering Fluid:
Chrysler Power Steering Fluid (Mopar P/N 043030000 or equivalent)
Engine Performance:
Some reports of oil consumption, occasional catalytic converter issues, minor cooling system leaks (water pump, hoses).
Transmission:
Automatic transmission solenoid issues, rough shifting in some cases. Manual transmission clutch wear.
Electrical Systems:
Window regulator failures, power lock actuator issues, occasional HVAC blower motor problems.
Suspension And Steering:
Premature wear of ball joints, tie rod ends, and sway bar links. Power steering pump noise or leaks.
Body And Interior:
Interior trim pieces can be fragile. Rust can be an issue in certain climates, particularly around wheel wells and rocker panels.
Dodge Brand:
Chrysler's performance and muscle car division, evolving into a broader range of vehicles including compacts.
First Generation Neon:
Launched in 1994, known for its agile handling and sporty image.
Second Generation Neon:
Introduced for the 2003 model year, a redesign of the original platform, featuring updated styling, improved interior, and the new 'World Engine'.
Model Year Changes 2004-2007:
Minor updates to styling, features, and option packages. The SRT-4 performance variant was also part of this generation, offering a turbocharged engine.
Manufacturing Location:
Belvidere Assembly Plant, Illinois, USA
Production Years:
2000-2005 (Second Generation)
Discontinuation:
The Dodge Neon was discontinued after the 2005 model year in North America, with production continuing in some international markets and being replaced by the Caliber.
Initial Reception:
The first generation Neon received critical acclaim for its driving dynamics and value. The second generation, while competent, faced stiffer competition and mixed reviews compared to its predecessor.
Consumer Reports:
Consumer Reports often rated the Neon as average to below average in reliability for this period, particularly regarding the automatic transmission and certain electrical components.
Jd Power:
J.D. Power initial quality and dependability studies for the Neon during these years generally placed it in the average to lower-than-average segment compared to its class.