Market Position:
The 2005 Dodge Neon was positioned as a compact, affordable, and fuel-efficient vehicle, competing with models like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Ford Focus. It was known for its distinctive styling and surprisingly sporty handling for its class.
Competitive Analysis:
Dodge aimed to offer a value proposition with the Neon, often featuring more standard equipment or aggressive pricing compared to key rivals. The sporty SRT-4 variant provided a significant performance advantage in the segment.
Key Features:
The 2005 Neon, part of the second generation, offered a refined interior, improved safety features, and continued the sporty aesthetic. The availability of the high-performance SRT-4 model significantly boosted its appeal to enthusiasts.
Coverage Areas:
All mechanical and body components for the 2005 Dodge Neon, including engine, transmission, drivetrain, suspension, steering, brakes, electrical system, HVAC, fuel system, cooling system, exhaust system, interior trim, exterior body panels, and accessories.
Page Count:
Estimated 500-700 pages (typical for a comprehensive OEM parts catalog).
Manual Type:
Parts Catalog
Format:
Likely Digital (PDF) or Printed Book
Systems Covered:
Engine Assembly, Cylinder Head and Valve Train, Crankshaft and Piston Systems, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Ignition System, Starting System, Charging System, Clutch System (if applicable), Automatic Transmission Assembly, Manual Transmission Assembly, Drive Axles and Differentials, Front Suspension, Rear Suspension, Steering System, Front Disc Brakes, Rear Drum Brakes (or Disc), Parking Brake System, Power Brake System, Chassis, Frame and Bumpers, Body Side Repair, Front and Rear Door Assemblies, Sliding Roof, Body Front, Body Rear, Interior Trim, Instrument Panel, Seats, Heating and Air Conditioning (HVAC), Windshield Wiper System, Lighting System, Horn System, Power Accessory Systems, Electrical Wiring Harnesses, Decals and Emblems, Wheels and Tires.
Procedures Included:
Component identification, part number lookup, exploded diagrams for assembly/disassembly referencing, application of specific parts to vehicle configurations (trim levels, engine options).
Technical Depth:
Highly detailed for parts identification and sourcing. Does not typically include diagnostic or repair procedures, but provides essential component relationships for repair planning.
Diagnostics Support:
Provides component relationships and part interdependencies, indirectly aiding diagnostic efforts by ensuring correct parts are considered.
File Format:
If Digital: Adobe PDF. Searchable text and high-resolution image quality are expected for effective part number retrieval.
Print Quality:
If Printed: High-quality paper with clear, legible text and sharp, detailed exploded diagrams. Professional binding for durability.
Binding Type:
If Printed: Perfect binding or spiral binding for ease of use during parts referencing.
Paper Type:
If Printed: Durable, matte-finish paper to minimize glare and withstand frequent handling in a workshop environment.
Manual Completeness:
Comprehensive coverage of all factory-supplied part numbers and diagrams for the 2005 Dodge Neon. Essential for accurate parts sourcing and inventory management.
Primary Engine:
2.0L SOHC 16-valve Inline-4 (Standard Models)
Horsepower:
Approximately 132 hp @ 5600 rpm (Standard Models)
Torque:
Approximately 131 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (Standard Models)
Srt4 Engine:
2.4L DOHC Turbocharged Inline-4 (SRT-4 Model)
Srt4 Horsepower:
230 hp @ 5300 rpm (SRT-4 Model)
Srt4 Torque:
250 lb-ft @ 2200 rpm (SRT-4 Model)
Fuel System:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Block Material:
Aluminum Alloy
Cylinder Head Material:
Aluminum Alloy
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with Coil-on-Plug (COP) or Coil-Pack Configuration
Standard Transmission:
5-Speed Manual Transmission (Getrag or similar)
Optional Transmission:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission (Chrysler/Mitsubishi '41TE' or similar)
Srt4 Transmission:
6-Speed Manual Transmission (Getrag 'Getrag 285' or similar, specifically for SRT-4)
Clutch Type:
Dry Single Plate (Manual Transmission)
Manual Transmission Fluid Spec:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil (e.g., Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant or equivalent)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Spec:
ATF+4 (Chrysler's proprietary synthetic ATF, Mopar P/N 05013457AA or equivalent)
Wheelbase:
104.1 inches (2644 mm)
Overall Length:
174.4 inches (4430 mm)
Overall Width:
67.4 inches (1712 mm)
Overall Height:
55.7 inches (1415 mm)
Front Headroom:
39.1 inches (993 mm)
Rear Headroom:
37.1 inches (942 mm)
Front Legroom:
41.8 inches (1062 mm)
Rear Legroom:
33.0 inches (838 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2,700 - 2,850 lbs (1225 - 1293 kg) for standard models; SRT-4 approx. 3,100 lbs (1406 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 3,700 lbs (1678 kg)
Towing Capacity:
Not Recommended/Rated for Towing
NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating Driver:
4 Stars (1998-2001 generation tested, generally consistent for 2005)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating Passenger:
4 Stars (1998-2001 generation tested)
NHTSA Side Impact Rating Front Seat:
5 Stars (1998-2001 generation tested)
NHTSA Side Impact Rating Rear Seat:
4 Stars (1998-2001 generation tested)
ABS:
Standard on most trims, optional on base models. Anti-lock Braking System.
Traction Control:
Optional on some trims, standard on SRT-4. Traction Control System (TCS).
Airbags Front:
Standard dual front airbags (driver and passenger).
Airbags Side:
Optional front-seat mounted side airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seat belts for all occupants; pretensioners for front seats.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.
Infotainment System:
Base models typically featured a standard AM/FM/CD player. Higher trims could have optional upgraded audio systems with more speakers or a cassette player/CD changer combination. Navigation was not available.
Cruise Control:
Available on most trims as standard or optional.
Power Features:
Power windows, power door locks, and power mirrors were available on higher trims.
Connectivity Options:
Auxiliary input jacks or Bluetooth were not standard or widely available on the 2005 Neon. Owners often relied on aftermarket solutions.
Service Intervals Oil Change
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, using synthetic blend or full synthetic oil.
Service Intervals Air Filter
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.
Service Intervals Spark Plugs
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for platinum-tipped spark plugs (standard on most 2005 models).
Service Intervals Coolant
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 5 years or 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for the first service, then every 3 years or 50,000 miles (80,000 km).
Engine Oil Type Spec:
SAE 5W-30, API certified (e.g., Mopar 5W-30 Synthetic Blend or equivalent)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 US quarts (4.2 liters) with filter for 2.0L engine.
Coolant Type Spec:
HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Coolant, typically pink or orange (e.g., Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant 5/100 or equivalent)
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 Brake Fluid (e.g., Mopar Brake Fluid or equivalent)
Common Issues Engine:
Occasional intake manifold gasket leaks, oil pan gasket leaks, spark plug tube seal failures (causing oil in spark plug wells), PCV valve issues. For SRT-4, wastegate rattle and clutch wear are common with hard use.
Common Issues Transmission:
Automatic transmission solenoid issues or torque converter problems, manual transmission clutch wear and release bearing noise.
Common Issues Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings, ball joints, and strut mounts leading to clunking noises and poor handling. Rear axle bearings can also wear.
Common Issues Electrical:
Faulty power window regulators, issues with the instrument cluster illumination or gauges, problems with the ABS sensor or module.
Common Issues HVAC:
Blend door actuator failures in the HVAC system, leading to improper air temperature control.
Brand Heritage:
Dodge, a division of Chrysler (now Stellantis), has a long history in the American automotive market, known for its performance-oriented vehicles and distinct styling, dating back to 1914.
Model Evolution:
The Neon was introduced in 1994 as Dodge's first globally developed compact car, designed to compete with import manufacturers. The 2005 model represents the second generation (PL platform), which debuted in 2000 and received a facelift for the 2003 model year. The 2005 model year was the final year for the Dodge Neon in North America.
Production Years:
1994-2005
Manufacturing Locations:
Belvidere, Illinois, USA; Sterling Heights, Michigan, USA.
Sales Figures:
Total Neon production exceeded 1.5 million units globally across both generations. 2005 sales were around 60,000 units in the US.