Positioning:
Affordable compact car, targeting younger buyers and budget-conscious consumers. Known for its sporty styling and good value proposition.
Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Escort, Chevrolet Cavalier, Volkswagen Golf.
Features:
Front-wheel drive, sporty styling, spacious interior for its class, available in sedan and coupe body styles, relatively potent engine options for the era.
Powertrain:
Engine, Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Transmission (Manual & Automatic)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Braking System (Front & Rear Disc/Drum), Wheel & Tire Specifications
Electrical:
12V Electrical System, Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Wiper/Washer System, Horn, Power Accessories (Windows, Locks, Mirrors)
Body:
Body Construction, Exterior Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Glass, Interior Trim, Seats, HVAC System (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning)
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting charts, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) interpretation (OBD-I and early OBD-II for later models), Component testing procedures
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance tasks, Oil change procedures, Filter replacement (oil, air, fuel), Spark plug replacement, Brake fluid flush, Coolant flush, Belt replacement, Fluid level checks
Repair:
Component removal and installation (engine, transmission, suspension parts, brake components, starter, alternator, etc.), Engine overhaul, Transmission repair, Body panel repair, Electrical component repair
Specifications:
Torque specifications for critical fasteners, Component clearances, Electrical system schematics, Diagnostic data
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds)
Engine Code:
P1 (1.8L SOHC)
Engine Displacement:
1.8 Liters (1806 cc)
Engine Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder
Horsepower:
116 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
120 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Engine Option 2 Code:
P1 (2.0L SOHC - later models)
Engine Option 2 Displacement:
2.0 Liters (1996 cc)
Engine Option 2 Horsepower:
122-132 hp (depending on year and specific engine variant)
Engine Option 3 Code:
DOHC (2.0L DOHC - for performance models)
Engine Option 3 Displacement:
2.0 Liters (1996 cc)
Engine Option 3 Horsepower:
145-150 hp (for Neon Highline, ACR, RT models)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended, higher for performance models)
Ignition System:
Electronic Ignition with Distributor (earlier models), Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) or Coil-on-Plug (later models)
Transmission Type Standard:
5-Speed Manual
Transmission Type Optional:
3-Speed Automatic (later models offered a 4-speed automatic)
Clutch Type:
Dry Single Plate Clutch (Manual)
Transmission Fluid Spec Auto:
ATF+4 (or equivalent specification)
Transmission Fluid Spec Manual:
API GL-4 or GL-5, SAE 75W-90 (check specific manual for exact spec)
Length Sedan:
approx. 172.1 inches (4371 mm)
Length Coupe:
approx. 170.2 inches (4323 mm)
Width:
approx. 66.9 inches (1699 mm)
Height Sedan:
approx. 53.1 inches (1349 mm)
Height Coupe:
approx. 52.0 inches (1321 mm)
Wheelbase:
approx. 104.4 inches (2652 mm)
Wheelbase Track Width:
approx. 58.3 inches (1481 mm) front / 58.4 inches (1483 mm) rear
Trunk Volume Sedan:
approx. 12.0 cubic feet (339 liters)
Curb Weight Est Min:
approx. 2600 lbs (1179 kg)
Curb Weight Est Max:
approx. 2800 lbs (1270 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvw:
Not specified, consult vehicle placard
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
Not rated or not tested for all model years; refer to specific year's NHTSA data if available. Generally, early 90s compacts had mixed results.
IIHS Crash Test Results:
Refer to IIHS archives for specific year and model. Early Neons generally received 'Acceptable' to 'Marginal' ratings in frontal impacts.
ABS Availability:
Optional on most trims, standard on some higher trims and later models.
Airbags Driver:
Standard (Driver's side airbag)
Airbags Passenger:
Optional on some models, standard on higher trims and later models.
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seat belts with pretensioners (driver and front passenger)
Audio System:
Basic AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Basic speaker configurations.
Cruise Control:
Optional on many trims.
Traction Control:
Rarely available, mostly on performance or top-tier trims late in the generation.
Aux Input:
Not available (requires aftermarket installation).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first) with synthetic blend or full synthetic oil. 3,000-5,000 miles with conventional oil, depending on driving conditions. Consult manual for exact recommendation.
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles
Transmission Fluid Change Interval Auto:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (check manual, often recommended every 30k for severe use)
Transmission Fluid Change Interval Manual:
Every 60,000 - 100,000 miles (inspect for leaks or contamination)
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years (typically for conventional coolant)
Engine Oil Type Capacity:
10W-30 or 5W-30 (refer to manual); capacity approx. 4 quarts (3.8L) with filter
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based (Green coolant, typically 50/50 mix with distilled water)
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF or specific power steering fluid (check manual)
Engine Issues:
Head gasket failures (especially on early 2.0L engines), coolant leaks, valve stem seal wear leading to oil consumption, timing belt issues (interference engine).
Transmission Issues:
Automatic transmission solenoid failures, manual transmission clutch wear, synchro issues.
Suspension Steering Issues:
Front suspension components (ball joints, tie rod ends, control arm bushings) wear prematurely, power steering pump leaks.
Electrical Issues:
Window regulator failures, power lock actuator issues, dashboard indicator light failures, sensor failures (crankshaft position sensor, camshaft position sensor).
Body Issues:
Rust formation on lower body panels and wheel arches, door hinge wear, interior plastic trim degradation.
Parent Company:
Chrysler Corporation (later DaimlerChrysler, then FCA)
Redesign Notes:
The first generation Neon (PG) was a completely new platform for Dodge, designed to compete with import compacts. It was praised for its design and handling but faced some reliability concerns.
Manufacturing Location:
Belvidere Assembly Plant, Illinois, USA
Production Volume Estimate:
Significant volume, reflecting its popularity as an entry-level vehicle.
Car And Driver 10Best:
Named to Car and Driver's '10Best' list for 1995.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Generally rated as average to below average for reliability by Consumer Reports during its production run. Manual will aid in addressing common issues.
Emissions Standards:
Designed to meet US EPA emissions standards for the respective model years.
