Positioning:
Affordable, fuel-efficient, sporty compact car offering good value for money
Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cavalier, Hyundai Elantra
Design:
Distinctive rounded styling, cab-forward design, often praised for its youthful appearance
Performance:
Engaging driving dynamics, particularly in sportier trims
Availability:
Available as a 2-door coupe and 4-door sedan
Powertrain:
Engine, transmission, exhaust, cooling, fuel, ignition, starting and charging systems
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering, brakes, wheels, and tires
Electrical:
Body electrical, lighting, instruments, power accessories, diagnosis and wiring diagrams
Body And Frame:
Body panels, interior trim, doors, windows, bumpers, structural components
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common problems, fault code interpretation
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and adjustment
Diagnostics:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), circuit testing, component testing
Depth:
Comprehensive coverage for DIY and professional technicians
Detail Level:
Includes torque specifications, clearances, wiring diagrams, and schematics
Length Coupe:
174.6 inches (4435 mm)
Length Sedan:
174.6 inches (4435 mm)
Width:
66.9 inches (1700 mm)
Height Coupe:
53.6 inches (1362 mm)
Height Sedan:
54.4 inches (1382 mm)
Wheelbase:
104.4 inches (2652 mm)
Front Headroom:
39.5 inches (1003 mm)
Front Legroom:
42.3 inches (1074 mm)
Rear Headroom:
37.4 inches (950 mm)
Rear Legroom:
32.7 inches (831 mm)
Trunk Volume Sedan:
13.0 cubic feet (368 Liters)
Trunk Volume Coupe:
10.3 cubic feet (292 Liters)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 2600-2750 lbs (1180-1247 kg), depending on body style and options
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 3700 lbs (1678 kg)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
4 Stars (2001 model year)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
4 Stars (2001 model year)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Driver:
4 Stars (2001 model year)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger:
4 Stars (2001 model year)
IIHS Head Restraint Eval:
Acceptable (2001 model year)
Brakes:
Standard front disc brakes, rear drum brakes. Optional ABS available.
Traction Control:
Not widely available on base models; some higher trims might have offered it.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags standard.
Seatbelts:
Front three-point active seatbelts with pretensioners, rear three-point seatbelts
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH system available on select models.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (synthetic oil recommended)
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 platinum-tipped plugs (standard)
Coolant Flush:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30 (API SG or higher), capacity 4.5 US quarts (4.3 Liters) with filter
Coolant:
Chrysler OAT (Organic Additive Technology) or HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) coolant, Mopar OAT or equivalent, 50/50 mix with distilled water
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
ATF+4 (Mopar Automatic Transmission Fluid Type 9602), capacity 3.0 US quarts (2.8 Liters) for fluid change
Transmission Fluid Manual:
Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant (MS-9224) or equivalent API GL-4, SAE 75W-90, capacity 2.0 US quarts (1.9 Liters)
Power Steering Fluid:
Mopar Power Steering Fluid or Pentosin CHF 11S (check specific vehicle for correct type)
Engine Minor:
Intake manifold gasket leaks, PCV valve issues, occasional oil sludge buildup if not maintained
Engine Major:
Head gasket failures (though less common on 2.0L SOHC than some other Chrysler engines of the era), piston ring wear leading to oil consumption
Transmission:
Automatic transmission clutch pack wear, manual transmission synchro issues (less common)
Suspension And Steering:
Front strut mount bearing failure, tie rod end wear, sway bar links
Electrical:
Window regulator failure, HVAC blower motor resistor failure, instrument cluster intermittent issues
Preventative Care:
Regularly check and change engine oil and filter, keep coolant system clean, inspect belts and hoses, address any coolant leaks promptly.
Parent Company:
Chrysler Corporation (at the time of this generation)
Generation Intro:
The second generation Dodge Neon (PL platform) was introduced for the 1999 model year, with significant styling and mechanical updates from the first generation.
Updates 2000 2001:
Minor refinements and feature packaging changes were common during these model years, with the focus on addressing early generation issues and improving market appeal.
Manufacturing Plant:
Belvidere Assembly Plant, Belvidere, Illinois, USA
Production Years For Gen2:
1999-2005
