Target Audience:
Budget-conscious buyers, first-time car owners, small families
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cavalier/Cobalt
Distinctive Selling Points:
Affordability, fuel efficiency, distinctive styling (for its time), relatively agile handling
Trim Levels:
Typically SE, SXT, SRT-4 (though SRT-4 might have specific manual variants)
Powertrain:
Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, ignition system
Drivetrain:
Transmission operation (automatic and manual), drivetrain components
Chassis:
Braking system, steering system, suspension system, wheels and tires
Electrical:
Lighting system, instrumentation, gauges, power outlets, basic electrical troubleshooting
Body And Interior:
Doors, windows, seats, climate control, audio system, interior features
Safety And Security:
Airbags, seat belts, child restraint systems, locks, security system
Maintenance:
Recommended service intervals, fluid checks and top-offs, tire pressure checks, wiper blade replacement
Diy Activities:
Wiper blade replacement, bulb replacement (headlights, taillights), checking fluid levels, jump-starting a dead battery
Operation:
Starting and driving, using controls and features, dashboard indicator lights and warnings
Emergency Procedures:
Tire changing, jump starting, towing procedures, emergency vehicle information
Depth:
Covers essential owner information for daily operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting. Does not include in-depth diagnostic procedures or complete repair instructions typically found in a service manual.
Engine Type:
Inline 4-Cylinder (I4)
Displacement:
2.0 Liters (1996 cc)
Engine Designation:
SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) or DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft) depending on trim
Horsepower Sohc:
Approximately 132 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque Sohc:
Approximately 130 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Horsepower DOHc Gt:
Approximately 145 hp @ 6600 rpm
Torque DOHc Gt:
Approximately 136 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
Engine Code 2 0 Sohc:
Mopar 2.0 SOHC
Engine Code 2 0 DOHc:
Mopar 2.0 DOHC
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Recommended Octane:
87 Octane Minimum
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic
Automatic Transmission Feature:
Optional, with lock-up torque converter
Manual Transmission Feature:
Standard on most trims, offering a more engaging driving experience
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Chrysler ATF+4 (Mopar)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant (or equivalent API GL-4, SAE 75W-90)
Length:
Approx. 174.1 inches (4422 mm)
Width:
Approx. 67.4 inches (1712 mm)
Height:
Approx. 53.0 inches (1346 mm) (Coupe)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 104.1 inches (2644 mm)
Curb Weight Min:
Approx. 2650 lbs (1202 kg)
Curb Weight Max:
Approx. 2850 lbs (1293 kg)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Driver:
Good (Highest rating)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Passenger:
Good (Highest rating)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Acceptable (For comparable models of the era)
ABS:
Available on select trims
Traction Control:
Available on select trims
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard
Seat Belts:
Three-point front and rear seat belts
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first) under normal driving conditions. Refer to manual for severe conditions.
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or as needed based on wear patterns.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Typically every 30,000-60,000 miles or 3-5 years (refer to manual for specific type and interval).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Refer to manual; typically around 60,000-100,000 miles depending on plug type (e.g., platinum or iridium).
Engine Oil Viscosity:
SAE 5W-30 (Refer to manual for cold weather recommendations)
Engine Oil Type:
API Service SG, SH, or SJ certified synthetic or conventional oil
Coolant Type:
Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (5-Year Formula) or equivalent HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant
Common Electrical:
Faulty instrument cluster, power window regulators, interior light issues.
Common Engine Drivetrain:
Cracked exhaust manifold (especially early models), occasional transmission issues (shifting problems, leaks), engine mounts.
Common Chassis Suspension:
Worn suspension components (ball joints, tie rods), brake wear.
Common Body:
Rust (especially in colder climates), door lock actuator failures.
Brand:
Dodge (Chrysler Corporation, later Fiat Chrysler Automobiles)
Generation:
Second Generation Neon (2000-2005)
Design Update Year:
2003 (Minor facelift)
Production Period:
2000-2005
Manufacturing Location:
Belvidere, Illinois, USA
Sales Performance Context:
Competed in a challenging compact car market, facing strong Japanese and European competition.