Brand Perception:
Dodge offered the Neon as an affordable and sporty compact, a departure from some of their larger, more truck-like offerings.
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Escort, Chevrolet Cavalier, Mazda Protege.
Design:
Unique cab-forward design, often praised for its interior space relative to exterior dimensions. Available as a coupe and sedan.
Performance Variants:
Included sporty 'ACR' (American Club Racer) and 'R/T' (Road and Track) trims for enthusiasts.
Value Proposition:
Positioned as a budget-friendly yet stylish and often peppy compact car.
Powertrain Components:
Comprehensive coverage of all engine, transmission, and drivetrain components, including part numbers and diagrams.
Chassis Components:
Detailed listing for suspension, steering, and braking system parts, facilitating accurate replacement.
Body And Trim:
Extensive coverage of exterior panels, interior trim pieces, glass, seals, and hardware.
Electrical And Lighting:
Includes parts for the electrical system, wiring harnesses, switches, and lighting assemblies.
Part Identification:
Primary function is identification of all OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts with corresponding part numbers.
Diagram Interpretation:
Provides exploded view diagrams to illustrate part relationships and locations for accurate assembly/disassembly.
Ordering Parts:
Essential for mechanics and owners to accurately order replacement parts.
Depth:
OEM Part Specification and Identification. Not a repair manual, but crucial for identifying correct replacement parts.
Engine Code:
ECC/EDF (1.8L SOHC) and DEK (2.0L SOHC/DOHC)
Displacement:
1.8 L (1755 cc) and 2.0 L (1996 cc)
Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder
Valve Train:
SOHC (Single Overhead Cam) or DOHC (Double Overhead Cam) depending on engine and trim.
Horsepower 1.8L:
105 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque 1.8L:
110 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Horsepower 2.0L Sohc:
124 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque 2.0L Sohc:
133 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Horsepower 2.0L DOHc:
132 hp @ 6000 rpm (standard), 145 hp @ 6000 rpm (ES/ES Plus)
Torque 2.0L DOHc:
130 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm (standard), 135 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (ES/ES Plus)
Horsepower 2.0L Acr/R/T:
140 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque 2.0L Acr/R/T:
130 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
Induction:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Recommended Octane:
87 Octane (minimum), higher for performance models if specified.
Type:
3-Speed Automatic (30PH)
Gear Ratios:
Varies by engine and transmission, detailed in service manuals, not typically in parts catalogs but implied by component listings.
Transmission Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (for automatic), Manual transmission fluid (e.g., Mopar Manual Transmission Fluid 2524853).
Length Coupe:
162.7 inches (4133 mm)
Length Sedan:
171.7 inches (4361 mm)
Width:
67.4 inches (1712 mm)
Height Coupe:
53.2 inches (1351 mm)
Height Sedan:
55.1 inches (1400 mm)
Wheelbase:
104.0 inches (2642 mm)
Passenger Volume:
Approx. 94 cu ft (Sedan) / 88 cu ft (Coupe)
Trunk Volume Sedan:
Approx. 13.0 cu ft
Trunk Volume Coupe:
Approx. 10.0 cu ft
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2500 - 2800 lbs (1134 - 1270 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 3600 lbs (1633 kg)
Standard Wheel Size:
14 or 15 inch steel or alloy
Optional Wheel Size:
16 inch alloy on R/T and ACR models
Tire Sizes:
185/65R14, 195/60R15, 205/50R15 (common)
NHTSA Rollover Resistance:
4/5 stars (for 1997 Sedan models).
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger front airbags standard on most trims.
Seat Belts:
Front 3-point seat belts with pretensioners, rear 3-point belts.
Body Structure:
Designed with front and rear crumple zones.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) optional on most trims, standard on some higher trims.
Traction Control:
Traction control was not widely available or standard for this model year.
Audio System:
Basic AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Speaker configuration typically 4 speakers.
Dashboard Layout:
Driver-oriented dashboard with analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer, fuel, and temperature.
Cruise Control:
Available as an option on most trims, standard on some higher-end models.
Auxiliary Inputs:
N/A (No auxiliary inputs or USB ports).
Power Windows Locks:
Available as options, standard on higher trims like ES.
Air Conditioning:
Available as an option, standard on higher trims.
Oil Change:
Every 3,000 to 5,000 miles (4,800 to 8,000 km) or 6 months, depending on driving conditions.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 60,000 to 100,000 miles (96,000 to 160,000 km) depending on plug type (standard vs. platinum/iridium).
Timing Belt:
Crucial: Replace every 60,000 to 90,000 miles (96,000 to 145,000 km) or 5-7 years. This engine has an interference design, so belt failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.
Engine Oil Capacity:
3.5 quarts (3.3 L) with filter, using SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40.
Coolant Type:
Chrysler Formula 50/50 Antifreeze/Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol based).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF +3 or ATF +4 (check specific model, early may use different spec).
Engine Mounts:
Engine mounts can degrade over time, leading to vibrations and clunking noises, especially during acceleration or gear changes.
Struts And Shocks:
OEM struts and shocks can wear out, causing a bouncy ride and reduced handling. Replacement is common.
Automatic Transmission:
The 3-speed automatic transmission can be prone to wear and solenoid issues if not properly maintained. Fluid changes are critical.
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) coil packs can fail, causing misfires and rough running.
Rear Axle Bearings:
Some models experienced premature failure of rear axle bearings, leading to humming or grinding noises.
Rear Suspension Bushings:
Rear control arm bushings and trailing arm bushings can degrade, affecting alignment and handling.
Parent Company:
Chrysler Corporation
Generation:
First Generation (1995-1999).
Design Philosophy:
Conceived as a modern, affordable, and driver-focused compact to compete with Japanese imports. Designed by Chrysler's advanced Product Development and Design Center.
Chassis Platform:
Chrysler JA platform.
Production Location:
Sterling Heights, Michigan, USA.
Production Years:
1995-2005 (across generations).
Sales Performance:
Initially strong sales due to aggressive pricing and marketing, though long-term reliability perceptions impacted later sales.
Car And Driver 10Best:
Named to Car and Driver's 10Best list for 1997, a significant endorsement of its performance and value at the time.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Consumer Reports ratings for early Neons were generally average to below average in later years, but initial reception was often positive.
Epa Fuel Economy City:
Approx. 21-23 MPG (depending on engine/transmission).
Epa Fuel Economy Highway:
Approx. 28-30 MPG (depending on engine/transmission).