Target Audience:
Budget-conscious consumers, first-time car buyers, economy-minded drivers.
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cavalier.
Design Philosophy:
Affordable, practical, and relatively sporty styling for its class.
Value Proposition:
Offers a compelling combination of price, features, and performance in the compact segment.
Manual Utility:
Provides in-depth technical knowledge essential for maintaining and repairing the vehicle effectively.
Engine Service:
Detailed diagnosis, repair, and overhaul procedures for all engine variants.
Transmission Service:
Coverage for automatic and manual transmission systems, including diagnosis and repair.
Chassis And Suspension:
Complete service information for steering, suspension, and chassis components.
Brakes And Wheel Systems:
Brake system diagnosis, repair, and ABS system coverage.
Electrical And Electronic Systems:
Extensive coverage of the vehicle's electrical system, including wiring diagrams, component testing, and diagnosis.
Body And Frame:
Repair procedures for body panels, interior trim, and structural components.
HVAC System:
Service and repair information for the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system.
Fuel And Emissions Systems:
Diagnosis and repair of fuel injection, exhaust, and emission control systems.
Routine Maintenance:
Detailed instructions for all scheduled maintenance tasks.
Troubleshooting Guides:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and complex issues.
Component Replacement:
Step-by-step guides for replacing major and minor vehicle components.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Procedures for using diagnostic tools and interpreting scan data.
Rebuilding Procedures:
Comprehensive instructions for engine and transmission rebuilding.
Depth Of Information:
Expert-level detail suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Wiring Diagrams:
Includes detailed and schematized electrical wiring diagrams for all systems.
Torque Specifications:
Precise torque values for all critical fasteners.
Diagnostic Trouble Codes:
Coverage of OBD-II codes and their associated diagnostic steps.
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic
Clutch Type:
Dry single plate (manual transmission)
Automatic Transmission Features:
Electronically controlled with overdrive.
Manual Transmission Fluid Spec:
Refer to manual for specific fluid type (e.g., SAE 75W-90 GL-5)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Spec:
Mopar ATF+4 (MS-9602)
Length:
Approx. 174.7 inches (4437 mm)
Width:
Approx. 66.9 inches (1700 mm)
Height:
Approx. 53.9 inches (1370 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 104.1 inches (2644 mm)
Trunk Capacity:
Approx. 12.4 cubic feet (Sedan)
Curb Weight Min:
Approx. 2700 lbs (1225 kg)
Curb Weight Max:
Approx. 3050 lbs (1383 kg)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
Good (2003 models)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
Good (2003 models)
ABS:
Available on most trims, standard on some higher trims and SRT-4.
Traction Control:
Available on select models.
Airbags Front:
Standard driver and passenger front airbags.
Airbags Side:
Optional side curtain airbags on some models.
Seatbelts:
Front pretensioner seatbelts with load limiters.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles (8,000 - 12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (24,000 - 48,000 km).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approx. 60,000 - 100,000 miles (96,000 - 160,000 km) depending on spark plug type.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km) or 2-4 years.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (API Certified) - Check owner's manual for exact specification and viscosity index improver requirements.
Coolant Type:
Mopar OAT (Orange) Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula (MS-9769) or equivalent HOAT.
Engine Mounts:
Premature wear and failure of engine mounts, leading to vibration and noise.
Power Steering Pump:
Leaking power steering pumps and hoses are a common complaint.
Rear Axle Seals:
Leakage from rear axle seals, particularly on models with rear-wheel drive bias.
Interior Rattles:
Various interior trim pieces can develop rattles over time.
Evaporative Emissions Control:
Issues with the EVAP system, such as faulty vent solenoids or purge valves, leading to 'check engine' lights.
Brand Focus:
Dodge, a division of Chrysler, historically focused on performance and value.
Generation:
This covers the second generation (PL) of the Dodge Neon, introduced for the 2000 model year.
Updates 2003 2005:
Minor styling updates, improved interior materials, and powertrain refinements throughout this period.
Manufacturing Location:
Belvidere Assembly Plant, Illinois, USA.
Production Years:
2000-2005 (for the second generation)
Previous Generation Awards:
First-generation Neon received praise for its chassis dynamics and sporty feel in its class.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Mixed to below-average reliability ratings in its model years, often cited for various minor electrical and mechanical issues.
Epa Fuel Economy Rating:
Approximately 24 MPG city / 33 MPG highway (for the 2.0L EDZ engine with manual transmission).
