Introduction

The Dodge Neon offers a solid value among compact sedans. Roomy and fun to drive, it delivers style and performance. The Neon was completely redesigned for model year 2000. This second-generation Neon is far more refined than the first. It's more pleasant to live with than early models, which were initially Spartan, unrefined and noisy. This new, second-generation model moves the Neon up a rung on the compact car food chain. Compared with the previous model, the new Neon is solid, serious and sophisticated.

Walkaround

Chrysler first introduced the Neon in January 1994. Back then, it was the roomiest car in its class. It was quick and fun to drive. And it was inexpensive. After listening to consumers, Chrysler believed the original Neon was the perfect answer. Those consumers had told Chrysler that they were tired of paying high prices: Americans now wanted a good five-cent cigar. So Chrysler designed the Neon to be a low-priced car. But the company quickly discovered that people really wanted more than that. They may have said they wanted a cheap car, but they also wanted refinement, quality and comfort. It was a hard lesson. Though more than 1.5 million Neons have been sold during the past five years, other manufacturers introduced larger, more refined and more feature-laden cars. Chrysler continually refined and improved the Neon throughout its life cycle and the later models are much nicer than the earlier models. But it came time to redesign the car. And that brings us to the 2000 Neon. The 2000 Neon looks similar to the old one, but all the bodywork is new. Those ovoid headlamps continue to be a key styling cue, but they've been redesigned with jewel-like reflectors that add sophistication. The design of the front fascia is more integrated. A new tail lamp design along with more pronounced wheel arches offer a crisp, less rounded look. Most noticeable is the change in profile. The base of the front windshield has been moved forward 3 inches. This major design change gives the car a more raked, cab-forward appearance that's in keeping with the Dodge Intrepid and other Chrysler sedans. The more aerodynamic windshield shape improves the car's ability to deflect water away and it helps reduce wind noise. Overall, the new Neon is longer and wider than before. It rides on a longer wheelbase with a slightly wider track (the distance between the front wheels). These changes make for a roomier interior, but they also smooth out the ride quality and increase stability at high speeds. The ground clearance has been raised slightly to accommodate longer suspension travel, which further improves ride quality. Yet the floor pan has been lowered, which significantly increases trunk space. The new Neon provides more cargo space than the Ford Escort or Saturn SL sedans. The new body structure is much more rigid, which ultimately results in a smoother, quieter, more controlled ride. Full frame doors reduce wind noise and create a tighter seat of door to body. The latest sound-deadening technology helps isolate the cabin from engine and road noise.

Interior Features

Though Chrysler had continually improved the interior of the last generation Neon, the interior of the new Neon was completely redesigned and is much nicer than before. For starters, there's more of it. The bigger cabin offers more front hip room and more space for nicer seats. The driver sits a little higher than before for improved visibility. Back-seat passengers benefit the most from the larger interior with more head, shoulder and hip room. The trunk is significantly deeper than before. The rear seats split and fold down for carrying additional cargo. Sporty new gauges grace a redesigned instrument panel with a wide dashboard brow. Premium door trim and materials that are soft to the touch provide a richer appearance and feel. The interior comes standard with four cupholders and AM/FM/cassette with six speakers. Everything is easy to use and works well except the stereo: It sounds mediocre at best and the buttons small and hard to operate while driving.