Dodge · 1993–2021

Dodge Neon

The Neon is a compact car built by Chrysler from the 1995 to 2005 model years. Taking its name from the inert gas, the model line was marketed by Dodge and Plymouth; in Europe, Mexico, Japan, South Korea, Egypt, Australia, South Africa, and South America, the Neon was branded as a Chrysler (from 2001 to 2003, also in Canada). The model line was the first compact car to become profitable for an American automaker. The Neon used the front-wheel drive Chrysler PL platform, which replaced three sets of vehicles: the Dodge Omni/Plymouth Horizon (retired in 1990), the Dodge Shadow/Plymouth Sundance, and the Mitsubishi-sourced Dodge/Plymouth Colt (Eagle did not sell the Neon to replace the Summit). For the Mexican and the Middle Eastern market, the Dodge Neon nameplate returned from 2016 to 2020 as a rebranded version of the Fiat Tipo sedan for the Mexican and the Middle Eastern market. During its original production, Chrysler assembled the Neon in its Belvidere Assembly (Belvidere, Illinois) and Toluca Car Assembly (Toluca, Mexico State) facilities.

Text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Predecessor: Dodge Shadow · Successor: Dodge Caliber

All Dodge Neon data: UK builds, safety, recalls, model years → + Compare

Development

The development of the Neon began life in the mid-1980s at American Motors Corporation (AMC), as its designers began development on a replacement for the Renault Alliance (the American version of the Renault R9). In 1987, Chrysler Corporation acquired AMC, combining the AMC design team with Chrysler engineers previously assigned to the L platform (Omni/Horizon and variants). The PL project became codenamed "Counterattack", in relation to Lee Iacocca's opinion to media statements that Big Three automakers could no longer build vehicles with the innovation, quality, or efficiency that their Japanese counterparts used to attract consumers. The project goal for the newly merged team was to develop a car that was "lightweight, fuel sipping, powerful, comfortable in an American manner, yet to cost no more than a bit under $4,000 to build, with a retail sales price of no more than $8,000". Led by Tom Gale, the straight-edged 1980s design language retained a three-box layout (in contrast to the Omni and Horizon), but with far more modern styling, following the cab-forward designs debuted by the Lamborghini Portofino and Eagle Optima. 1991 Dodge Neon concept. Chrysler introduced the Neon as a Dodge-branded concept car at the 1991 Frankfurt Motor Show. Developed as a prototype to expand its environmental friendliness, the Neon was assembled with recycled components and designed to be virtually 100% recyclable. To further reduce its impact, the car was fitted with an onboard trash compactor to eliminate litter created inside the vehicle. Serving as a loose preview of the production vehicle in development, the 1991 Dodge Neon concept was a four-door sedan exploring cab forward design closer in a compact car. To maximize interior space, all four doors slid open from the center;

First generation (1994)

The first generation Neon was introduced at the 1993 Frankfurt Motor Show and went on sale in January 1994 for the 1995 model year. It was available as a four-door notchback sedan and a two-door notchback coupe. Available engines were SOHC and DOHC versions of Chrysler's 2.0 L 4-cylinder engine producing 132 hp (98 kW) at 6,000 rpm and 129 lb⋅ft (175 N⋅m) at 5,000 rpm or 150 hp (112 kW) at 6,500 rpm and 133 lb⋅ft (180 N⋅m) at 5,600 rpm, respectively; transmission options were a 3-speed Torqueflite automatic or a five-speed manual. The car was badged and sold as both a Dodge and a Plymouth in the United States and Canada; in Mexico and Gulf Cooperation Council it was sold as a Dodge and a Chrysler, and in Europe, Australia, and other export markets it was sold as the Chrysler Neon. At the Neon's release, then president of Chrysler Corporation Bob Lutz said, "There's an old saying in Detroit: 'Good, fast, or cheap. Pick any two.' We refuse to accept that." The Japanese press touted the Neon as the "Japanese car killer", due to a spiraling Yen due to the Japanese "bubble economy" crash and the lower production cost of the Neon. The Neon also became the first Chrysler small car sold in Japan but despite focused attention, only 994 were sold in Japan between June and December 1996. One hindrance to sales was that the Neon was classed in the larger "Normal sized Passenger vehicles" tax bracket according to the Japanese Government dimension regulations which obligated Japanese owners for additional yearly road taxes which affected sales; had it been 19 mm (0.75 in) narrower it would have been in a significantly lower tax category. The Neon received praise for its appearance, price, and ample power when compared to its competitors. Car and Driver tested the DOHC 5-speed equipp

Second generation (2000)

Sales of the second generation model started with the 2000 model year and production ended with the 2005 model year. The second-generation Neon was only available as a four-door sedan. In some global sales regions, including the U.S., the sole engine was the 2.0 L SOHC engine, the power output remaining at 132 hp (98 kW). An optional Magnum engine configuration (with an active intake manifold, and other engine revisions to increase power) that produced 150 hp (112 kW) was available. The second generation was more refined than the first-generation car. It was advertised that the second-generation Neon had over 1,000 refinements from the original generation. The first generation's frameless windows were replaced with a full-framed door. Other NVH refinements were implemented. The new interior and greater size increased weight. The DOHC engine (Chrysler code name ECC) was no longer available. In 2000, the R/T trim returned after a one-year hiatus. The R/T consisted of a new 150 hp (110 kW) SOHC Magnum 2.0 L Engine, 16 in (41 cm) wheels, spoiler, dual chrome exhaust tips, quicker steering box, and stiffer springs. The 2001 and 2002 R/Ts had a flat, 'hammerhead' spoiler. From 2000 to 2003, the R/T was sold as a Chrysler in the United Kingdom. The Neon was offered with a sport package for the 2001 model year only commemorating Dodge's return to the NASCAR scene, called the Motorsports Edition. It was available on SE, ES, and R/T and on SE/ES models, consisted of an R/T wing, R/T 16 in (41 cm) wheels, R/T springs, Goodyear NASCAR raised yellow-lettering tires, 'Dodge Motorsports' side decals, white instrument cluster, and R/T steering box. SE and ES cars were an R/T visually except for the lack of dual exhaust, R/T lower moldings, fog lamps, and R/T exclusive front bumper. Th

Third generation (2016)

The third generation of the Dodge Neon is the sedan version of Fiat's Project Ægea, adapted for the Mexican and Middle Eastern markets as well as marking a comeback of the Neon nameplate after an 11-year absence. Released for the 2017 model year, the new Neon was positioned for the Mexican market as a "new breed of compact sedan." The new Neon was introduced in 2016, around the same time the Dodge Dart was expected to end production and there were reports that it would be sold in the U.S. and Canadian markets by 2018 as a replacement for the Dart. Consistent with FCA's plans to dedicate U.S. production to Jeep and Ram vehicles while using the North American Free Trade Agreement to make Chrysler and Dodge passenger cars in Canada and Mexico, the Neon was planned to be built and imported from Turkey. Utilizing the Fiat Tipo platform, the cars were co-developed and produced in Tofaş by Fiat and Turkish Koç Holding. Although marketed in Turkey, Europe, and Africa, only Mexico and the Middle East received the Dodge Neon variant. Plans to market the third-generation Neon vehicle north of Mexico were dropped following General Motors and Ford each paring down their own passenger car lineups in the U.S., including ending sales of potential compact-sized rivals Chevrolet Cruze and Ford Focus in the US and Canada. The Neon was discontinued in Mexico after the 2020 model year, with the final 70 units sold in 2021. Sales.

Sections adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0); text is shortened. Read the full article for the complete history and citations.

Specifications

name

Chrysler/Dodge/Plymouth Neon

Manufacturer

Chrysler Corporation (1995–1998), DaimlerChrysler (1998–2005), Fiat Chrysler (2017–2021)

Production

November 1993–2005, 2016–2021

Model years

1995–2005, 2017–2020

Class

Compact car

Layout

Front-engine, front-wheel drive

Platform

Chrysler PL platform

Predecessor

Dodge Colt / Plymouth Colt, Dodge Shadow / Plymouth Sundance, Plymouth Laser

Successor

Dodge Caliber

aka

Chrysler Neon, Dodge Neon, Plymouth Neon (1995–2001), Dodge SX 2.0 (Canada), Dodge SRT-4 (2003–2005)

Related

Dodge SRT-4, Chrysler PT Cruiser

Specification summary from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0). Check the linked sources for citations.

More photos

Sources

• Wikidata — https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1088717CC0 1.0 · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrysler_NeonCC BY-SA 4.0 · Text © Wikipedia contributors; revision 1376364259 · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Wikimedia Commons — https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Dodge-Neon-Sedan.jpgPublic domain · Photo: IFCAR · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Car Model Index — https://models.autoculturesociety.com/Compiled record. Sources that do not permit reuse are not copied; this index is credited instead.

More from Dodge