2004 Dodge Neon

Rating from Former owner

(2)
Comfort:		5 out of 5
Performance:		2 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		4 out of 5
Value for the Money:		4 out of 5
Reliability:		1 out of 5

"I purchased a brand new Srt-4 and had problems with it from day one. From parts breaking for no reason to transmission problems and everything in between. This was on a stock car also and I never raced it. Simply put, this car is only good for people who want to race and that are mechanics, not for the average joes. It is beautifully designed in and out and has great interior and trunk space, comparable to the Corolla and bigger than the civic. I ended up selling mine and buying an import- the best decision I ever made. Buyer beware!"

I would recommend this car to a friend: No

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Just getting around

Rating from ex-owner

(1)
Comfort:		1 out of 5
Performance:		2 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		3 out of 5
Interior Design:		2 out of 5
Value for the Money:		1 out of 5
Reliability:		1 out of 5

"the only good thing about it would be the looks. I had this car for 2 years. first year went fine. second year engine problems were constant.this car almost got me killed as well. no engine light was on it and it stopped in the middle of the road in heavy traffic this car is not reliable. not only that but it had leaks through out the car. looked up online to see if it was just mine but many other owners had the same problem with water leaking into the car through the AC and the trunk. if u need a car for only a year then this car will work but if u want a long lasting car get something else"

I would recommend this car to a friend: No

Primary use for this car: Commuting

Rating from Lady A

(2)
Comfort:		3 out of 5
Performance:		3 out of 5
Handling:		3 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		2 out of 5
Interior Design:		2 out of 5
Features:		1 out of 5
Value for the Money:		3 out of 5
Reliability:		1 out of 5

"I bought this car in Ohio (base--manual windows, mirrors and all) used from a local dealer with a 48 month plan, kept up with regular maintenance, kept the commute to a minimum (school, work and home) and still couldn't get this car to last till its payoff date. Literally in its last month the transmission goes IN THE FALL of all times and the estimates to replace it were ridiculous (every car owner knows once the transmission goes, you're looking at more problems to come)!! I was lucky enough to be able to trade it in for a beautiful '05 Nissan Altima S (after coughing up the $$ to replace it), but the value of course had tanked by then, even with the upgrades I had made to it (CD changer, spoiler kit). Don't get me wrong: I loved the car. I could maneuver in and out of freeway traffic, loved my stereo quality and making payments were a breeze, but it wasn't meant to be. I was later told by several mechanics that Dodge cars are known for their horrible transmissions and that's why the car was first discontinued through Plymouth. Will never buy again."

I would recommend this car to a friend: No

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Commuting

Rating from Corvette and SRT owner

(5)
Comfort:		3 out of 5
Performance:		5 out of 5
Handling:		4 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		4 out of 5
Interior Design:		4 out of 5
Features:		5 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		4 out of 5

"This is a performance/ tuner car. When it came out its target market was the young tuner market that Honda held a tight grip on. This car won awards in performance magazines every year it was in production from 2003 to 2005. This is not in the same category as a neon which was designed for value oriented, mpg conscious buyers. This was designed for performance and speed. . It is not a family car. Although it does have 4 doors and if your a family that likes fast loud cars -then its ok. It's exhaust is loud as it comes stock with no muffler and only two resonators. It has a 2.4 liter turbo that pushes 230hp. This has been noted in magazines as being underrated. Its interior has viper inspired seats and most larger people do not fit well in them. If you want fast 0-60 in 5.3 seconds and want it at a low cost ...this is the car for you! Lots of aftermarket parts to make it even faster. Typically the younger crowd or simply people who want to modify or drive fast buy this car. I am a middle aged male who also owns a corvette but wanted this to modify and have fun with...it delivers!!"

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Having fun

Rating from Jed

(4)
Comfort:		4 out of 5
Performance:		4 out of 5
Handling:		3 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		4 out of 5
Interior Design:		4 out of 5
Features:		3 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		4 out of 5

"I had a 2004 SRT-4 and liked it while I owned it. I read through the reviews here and for the most part they are accurate - I also would never buy it as a family car. The major disappointment I had with this car was the handling. It understeers around corners - something that I later found out that Dodge did on purpose to try to slow drivers down by basically scaring them. This can be corrected by adding some stiffness to the frame, but it would have been nice if it had neutral steering. (Coincidentally, I replaced this car with a BMW and they do not handle the same, despite what the earlier review says). It is also pretty terrible in the snow, especially given that it's FWD, but a set of snow tires made a huge difference. Another feature that I wish Dodge had included was a cool down on the turbo, something other similar priced cars do include, and something that can be added aftermarket as well. I didn't have mine long enough for this to be an issue, but apparently turbines without cooling mechanisms, or manually cooled, can be problematic after the miles start building up. Other than that, I loved it. Interior design is simple, but I always thought it looked good and was set up well. I'm 6'9" tall and fit fine in the bucket seats and thought they held the driver well around corners. I was also fine on long trips (but let's be honest, it's basically a two seater). Anyways, when I was looking to replace it, I saw no new car in the price range that I would even consider over just getting a 2nd SRT-4. I made the choice to go with a pre-owned 3 series for about the same money, but still like the SRT-4."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Just getting around

Rating from teen 1st time driver

(4)
Comfort:		3 out of 5
Performance:		5 out of 5
Handling:		5 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		4 out of 5
Interior Design:		3 out of 5
Features:		3 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"This car is fun to drive and looks stylish. Gets great gas mileage. It handles great in any weather. With it's studded tires on it handles better than our Explorer in the snow and ice. Had it 2 years and only had to change the oil. Is a little noisy and not the comfiest ride on long drives. But I love this car."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Just getting around

Rating from Happy New Yorker

(5)
Comfort:		5 out of 5
Performance:		5 out of 5
Handling:		5 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		4 out of 5
Interior Design:		4 out of 5
Features:		4 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"I bought this Neon SXT 5 speed used and I couldnt be happier. I have had it for 5 months now adn not one thing troubled me with the car. I remember teh first day i bought it I fillled it up with gas. The tank lasted me 6 days, which i drove about 400 miles in. This car gets GREAT gas mileage. And the longest of trips dont seem so because the car is sporty adn fun to drive, adn smooth adn comfortable to be in. I wish Dodge still made the Neon, I would be a contiuous customer for them. I love this car."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Just getting around

Rating from I test cars for a living

(5)
Comfort:		5 out of 5
Performance:		5 out of 5
Handling:		5 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		5 out of 5
Features:		5 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"Within this category/class of car, the SRT-4 cannot be beat. Fun to drive, reliable, responsive (that means it can go fast when you want it to), great gas mileage and plenty of upgrades if you want to customize it. Add to that the sensible 4 doors and plenty of trunk space and you've got yourself a practical, safe yet fun to drive vehicle. And did I mention the price tag on most? You can't find a better value for the money."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

Primary use for this car: N/A

Rating from George

(4)
Comfort:		4 out of 5
Performance:		4 out of 5
Handling:		4 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		4 out of 5
Interior Design:		4 out of 5
Features:		4 out of 5
Value for the Money:		4 out of 5
Reliability:		4 out of 5

"I bought a used '04 Dodge Neon 4-door sedan SXT spring of 2007. My long daily commute meant I needed something economical (both to purchase, and to operate), but also something comfortable (since I'd be in it so much). I checked out every new compact sedan or hatchback available for under $13,000, as well as some decent used cars. Most lived up to the compact car rep - few amenities (often no AC, CD stereo, power locks/windows, etc.), noisy, not great handling, and not comfortable to sit in for long periods of time. I had lowered my expectations some when I came across the '04 Neon with 20K on it and a tag under $10,000. I liked the look: instead of a compact novelty design it actually looks like a "grown up" car - a shrunken version of classier Chryslers like the Sebring or 300, with a wide, cab-forward stance. This helped it be roomier than expected inside, with decent adult head and leg room both front and back. It's no luxury sedan, but it's been comfortable for the long commute and long car trips with my wife and teenaged daughter. It's also pretty quiet - again, not a luxury sedan, but much less road noise than most compacts. I leaned initially toward hatchbacks as I thought they'd do better for cargo, but I found the Neon trunk to be both deep and wide. When I need a little more space, the split rear seat pass-through opens to about 80% of the width of the trunk. Very handy. The wide low design makes for a lower center of gravity than many boxier compacts, so the Neon handles as good or better than any other car I drove in the price range. The ride is pretty smooth - you don't feel every pebble in the road thorugh the seat and steering column. The SXT package on this vehicle included a decent stock CD stereo, AC, and power everything. It's a nice step up from the new cars in their stock configurations (a plus of buying used). The fuel economy is competitive with other cars in the class - about 27 mpg around town in stop-and-go traffic, and over 30 mpg on road trips. I've been very pleased, and I'd definitley recommend it to anyone looking for a little better aesthetic experience from their cheap, basic transportation."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: N/A

Rating from Methuselah

(4)
Comfort:		4 out of 5
Performance:		5 out of 5
Handling:		2 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		3 out of 5
Interior Design:		3 out of 5
Features:		3 out of 5
Value for the Money:		4 out of 5
Reliability:		3 out of 5

"I love my srt-4. Think it is onw of the best sport compacts made. Fun to drive and can smoke every other car in class"

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: N/A