2001 Dodge Neon

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2001 Dodge Neon
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Key Specs

of the 2001 Dodge Neon. Base trim shown.

  • Body Type:
    Sedan See similar vehicles
  • Combined MPG:
    30 Combined MPG
  • Engine:
    150-hp, 2.0-liter I-4 (regular gas)
  • Drivetrain:
    Front-wheel Drive
  • Transmission:
    5-speed manual w/OD
  • View more specs

2001 Dodge Neon Overview

By Cars.com Editors
Vehicle Overview
Racy R/T and ACR models join the lineup, and leather upholstery and side-impact airbags are new options for Dodge’s version of the front-drive Neon compact. The Neon was redesigned for the 2000 model year, when it received evolutionary styling changes and larger dimensions.

Plymouth also sells the Neon but offers fewer models, and both the Plymouth brand and its version of the Neon will disappear at the end of this model year.

Dodge is DaimlerChrysler’s performance-oriented division, and the Neon R/T (Road/Track) fits that mold with a 150-horsepower engine, sport suspension and tires, and racy exterior trim. The ACR (American Club Racer) model is a competition version that comes with a stiffer suspension.



Exterior
The original Neon came in two- and four-door styling, but the current model comes only as a four-door. Overall length is 174 inches — slightly shorter than the Ford Focus or Honda Civic sedans. The styling evokes kinship to the original Neon, but DaimlerChrysler designers say they tried to give the second-generation model a more mature, more substantial appearance.

The R/T and ACR models get unique front and rear fascias and rear spoilers.



Interior
The Neon has a pair of front buckets and a three-place rear seat. Cargo volume is 13 cubic feet, and a 60/40 split folding rear seat is standard. A rear window defogger and a center console with four cupholders are standard on all models. A dashboard-mounted, four-disc CD changer is optional on al...
Vehicle Overview
Racy R/T and ACR models join the lineup, and leather upholstery and side-impact airbags are new options for Dodge’s version of the front-drive Neon compact. The Neon was redesigned for the 2000 model year, when it received evolutionary styling changes and larger dimensions.

Plymouth also sells the Neon but offers fewer models, and both the Plymouth brand and its version of the Neon will disappear at the end of this model year.

Dodge is DaimlerChrysler’s performance-oriented division, and the Neon R/T (Road/Track) fits that mold with a 150-horsepower engine, sport suspension and tires, and racy exterior trim. The ACR (American Club Racer) model is a competition version that comes with a stiffer suspension.



Exterior
The original Neon came in two- and four-door styling, but the current model comes only as a four-door. Overall length is 174 inches — slightly shorter than the Ford Focus or Honda Civic sedans. The styling evokes kinship to the original Neon, but DaimlerChrysler designers say they tried to give the second-generation model a more mature, more substantial appearance.

The R/T and ACR models get unique front and rear fascias and rear spoilers.



Interior
The Neon has a pair of front buckets and a three-place rear seat. Cargo volume is 13 cubic feet, and a 60/40 split folding rear seat is standard. A rear window defogger and a center console with four cupholders are standard on all models. A dashboard-mounted, four-disc CD changer is optional on all models except the ACR.

Leather upholstery is a new option available for the R/T and ACR, and side airbags for the front seats are included with this feature.



Under the Hood
A 132-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine powers the base and ES models. The R/T and ACR models have a 150-hp version of this engine. The base engine comes with a choice of five-speed manual or three-speed automatic transmissions, and the 150-hp engine comes only with the manual.

Low-speed traction control and antilock brakes come as an option package.



Driving Impressions
The second-generation Neon is more substantial than the original and feels rock-solid over bumpy pavement. It is slightly roomier and just as fun to drive as the original. Unfortunately, it is just as loud, and the engines make considerable ruckus in hard acceleration.

A quieter engine would make Neon a stronger rival for class leaders such as the Honda Civic. A four-speed automatic transmission should be the second priority because virtually all rivals offer one.
 
Reported by Rick Popely  for cars.com
From the cars.com 2001 Buying Guide

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Latest 2001 Neon Stories

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Consumer Reviews

4.4
10 reviews
Exterior Styling
(4.2)
Performance
(4.2)
Interior Design
(4.4)
Comfort
(4.3)
Reliability
(4.5)
Value For The Money
(4.6)

What Drivers Are Saying

(4.0)

No prolems

by DodgeNeon2001 from Reston, VA on April 3, 2018

This was a basic car, a 2001 Dodge Neon, and good value for money. It didn't have many/any frills that a modern car has, but it never gave us problems. Read full review

(5.0)

Best car I've ever had!

by HuskyMom on February 27, 2017

My mom bought a gently used neon when I was really small and I remember thinking it was the cutest car and telling her I want it when I start driving. I started driving in 2012 and my parents let me ... Read full review

Safety & Recalls

Recalls

The 2001 Dodge Neon currently has 0 recalls

Crash and Rollover Test Ratings

The 2001 Dodge Neon has not been tested.

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Cars.com Car Seat Check

Certified child passenger safety technicians conduct hands-on tests of a car’s Latch system and check the vehicle’s ability to accommodate different types of car seats. The Neon received the following grades on a scale of A-F.*
* This score may not apply to all trims, especially for vehicles with multiple body styles that affect the space and design of the seating.

Warranty FAQs

What is a Bumper-to-Bumper warranty?

Often called a basic warranty or new-vehicle warranty, a bumper-to-bumper policy covers components like air conditioning, audio systems, vehicle sensors, fuel systems and major electrical components. Most policies exclude regular maintenance like fluid top offs and oil changes, but a few brands have separate free-maintenance provisions, and those that do offer them is slowly rising. Bumper-to-bumper warranties typically expire faster than powertrain warranties.

What is a Powertrain warranty?

Don't be misled a 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty doesn't promise a decade of free repairs for your car. It typically covers just the engine and transmission, along with any other moving parts that lead to the wheels, like the driveshaft and constant velocity joints. Some automakers also bundle seat belts and airbags into their powertrain warranties. With a few exceptions, powertrain warranties don't cover regular maintenance like engine tuneups and tire rotations.

What is included in Roadside Assistance?

Some automakers include roadside assistance with their bumper-to-bumper or powertrain warranties, while others have separate policies. These programs cover anything from flat-tire changes and locksmith services to jump-starts and towing. Few reimburse incidental costs like motel rooms (if you have to wait for repairs).

What other services could be included in a warranty?

Some automakers include free scheduled maintenance for items such as oil changes, air filters and tire rotations. Some include consumables including brake pads and windshield wipers; others do not. They are typically for the first couple of years of ownership of a new car.

What does CPO mean?

A certified pre-owned or CPO car has been inspected to meet minimum quality standards and typically includes some type of warranty. While dealers and third parties certify cars, the gold standard is an automaker-certified vehicle that provides a factory-backed warranty, often extending the original coverage. Vehicles must be in excellent condition and have low miles and wear to be certified, which is why off-lease vehicles feed many CPO programs.

See also the latest CPO incentives by automaker