2000 Dodge Neon: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

This subcompact was redesigned for an early-1999 debut as a 2000 model and is sold in nearly identical form by Dodge and Plymouth dealers. The Plymouth-badged Neon will be dropped after the 2001 model year as the Plymouth brand is retired.
A 4-door sedan is the only body style and comes in base trim, called Highline, and as a better-equipped version called ES by Dodge and LX by Plymouth. The only engine is a 132-horsepower overhead-cam 4-cylinder. Manual transmission is standard, a 3-speed automatic is optional. The manual transmission has revised gear ratios intended to improve performance and fuel economy. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes are optional and are packaged with traction control. Unlike some competitors, Neon doesn't offer side airbags.

COMPETITION

This crowded segment is best represented by two exceptional cars--one a Best Buy and the other a Recommended. Our Best Buy is the Honda Civic, which offers a wide range of bodystyles, engines, and equipment levels. Civic is a solid car that has good performance, a nice ride, and is very civilized.
Topping the Recommended list are the Volkswagen Golf and Jetta. They easily could be Best Buys as they are better than the Civic in many ways. However, they are also the most expensive cars in this segment. Other Recommended choices include the no-frills Chevrolet Cavalier and Dodge Neon, the slightly-upscale Chevy Prizm and clone Toyota Corolla, and the roomy Mazda Protege.
If you are looking for a Budget Buy we recommend you stay away from the Hyundai or Daewoo models and take a look at the Ford Escort.