2001 Dodge Neon: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Dodge and Plymouth sell nearly identical versions of this subcompact sedan, though the Plymouth edition retires after the 2001 model year. Front side airbags and ABS are options. Base models have a 132-hp 4-cyl engine and are available with manual transmission or a 3-speed automatic. Optional in the Dodge line are the R/T package and race-track oriented ACR package; both add 4-wheel disc brakes and a 150-hp engine that's available only with manual transmission. Instead of the standard 14-inch wheels, the R/T package and the Sport Appearance package substitute 16s, while the new Motorsports option adds yellow-letter tires on tinted alloys.

COMPETITION

A perennial favorite, the Honda Civic, is new and better than ever. We love the wide range of bodystyles, engines, and equipment. Civic is a solid car that has good performance, a nice ride, and a high degree of civility. New last year was the Ford Focus. Though we loved almost everything about the Focus, we were reluctant to rank it a Best Buy because it was new from the ground up. After a year of living with a ZTS model, we can say that the reliability is good. Focus ranks a notch below Civic in some areas but costs less. Topping the crowded 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 Dodge Neon and Toyota Echo, the slightly-upscale Nissan Sentra, and the roomy Mazda Protege. If you are looking for a budget buy, the Hyundai Accent offers a lot for your dollar, however, it's not as refined as more-expensive competitors.