2002 Dodge Neon: Road Test
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2002 Dodge Neon ▼
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- MSRP: $12,515 -$16,465
- Invoice: $11,749 -$15,343
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Our road test for the 2002 Dodge Neon includes a full evaluation of the 2002 Dodge Neon from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2002 Dodge Neon, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2002 Dodge Neon help you decide if a 2002 Dodge Neon is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Base, auto. | R/T, 150 hp | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 3.7 |
Fairly quick with manual transmission, particularly the 150-hp R/T and ACR. Neons with the new 4-speed automatic transmission aren't fast, but do quite well for subcompacts and feel less sluggish than with the old 3-speed automatic. And the 4 speed furnishes quieter, more-relaxed top-gear cruising.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base, auto. | R/T, 150 hp | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 6.7 |
An automatic-transmission base model averaged 21.8 mpg in mostly city driving. A manual-transmission base model averaged 25.3 mpg in an even city/freeway mix, a test R/T 32.7 mpg in almost exclusively highway driving.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base, auto. | R/T, 150 hp | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4.1 |
Quite good for a subcompact. Comfortable and controlled over all but really bad pavement.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base, auto. | R/T, 150 hp | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 4.9 |
Fun. Accurate steering, predictable yet sporty front-drive behavior. Available ABS, 4-wheel disc brakes provide straight, sure stops.
QUIETNESS
| Base, auto. | R/T, 150 hp | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3.6 |
Wind and road noise are noticeable but are not as intrusive as the engine, which groans under hard throttle.
CONTROLS
| Base, auto. | R/T, 150 hp | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.6 |
Dressy gauges lose legibility in dim light with the headlamps on. Layout is otherwise fine. There's a surplus of hard plastic on Neon's dashboard and doors, but it doesn't look or feel cheap.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base, auto. | R/T, 150 hp | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4.4 |
Comfortable seats. Plenty of leg and head room. Visibility is hampered by thick roof pillars and high parcel shelf.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base, auto. | R/T, 150 hp | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3.2 |
Head room tight for those over about 5-ft-10. Leg room sufficient, seat comfort good. Doorways fairly large, but rear-door shape hinders entry/exit.
CARGO ROOM
| Base, auto. | R/T, 150 hp | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3.3 |
Trunk volume good for this class, but liftover is high and lid hinges dip into load area.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Base, auto. | R/T, 150 hp | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 4.7 |
Pressured by newer, more-polished rivals such as the Ford Focus and Toyota Corolla, Neon's sales are slow and getting slower, so don't buy one without taking advantage of factory incentives and/or dealer discounts. On the upside, prices are attractive to start with, and Neon is capable enough to stand a value-for-dollar comparison with most subcompact competitors.
Total Score
| Base, auto. | R/T, 150 hp | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 47 | 50 | 44.2 |
Total Score: 49
Scores for all Compact Cars
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