2003 Dodge Neon: Road Test
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2003 Dodge Neon ▼
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- MSRP: $13,030 -$19,450
- Invoice: $12,217 -$18,060
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Our road test for the 2003 Dodge Neon includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Dodge Neon from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Dodge Neon, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Dodge Neon help you decide if a 2003 Dodge Neon is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| SE, auto. | R/T | SRT-4 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 7 | 4 |
Have not yet timed an SRT-4, but it accelerates swiftly from all speeds. Other Neons are fairly lively with manual transmission, particularly the 150-hp R/T. Automatic transmission takes some steam out of the SE and SXT, but they don't feel underpowered.
FUEL ECONOMY
| SE, auto. | R/T | SRT-4 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 6 | 6.5 |
Test SEs and SXTs averaged 20.9-21.8 mpg with automatic transmission in mostly city driving, 25.3 with manual in an even city/freeway mix. Test R/T averaged 32.7 mpg in almost exclusively highway driving. No chance to measure SRT-4 fuel economy. Dodge recommends premium-grade fuel for the SRT-4, regular-grade gas for other Neons.
RIDE QUALITY
| SE, auto. | R/T | SRT-4 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3 | 4.4 |
Reasonably comfortable on all but really bad pavement, though SE and SXT bound over uneven surfaces. Better-controlled R/T and firmer-still SRT-4 are stiff over bumps but not punishing.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| SE, auto. | R/T | SRT-4 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 7 | 5.3 |
More adept than most low-cost cars. Sporty yet predictable behavior, despite noticeable body lean in turns. Accurate steering. R/T and SRT-4 have fine cornering grip. Available antilock 4-wheel disc brakes provide straight, sure stops. We wish traction control were still available.
QUIETNESS
| SE, auto. | R/T | SRT-4 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3 | 3.7 |
Wind, road noise noticeable but less intrusive than the 2.0-liter engine, which groans in any but light acceleration. SRT-4's turbo engine accelerates with a sporty growl.
CONTROLS
| SE, auto. | R/T | SRT-4 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.6 |
Instrument/control layout fine, but gauges lose legibility in dim light with the headlamps on. Abundance of hard plastic on dashboard and doors, but it doesn't look or feel cheap.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| SE, auto. | R/T | SRT-4 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.8 |
Comfortable seats. Good room. Visibility hampered by thick roof pillars and high parcel shelf. SRT-4's well-bolstered bucket seats supportive through fast corners.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| SE, auto. | R/T | SRT-4 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.7 |
Head clearance 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
| SE, auto. | R/T | SRT-4 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.8 |
Good trunk volume for this class, but liftover is high and lid hinges dip into load area.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| SE, auto. | R/T | SRT-4 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.4 |
Pressured by newer, more-polished rivals such as the Ford Focus and Toyota Corolla, Neon fights back with youth-appeal R/T and SRT-4 models. Still, it needs frequent factory incentives and/or dealer discounts to keep sales steady, so don't buy without taking advantage of these deals. On the upside, Neon has little to apologize for on a value basis.
Total Score
| SE, auto. | R/T | SRT-4 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 47 | 50 | 49 | 47.2 |
Total Score: 49
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