Chrysler, Plymouth, and Dodge Neons 1995-2005
Click on the Neon to go to the generation you want, or keep reading for both generations.
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When it first arrived on the scene, the Neon was cute, scrappy, and desirable enough to command a premium over the list price for months. It boasted a standard engine with 132 horsepower - more than any other car near its price, and at least 30 horsepower more than most in its class - and matching torque, as well as a large interior, good handling, innovative environmental features, and a long list of standard features. The original Neon was engineered to beat every car in its class in nearly every way. Europeans got a more upscale version with standard air conditioning (unusual for the time) and optional leather.
First-generation (1995-1999) Dodge Neon, Plymouth Neon, and Chrysler Neon information
The second generation Neon brought refinement, more room, and an end to some troubles, but no substantial improvements to the powertrain, leaving it more of an average sedan - except in SRT form, where it was a blast and a half.
Second-generation (2000-2005) Chrysler, Plymouth, and Dodge Neon information
Does the Neon SRT-4 really need an introduction? It went straight at the heart of the Japanese pocket-rocket market, undercutting the prices of cars that Detroit supposedly couldn’t compete with, and outperforming them as well — without sacrificing roadability or trunk space. Not only that, but the SRT-4 made a good profit... just as the original Neon did. There’s nothing like having your cake and eating it, too.
Dodge Neon SRT-4
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The Neon ceased production on September 23, 2005, after a two-generation, nearly-thirteen-year run. It leaves behind awards, trophies, and squandered opportunities.
BAPworker said: “The last Neon was an SXT. There are a couple hundred signatures on the floor, under the carpet. The car before it was an SRT-4, white as all Neons and SRTs were the last two days of production. Look for an alternative wheel on last day production SRTs as there were not enough wheels and the vendor may not have [had] the capability to make more.” We don’t know where the final Neon is, but the final Plymouth was a Neon, and that’s owned by a collector and former Chrysler vice president.
Sales: first and second generation Neons
Both coupes and sedans were sold from 1995-99, but not after 1999. The following table is for U.S. sales and production only and does not include the Toluca factory, which had fairly high production (though smaller than Belvidere), or the SRT-4, which reportedly reached a maximum of 13,000 units in its final year. We’re missing production numbers for 1995 and have no global or international sales data available.
| U.S. Sales | U.S. Production* | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dodge | Plymouth | Dodge | Plymouth** | ||
| 1995 | 142,853 | 114,311 | n/a | n/a | |
| 1996 | 131,343 | 103,813 | 133,936 | 105,565 | |
| 1997 | 115,110 | 82,881 | 124,831 | 86,656 | |
| 1998 | 129,875 | 87,066 | 117,964 | 78,533 | |
| 1999 | 112,236 | 71,561 | 165,229 | 66,905 | |
| 2000 | 113,381 | 49,951 | 179,039 | 49,623 | |
| 2001 | 107,299 | 30,054 | 145,718 | 10,756 | |
| 2002 | 126,118 | 0 | 156,988 | 12,054 | |
| 2003 | 120,101 | 150,957 | 1,859 | ||
| 2004 | 113,476 | 139,004 | 1,844 | ||
* Starting in 1999, we only have Belvidere (Ohio) numbers; Neons were also made in Toluca, Mexico from 1995-99.
** Plymouth includes Chryslers for export; after 2003, only Chryslers are listed under “Plymouth”
Neon sales were down to 113,000 units last year. That number hasn't changed much over the past few years, but there used to be a Plymouth Neon, too, which pushed total Neon sales to around 200,000 a year. Chrysler built its last Plymouth in July 2001, and the Dodge Neon never picked up the slack.
— Jerry Flint, 2005
11/13/08: “Because of the onslaught of requests by the CAB to bring back the Neon, Jim Press drove one that someone provided him. He was very impressed. He wants to bring back a Neon sized sedan. There is no money in the kitty for such a project.”
