Allpar Forums banner

1995-1999 Plymouth, Chrysler, and Dodge Neon

15K views 0 replies 1 participant last post by  Allpar.com Content 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
1995-1999 Plymouth, Chrysler, and Dodge Neon


Land vehicle Vehicle Car Sedan Chrysler neon


The 1995 Plymouth, Chrysler, and Dodge Neon was a stunning car: it was faster than competitors, roomier inside, handled better, and even cheaper to make, the first American small car to make a profit in many years. The Neon was also an instant success on the track, sweeping their class with well-balanced engines, sharp cornering, and a factory race-prep package.

Motor vehicle Car Vehicle City car Luxury vehicle


The Neon made other automakers to scramble to add horsepower and room and fun; Japanese companies immediately bought Neons and took them apart to see how it was done. The front styling quickly was a detailed guide for the next year's Geo Metro exterior and Chevy Cavalier interior; and it forced other automakers to finally bump up their standard-engine horsepower into triple digits.

Not everyone loved the Neon, but a surprising number of buyers did, and kept theirs on the road though thick and thin in the years to come.

Neon performance

With a manual transmission, the 1995 Neon was 13% faster 0-60 than the 2.5-liter Shadow, and 1.5% faster 0-60 than the 2.2 liter Omni/Horizon; 40-60 mph was identical to the 2.2 L-body and 4% faster than the 2.5 P-body.



Grade percentage at 55 mph was identical to the P-body, and 6% faster than the L-body. With an automatic, 0-60 was 14% faster than the P-body, 22% faster than the L-body; grade and 40-60 time comparisons were similar to the manuals.

Deeper looks at the Neon

We've expanded these sections, while editing out some of the more awkward language and duplication.


Land vehicle Vehicle Car Sedan Automotive fog light


The competition (1995-99)

Comparisons with the Toyota Corolla | the 1961 Dodge Lancer | the Chevrolet Cavalier Convertible

Land vehicle Vehicle Car Sedan Full-size car
There was little comparison of the Neon to the Ford Escort, especially when equipped with the Ford engines (the Mazda Escort engines were less sluggish and more reliable). Neon had a nicer ride, better acceleration, and much more space.

The Neon also beat the Civic, especially after the Civic dropped its double-wishbone suspension; and you had to get a Civic EX to get even close to the Neon's horsepower, without coming close to matching the Neon's torque.

There were disadvantages to the car. Notable weaknesses included failing head gaskets on 1995-96 (and early 1997) models, moderately noisy engines and a rough idle on 1995 cars, the ill-suited three-speed automatic transmissions (the five-speed manual was widely praised), and a tendency, after eight to ten years, for rust to appear underneath the window trim. Engine mounts also tended to have a relatively short lifespan.

The Neon's long performance dominance has ended as time passed, but as a used car, it still has a good balance of space, handling, acceleration, value, and comfort. Maybe that's why we have so many testimonials...

J. Kelsey wrote: "I am the proud owner of a 1997 Neon SOHC. I just tripped 300,000 miles today. I am a courier and race autocross on the weekends. I have a lead foot and dog my car out everywhere I go. In addition to this I neglect my car's maintenance needs to the point of disbelief. For instance the last time I changed my oil was at 262k. If I am careful I can still get close to 40 mpg and it will still catch rubber in second gear. It is however starting to show some of its miles....such as the struts that really need to be replaced... This is an exceptional car and I plan to put another 200k on it."

Land vehicle Vehicle Car Hood Motor vehicle


Neon concept cars

These are rather tantalizing views of what could have been. We have no information on these, just some images of first-generation concept Neons - which Chrysler has in their database as having been released (the images) in October 2000, which must surely be a mistake.

First, the Neon GLH:

Land vehicle Vehicle Car Automotive design Yellow


Then the Neon Coupster:

Land vehicle Car Vehicle Bumper Automotive design


And, finally, the Neon oh!zone -

Land vehicle Vehicle Car Automotive design Mid-size car


The Sport-Biker was apparently inexpensive enough to build...

Land vehicle Vehicle Car Sedan Chrysler neon


Changes to the Chrysler, Plymouth, and Dodge Neon cars, 1996-99

Numerous changes other than those officially detailed in press releases were made throughout the Neon's run. Many were minor (e.g. the revised turn signal assembly) and can only be found in TSBs or in old factory change orders, perhaps still floating around on Chrysler servers.

During 1995, the dual cam (DOHC) engine, which had started out as standard equipment on the Sport model, became an option; so a single-cam engine could be purchased on a Sport but the power bulge hood, only needed for the DOHC, was still used on all Sports.

For 1996, all models underwent revisions to reduce noise and vibration, and more standard equipment was added to base models, including the touring suspension, remote trunk release, tinted glass, and intermittent wipers. A larger gas tank (12.5 rather than 11.2 gallons) was fitted (still plastic), the computer and steering wheel were upgraded, and interior and exterior colors were added. ABS, which had previously only been available on higher models, was now available across the board, while Highline and Sport gained an optional power sunroof, and remote locks. The coupe could now be ordered in base trim (it had started as Highline), and the DOHC was no longer standard on Sport Coupe. A TLEV (low-emissions) version was sold in California states, and the Expresso package was introduced for Highlines, adding a power bulge hood, some special trim, a spoiler, and a tachometer, which had been limited to Sports.

Land vehicle Vehicle Car Motor vehicle Sedan


The Sport model did not reappear for 1997, but a Sport package was optional on Highline models, which amounted to the same thing; buying a Sport let one choose between SOHC and DOHC engines at the same price. The oil pan was modified to cut noise, evaporative emissions were cut, dynamic side impact protection was enhanced on sedans, wheel covers were changed, a CD player was made optional, and color choices were changed.

In 1998,
Land vehicle Vehicle Car Motor vehicle City car
manual-transmission Neons outside of the US and Canada had a higher-mileage 1.8 liter engine based on the 2.0, with 115 hp. The Neon R/T model was added with a standard DOHC and the aggressive ACR five-speed. Side-impact protection was increased again, while redesigned seat belts made operation easier and impacts safer. Window seals were improved, noise again reduced. Gas mileage was up to 41 highway on (non-R/T, non-ACR) manual transmission models.

The Neon also had a new three-layer head gasket, and nearly every problem had been addressed, other than dealers not being able to adjust the windows properly. unfortunately, the damage had been done, and Neon sales were no longer as high, or as easy, as they had been. A new anti-lock brake braking system that was smoother and quieter, and softer rubber on the exhaust hangers to reduce exhaust noise and vibration.

The Neon Style arrived late in the year, with a sunroof, leather steering wheel and shift knob, body color painted door handles, four doors, and tango cloth fabric interior without the color swatches. Few have ever seen one.

For 1999, the final year of what some consider to be "the real Neon," the Neon complied with CARB low-emission-vehicle rules, and dynamic side impact/intrusion protection was again enhanced.

Sales figures

Land vehicle Vehicle Car Full-size car Mid-size car


Speedometer Auto part Odometer Gauge Tachometer
Ward'sU.S. Sales Production
figuresDodgePlymouth
DodgePlymouth*
1993 2,7541,522
199493,30085,660 125,811117,001
1995133,984106,205 130,887116,592
1996139,831105,472 133,906105,165
1997121,85486,798 124,83186,656
1998 117,96478,533 124,72978,372
1999112,23671,561 165,22966,905

* Neons were also made in Toluca, Mexico, but we do not have their production figures.
** Plymouth might include Chryslers for export

For more sales data, see our Neon (both generations) page.


Home
Engines
Reviews
Chrysler 1904-2018
Upcoming
Trucks
Cars

Spread the word via <!--Tweet or--> Facebook!

We make no guarantees regarding validity or accuracy of information, predictions, or advice - .
Copyright © VerticalScope Inc. All rights reserved. Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler, Ram, and Mopar are trademarks of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.

 
See less See more
18
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top