2004 Dodge Neon Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
The little Neon that could has gotten a bad rap over the years because of its poor reliability and numerous problems under the hood. What...
The little Neon that could has gotten a bad rap over the years because of its poor reliability and numerous problems under the hood. What doesn't get talked about is that in its subcompact class, it has always been the fastest, roomiest, and probably the most fun to drive of all of its competitors. While short on creature comforts, it's long on power and handling.
Little has changed for the 2004 Dodge Neon. Both the base SE and SXT trims feature a 2.0-liter, 132-hp engine matched with a 5-speed manual (or optional 4-speed automatic, which many drivers say doesn't take advantage of the peppiness of the engine). The SE gives you basic features, but the SXT offers a lot more options and is probably the better value. A Sports Package can be bought for the SXT that adds a spoiler and fog lamps. The R/T is the performance sport model Neon, with a 2.0-liter engine that gets 150-hp combined only with the 5-speed and a sports-tuned suspension, steering, and special badging.
The Neon is a fast little subcompact, but its wide wheelbase gives greater stability and precise handling on the road. Because it is so roomy, it works well as a starter family car, affordable and comfortable, with a fairly big trunk for storage. There are not a lot of bells and whistles, because the 2004 Neon focuses on performance and practicality over luxury. Complaints range from rough idling, a rear blind spot, loud road noise at high speeds, and a poor resale value.
What owners say
"Overall, owners are fond of the 2004 Dodge Neon for its affordability, good fuel economy, and reliability. Many drivers appreciate its decent performance and comfort for daily driving. However, some have expressed disappointment with its handling and the lack of high-performance aftermarket parts."
The Neon has great gas mileage and very comfortable for a small car. Took this car on several trips from San Diego to Denver (over 1200 miles) and was very comfortable. It is also very good in the snow as we ran into several heavy snow storms in the mountains and had no problems. The compact size makes it easy to park in tight spaces, and get around town. The four cylinder has more the enough power to make merging into freeway traffic easy. I would recommend this car to anyone looking for economical and reliable transportation. Especially students, a young family, or someone looking for a commuter car.
August 5, 2014It may just be a Neon, but I really like the styling... so much better than the old '90s Neon. Performance is good, had the car up over 185km/h running at only 4400rpm. Unlike most Chrysler cars, it even has comfortable seats! Granted they are ripped off from the SRT-4 which is ripped off from the Viper, but there you go.
February 21, 2010Like the good fuel economy,but dislike the long gear ratio of transmission, easy to park at any parking spot, the interior colour and the exterior colour match excellent, this small car, with all the luxury, is an ideal ladies or studenst car. .
January 18, 2013What owners say
The Neon has great gas mileage and very comfortable for a small car. Took this car on several trips from San Diego to Denver (over 1200 miles) and was very comfortable. It is also very good in the snow as we ran into several heavy snow storms in the mountains and had no problems. The compact size makes it easy to park in tight spaces, and get around town. The four cylinder has more the enough power to make merging into freeway traffic easy. I would recommend this car to anyone looking for economical and reliable transportation. Especially students, a young family, or someone looking for a commuter car.
August 5, 2014It may just be a Neon, but I really like the styling... so much better than the old '90s Neon. Performance is good, had the car up over 185km/h running at only 4400rpm. Unlike most Chrysler cars, it even has comfortable seats! Granted they are ripped off from the SRT-4 which is ripped off from the Viper, but there you go.
February 21, 2010Like the good fuel economy,but dislike the long gear ratio of transmission, easy to park at any parking spot, the interior colour and the exterior colour match excellent, this small car, with all the luxury, is an ideal ladies or studenst car. .
January 18, 2013I love this car. It took good care of me and i took good care of her. Very reliable and trustworthy. This car is well maintained and provided me with years of enjoyment and comfort. I would recommend this car to anyone (well maybe someone under 6ft tall!)
January 22, 2012Fun car to drive, even funner to mod it. Easy mods such as a CAI, UDP, high flow cat, new exhaust system, a new cam, will definitely add more power and ultimately = more fun ;) Eats gas if you like to hear your CAI roar when you slam the peddle though. Overall awesome first car :)
October 16, 2010Added Mopar body kit so it looks pretty sweet! Was disappointed that there wasn't much in the way of after market "bolt on" performance parts, but it is still fun to drive, gets great gas mileage and still pretty much looks like new. It is only driven in the summer. Only complaint is the clutch needs to be stiffer. Have had no problems with the car so far, it has been a great car.
July 17, 2009I currently own a 2004 Dodge Neon SXT (sport package) that I bought in 2006 for $9,700. The car is a great first car. It is faster than most other cars in its class and most people underestimate the Neon. Mine came with a rear spoiler, fog lights, a premium sound system, and upgraded wheels. It gets good fuel mileage as well which is another high point for the car. I recently installed a Cold Air Intake and SRT-4 catback exhaust which has increased my gas mileage and has made a huge impact in terms of sound. The catback made me loose a little bottom end power but I gained top end. The brakes are really good quality on mine and the handling is decent for FWD. I must have gotten lucky when buying mine as the car has held up so far needed only scheduled maintenance. The interior could be better but it isn't terrible and the outside is pretty decent looking, especially with the fog lights, spoiler, and my SRT-4 exhaust which has dual tips. All in all it is a good starter car and it can be fun to drive.
August 1, 2008preformance is pretty good for what it is, it feels fast and handles pretty well. Breaks could be better. Stock sound isn't bad.
March 22, 2008I dont see why anybody would buy anything else for a daily driver, it has anything a normal person could ever want and cost just a hair over $9,000 with only 9,000mi on the clock. More than eneough power to get you in trouble and can hang with just about anything in the twisties. It looks a bit plain stock but a mopar lip kit(under $200) solves that problem. The car now with about 50,000mi of daily use has never needed anything but a few oil changes and some better tires.
November 28, 2008I love the car it fits my needs as the only driver. Easy to do minor mechanical jobs such as spark plug and wires, engine oil, transmission fluid, brakes, drive belt. Plenty of fandom behind its legacy from three generations.
May 15, 2013Trims & specs
Base MSRP $16,345 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.0L 132 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 13.1 cu ft |
Combined MPG 28 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $14,035 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.0L 132 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 13.1 cu ft |
Combined MPG 28 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $18,185 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.0L 150 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 13.1 cu ft |
Combined MPG 28 | Drivetrain FWD |
