Plymouth Neon

INTRODUCTION:

The Plymouth Neon which is also known as the Dodge Neon is a front-wheel drive compact car. It was introduced in the year 1994 by the Chrysler Corporation under the brands Dodge and the Plymouth. The production lineup ended in the year 2005. The main goal for introduction of Neon was to position it as a car which is fun to drive and at the same time is different in its looks. The look of the Neon was really different. Apart from its look, this car also offered vast interior space and an improved performance and because of these differences the sale of this car saw a steep rise since its introduction in the year 1994.

WHAT’S NEW FOR 2014 PLYMOUTH NEON?

Since the production lineup was ended in the year 2005, so there are no recent updates. Although this car saw changes in the model, year wise from 1995 to 1999 but there were no changes for 2014.

HOW MUCH?

The price of this car starts from $12,500 and depends on the model you choose.

FUEL ECONOMY:

The standard engine which is used in this car is a 2.0 liter SOHC L4 engine which provides a power of 132Hp and the optional engine is 2.0 liter DOHC L4 engine which delivers a power of 150Hp. It also uses a 5-speed manual transmission system or 3-speed automatic transmission system and is a front-wheel drive car.

The rated fuel economy of the car is 29 mpg in city and 38 mpg on highway for 2.0 liter engine with manual transmission. For the 2.0 liter automatic transmission system this value drops a little to 25 mpg in city and 33 mpg on highway.

STANDARD FEATURES AND OPTIONS:

The Plymouth Neon saw its development in the form of generation.

The first generation Neon came in light from 1994 to 1999. This car was available as a 2-door coupe and a 4-door sedan. The engines used were SOHC and DOHC 2.0 liter L4 Cylinder engine which produced a power of 132HP at 6000rpm and a torque of 129lb-ft at 5000rpm. It also produced a power of 150Hp at 6500rpm and a torque of 133lb-ft at 5600rpm. The options available for this car were unconventional and included lack of power-window feature in the rear. This car was initially available in bold colors but gradually its paint choices became subdued. This car came in two models SE and the advanced model LX which was later updated to LE. This car was installed with right hand steering wheel drive and had turn signal amber made indicators.

SPECIAL MODELS:

ACR model came with SOHC or the DOHC engine and was equipped with disc brakes on all four wheels. It used a 5-speed manual transmission system. It has a bumper with fog light holes but lacks fog lights.

R/T model or call it a road/track model came with only DOHC 5-speed manual transmission configuration. Adjustable dampers were removed.

The second generation Neon came in light from 2000 to 2005. This generation model was available only in 4-door sedan. The only engine it used was 2.0 liter SOHC which gave a power of 132Hp. This generation cars were more refined that the cars of the first generation. It got the full-framed window rather than frame less window in the first generation car. Interiors were modified. This generation model also had a ACR model and a R/T model. Different market used different features with the Neon models. Regardless of what one has to say, you will find differences in models from different regions and market.

SAFETY FEATURES:

The IIHS gave a poor rating to the first generation Neon for front crash test. For the same, the second generation car got a marginal rating and a poor rating for the side impact test. The car is equipped with dual airbags at the front as the standard equipment of safety on all the models. It also includes an anti-lock brakes on all the four wheels.

UNDER THE HOOD:

The standard engine which is used under the hood of this car is a 2.0 liter SOHC L4 engine which provides a power of 132Hp and the optional engine is 2.0 liter DOHC L4 engine which delivers a power of 150Hp. It also uses a 5-speed manual transmission system or 3-speed automatic transmission system and is a front-wheel drive car.

This gives a fuel economy of 29 mpg in city and 38 mpg on highway for 2.0 liter engine with manual transmission. For the 2.0 liter automatic transmission system this value drops a little to 25 mpg in city and 33 mpg on highway.

This car has got one of the modest interior. This car lacks various standard features but the air conditioning system and audio system is the optional feature available. The other trim includes cruise control and CD player. The other feature it adds is power windows with power locks. It has also got a power door and power moon roof.

The car comes as a 2-door coupe or a 4-door sedan and is 171.8 inches long. Be it sedan or coupe both look somewhat similar.

WHAT WE LIKE:

1-    The fuel economy of the car is really excellent and admirable with a high a value of 29 mpg in city and 39 mpg on the highway.

2-    Due to the powerful engine it comes with and the transmission system, this car has got a good speed.

3-    The handling and performance is admirable. The 2.0 liter 4-cylinder engine provides a really good acceleration.

4-    Small model design makes parking of the car easy.

5-    The price of the car is low and is good for family.

6-    It has got a great look for small car.

WHAT WE DON’T LIKE:

1-    If you think of this car as liable, then you might be completely mistaken. For the liability part, this car has got a poor track record.

2-    The engines are quite noisy and this is one thing which you won’t like about.