Used 2004 Dodge Neon
Buying Guide for the Dodge Neon:
Don’t look now, but the Dodge Neon is quickly breaking out
of the mold of a bare-bones, purely value-conscious small
car. They recently introduced the SRT-4, a sport compact with
plenty of speed and all the attending attitude, and it certainly
raised a few eyebrows. For 2004, they went one step further,
adding more power to SRT-4—just in case you didn’t get the
message the first time.
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. There are still plenty
of Neon models that come with very attractive prices, and
which focus on the more sober side of driving. The smallish
model is available in a plethora of trims—surely one is right
for you if you’re looking at the segment with some indecision.
Besides the increase in pop for the SRT-4, there aren’t too
many changes to the 2004 Neon. Three solid engines are still
offered, and there are numerous options still available if
you want to personalize your vehicle.
Under the Hood
Under the hood of entry-level Neons is a 2.0-liter inline
4-cylinder engine. It provides a modest 132 horsepower and
an additional 130 lb-ft of torque. 5-speed manual and 4-speed
automatic transmission are both available.
The midlevel R/T model uses an engine of the same dimensions,
but it gives the front-wheel drive Neon 150 horsepower and
135 lb-ft of torque. It is only offered with 5-speed manual
transmission.
Then there’s the SRT-4. Dodge engineers refined the engine
calibration of the 2.4-liter intercooled turbo model, boosting
the output to 230 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque. The
2004 SRT-4 also features a new torque-sensing limited-slip
differential as standard equipment. The result: the speedster
is the second faster Dodge car, with a 0-60 mph time of just
5.8 seconds. 5-speed manual is standard.
Standard Features, Options Packages and Style
The Neon comes with four full doors, and offers 13.1 cubic
feet of cargo volume. Safety is one of the cornerstones of
the Neon design, with all models having the LATCH child seat
anchorage system, child-protection door locks and an emergency
internal trunk lid release. Seat-mounted, supplemental side
airbags are also available.
The sporty R/T model is basically aimed at young buyers,
or those people who just don’t want to let go of their youth.
Among its standard features are a rear spoiler, a leather-wrapped
steering wheel, cruise control and an AM/FM/cassette player
with in-dash 6-disc CD changer.
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