The 2000 Dodge Neon

Base Price: $12,490
***(Good Small Car) 

The totally redesigned Dodge Neon certainly improves a very good small car. Too bad there have been a lot of true "breakthrough" vehicles that have come along in this segment in the last couple of years. This moves the Neon from the front of the pack, to the middle. This isn't a slam at theNeon. It just shows how much everybody else has improved.

Remember back in 1994, when we first said "Hi" to the Neon. It was cute, different and kind of funky. This shows you how long ago 1994 is in when it comes to car. In this post new Beetle world, the Neon has lost it's unique charms.

The Neon's been completely re-done for 2000. It's hard to get back that old cuteness, but there are a lot of good solid improvements, that make the Dodge Neon worth looking at when you're shopping for small cars. The Neon is like the cute baby that's not quite getting the attention it used to...now that it's a little older, and there are a couple of other new babies around to fuss over.

The update of the Neon has gotten a bit lost in all of the publicity over the Ford Focus, the Toyota Echo, and the new Chrysler P/T Cruiser. While the Neon doesn't lead the pack among small cars anymore, it certainly remains a very good small car, and it can be a great bargain.

The Neon was the first small car that I ever sat in that gave me room for my legs. They've added a bit more room, and some more width...but haven't we all added a little width.

The 2000 Neon is certainly a more solid vehicle than its predecessor. It doesn't rattle nearly as much and is much more comfortable. That's one of the advantages you have in a vehicle that's been around a few years. What you lose in uniqueness, you gain in dependability.

However, this all comes at a price, and the Neon is starting to creep up there. The base price is a little over 12 thousand dollars. But, you start
adding things, and you start getting to the area where you may prefer to move up to a larger sedan. It certainly makes an "economy car" less
economical.

There is only one base model Neon. No more Plymouth Neon. No more two door neon. The automatic transmission is an option, as is air conditioning. You can also add on remote entry, power windows and doors, and tinted windows. Again, items that are basics on a larger vehicle, but become expensive options, when you're looking for economy.

You only get one choice of engine, a four cylinder that gives you 132 horsepower. They have temporarily stopped making their 150 horsepower performance model, that's become so popular on the racing circuit. But, it's expected to return as a 2001 model.

They've added more interior compartments to the Neon, to make it more user friendly. You have places to store maps, sunglasses etc. It has a nice sized trunk...but it is fairly high, so expect to do some lifting. You can split the rear seats to get some extra room.

There's nothing particularly distinctive in the interior styling. You can lock the glove compartment now, and the cup holders are more user friendly.

Is the Dodge Neon an improvement over the previous vehicle? Definitely. Is it something that small car buyers should look at as they shop around? Probably. Is it as good as the competition? No.

Let's give the Dodge Neon three stars on