1996 Dodge Neon Review, Prices, Photos

1996 Dodge Neon Review, Prices, Photos

1996 Dodge Neon Review, Prices, Photos

1996 Dodge Neon (continued)

Walkaround

You won't confuse the Neon with any of its rivals. It combines Chrysler's cab-forward design philosophy with a wheels-at-the-corners stance that minimizes front and rear overhang. The latter confers several real benefits in the areas of maneuverability and stability, as well as making Neon a standout among its shrunken-big-car competitors.

Neon's profile is chunky and has a pronounced wedge shape. Aerodynamics are good, though any reduction in wind noise from the slippery form is masked by other factors we'll get to shortly. The high roof and generous glass area deliver ample headroom and superb visibility. Access through the large doors is good, too; the rear doors are wider than the class norm.

In front, the Neon follows its own design path by substituting oval headlights for the more universal rounded rectangular units. The nose is rounded and smooth; Sport versions add a bulge to the hood to cover a taller engine. Out back, large taillights flank a large deck lid that provides easy access to a good-sized trunk.

Three trim levels and two body styles make up the Neon lineup. The coupes and 4-door sedans are available in Base, Highline and Sport form, starting at $9495 for the coupe, $9995 for the sedan. Differences between Dodge and Plymouth versions are confined to the badge on the hood; other than that, a Neon's a Neon. It gets down to which brand happens to have a dealer nearby.

Our Neon Sport sedan tester, which had a base price of $12,700, wore a Dodge emblem.

Interior Features

Judged by appearance, the Neon's interior seems to promise a roomy, airy environment. Thanks to cab forward design, most of the space between wheels is given over to passengers, who will find adequate room both front and rear.

Further impressions will vary depending on the particular model. Base versions are rather plain, offering seats more durable than comfortable and acres of plain cloth and vinyl trim. The Highline and Sport models are better, with more supportive (and more attractive) front seats and a 60-40 folding rear seat back, all dressed in improved materials.

The dashboard is attractive in all models. Controls are large, simple and are laid out for easy reach, and the instruments are large and legible, if minimal. Our Neon Sport added a tachometer to the speedometer, fuel gauge and coolant temperature of the Base model.

Given its modest price, you wouldn't expect a Base Neon to offer much more than minimal equipment. It doesn't. Even a radio is extra; so are a second outside rearview mirror and air conditioning, both considered essential by many buyers. But adding them won't break the bank.

Highline and Sport are not only better-equipped to begin with–both have dual mirrors and radios, as well as higher-quality interior trim–but give the Neon customer greater access to options. If your dream Neon has a sunroof, power windows, mirrors and door locks, colorful “Flash Decor” upholstery or a remote keyless entry system, it won't be a Base model.

Some Highline options are standard Sport fitments, including a tilt steering wheel, tachometer, a more versatile center console that adds storage space and a padded armrest to the standard coin tray and cupholders, and a passenger's-side sunvisor.

A pair of option packages are available to tailor the Neon to individual tastes and needs: Expresso package adds air conditioning and specific trim and graphics to the Base model while keeping the price below the $12,000 mark.

And a Competition Group, including a different final-drive ratio in the manual transaxle, uprated suspension, faster-ratio steering, aluminum wheels, 4-wheel disc brakes and an engine computer that does away with the standard 7200-rpm engine rev limiter–leaves the Base model only a roll cage away from being a successful racing car.

1996 Dodge Neon Review, Prices, Photos