2002 Dodge Neon Review
2002 Dodge Neon Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Competent handling, large interior, affordable price.
Cons
- Engine lacks refinement, weak frontal offset crash-test scores.
What’s new
A four-speed automatic gearbox replaces the archaic three-speed unit, a new base model is introduced, as is a value-packed SXT. Both SE and ES trims are relegated to fleet-only sales, and all 2002 Dodge Neons get a new "Dodge-signature" (crosshair-style) front end.
Edmunds says
While fun to drive, the 2002 Dodge Neon lacks the polish and refinement found in other cars in the economy car segment.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2002 Dodge Neon 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.64 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$168/mo for Neon Base
Neon Base
vs
$183/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
The spunky Neon's handling has always made it a fun car to bop around in. But up until recently, savvy shoppers would note that the car was lacking in features, such as side airbags and a fourth gear for the automatic transmission, that its rivals had.
For '02, Dodge wakes up and fits the Neon with a long-overdue four-speed automatic, something that the Corolla's had for two decades now. And optional side airbags debuted last year.
This year also sees the shuffling of trim levels, which now total six. A new base Neon debuts -- essentially last year's SE without the badges. The former strippo SE gets more standard features such as power windows, locks and mirrors; a CD player; and keyless entry. The ES adds air conditioning and fog lamps. Both SE and ES will no longer be available to the general public, as they will only be sold to fleets, such as rental car agencies. To fill this void, the SXT debuts, essentially an ES with different badges.
The two sporting Neons, the ACR (American Club Racer -- a favorite of SCCA racers on a budget) and the R/T, carry on as before.
A 2.0-liter 132-horsepower engine continues to power all but the ACR and R/T models, which have their horsepower bumped to 150. The Dodge engines produce respectable power, but they're not the most refined engines, as they get buzzy when you stretch 'em out. Enthusiasts will still prefer a manual gearbox, but be forewarned that the Neon's stick shift is a bit vague and is coupled to a clutch that is heavy for a four-cylinder application.
Thankfully, with a refined suspension that offers plenty of wheel travel, the Neon's ride is smooth. The power rack-and-pinion steering and precisely tuned suspension also contribute to the Neon's cruising quality while making it an absolute blast when canyon-carving. Stopping power comes from a front disc/rear drum combo, but buyers may want to opt for four-wheel discs with ABS and traction control.
The previous-generation Neon was a car favored by those who delved into recreational racing events (such as SCCA autocross), due chiefly to its nimble handling. The current version should please those folks, as well. Handling is about as good as it gets for this class, as the Neon demonstrates an eagerness for the twisties through its well-weighted steering, balanced chassis and flat cornering attitude.
Items like a radio/cassette combo and four Big Gulp-sized cupholders are much appreciated, yet overall feature content is still lacking. We do give Dodge credit for creating an attractive and roomy cabin with available white-faced gauges and a swoopy dash that appears very upscale and Intrepid-like.
Unfortunately for Dodge, competitors like the Ford Focus, Mazda Protege and Nissan Sentra offer more bang for the buck in terms of both refinement and content while still providing enthusiasts a fun-to-drive car.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2002 Dodge Neon.
5 star(50%)
4 star(22%)
3 star(15%)
2 star(10%)
1 star(3%)
96 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.38 out of 5 stars
Great Car! I recommend highly!
roodieb, 03/27/2012
2002 Dodge Neon ES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
I bought this car with 24K miles on it and have put almost 120K on it since then.
I commute 60 miles round trip each day and spend alot of time on the road.
While the ride is not as smooth as some would like, the handling of the car is good and the reliability has been terrific.
I have not had any major repairs that have needed to be done, but have replaced the normal wear parts like … tires, brakes and battery.
The car handles great in the snow and also on wet roads.
The body style is attractive and the lines are clean.
The blind spot view is a little limited by the fast back style as well as by the rear spoiler.
Once you are used to this and compensate for it, it is not a problem.
3.25 out of 5 stars
Unfortunate purchase
rostropovich, 06/04/2014
2002 Dodge Neon SXT 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
I've had this car for almost 2 years, and have had problem after problem, regret upon regret.
I have treated it like my firstborn, always hoping that after /this/ repair it will run well for a good long time, but no, not a chance.
Got it for $2800 at 81000 miles, but put $4000 in repairs in the first year, including rotors, e-brake, sway bar links and bushings, control arm bushings, … muffler, transmission mount, shifter cables, steering tie rod and lights. It never quite felt like it was driving nicely even after repairs. The story ends with the transmission failing. UNCLE!
4.75 out of 5 stars
Since 2002
menifee3, 07/30/2012
2002 Dodge Neon 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
I have owned this car since 2002.
It runs incredibly fantastic.
No problems since ownership.
I have nearly 90K miles on it and take it into L.A. every day.
Runs smooth, 35 mpg Hwy (Higher than officially rated), and an unbelievable air conditioner which I can only run on low, even on hot days, because it get's so cold in the car.
The AC is better than the one in my Mercedes!
While far … from being a chick magnet, this car is the most reliable car I've ever owned.
And I'm keeping it!
5 out of 5 stars
I love my little neon
jackie, 01/31/2016
2002 Dodge Neon 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
This car is very reliable an comfortable to ride in,i bought mine new an now after 13 years still driving it.
2002 Neon Highlights
Base
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $12,515 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 27 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $168/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 13.1 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Neon include:
- Alarm
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver3 / 5Passenger3 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalMarginal
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalPoor
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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