The Neon's sporty styling features an aerodynamic, cab-forward architecture that improves looks, wind drag and noise. The sedan actually has a coupe-like appearance while the coupe boasts a power bulge hood and trunk lid spoiler. The doors for both have frames upper glass and offer the only hardtop-style glass-door construction available in this class (meaning that when you open the door, there is no frame over the upper portions of the window).
The neon's oval, bugle headlights are truly one of this car's most memorable features. And its sloping hood, high rear end and bubble roofline make it cuter than other subcompacts.
Identification is crucial for this car, so a decal - Pentastar for Plymouth models; Ram's Head for Dodge versions - is located on the front center of the hood, and Neon badges are found on the passenger-side fender and trunk lid.
Suspension systems are new and fully independent with front MacPherson struts designed to enhance steering feel and promote longer tire life. Lower control arms attached to the frame and suspension cross-members work to reduce noise. Rear suspension is multi-link independent with two lateral arms and a fore-aft tension strut on each side.
Standard safety features include dual airbags and a knee-bolster passive restraint system, front and rear door beams, child-safety locks on rear doors and a 5-mph bumper system. Optional equipment includes 4-wheel ABS and an integrated child safety seat.
Neon's packaging gives this small sedan a bigger-car feel. Front and rear doors swing open wide and are as large as those of many midsize cars that offer best-in-class ingress and egress. The wheelbase exceeds that of the Toyota Camry's and provides a more-than-generous interior.
The cabin's increased glass, accentuated by thin greenhouse pillars, creates an airy atmosphere. A low cowl affords a good command of the road and, although front and peripheral visibility is excellent, we found rear views limited and distracting due to the angle of the rear glass.
Our test model had comfortable, reclining low-back bucket seats with adjustable headrests up front and a folding 60/40 split bench seat in the rear. There were integrated armrests at each door, with a center padded armrest available as an option. The fixed, angled armrests did not fit the outboard limbs of all of our test drivers and, therefore, were not particularly useful.
We did find the standard cloth-covered sun visors (with a driver-side shade panel and ticket clip) and illuminated visor mirrors for driver and front passenger to be thoughtful, convenient touches.
Instrumentation is clear with large white-on-black dials, and although primary and secondary controls are within easy reach, some graphics are confusing and sticky to operate.
The interior is comfortable and long on roominess, but falls a bit short on storage. However, the neon's storage units do include a glove box and a floor-mounted center console with dual cupholders, small
storage trays and coin holders. Also, the optional padded armrest opens to accommodate the storage of CDs, cassettes and other small items.
The 11.8 sq. ft. trunk space is adequate for a car of this size, with above-average access enhanced by split rear seats. Spare tire access is also good.
One negative note: We were less than enamored with the stiff manual windows, which we found to be unnecessarily difficult to operate.
It is just as the ads say: The Neon really is fun to drive.
The neon's 2.0-liter SOHC 4-cylinder delivers 132 hp at 6000 rpm and 129 lb.-ft. at 5000 rpm. It's nimble and quick, providing equal power when passing or taking off from a stoplight. In terms of the latter, our test model nearly matched Chrysler's reported a 0-to-60 mph performance of 8.8 seconds.
The power-assist steering on our Neon was precise, and it fulfilled our needs on a variety of road conditions. When combined, the Neon's steering and fully independent suspension delivered top-notch handling.
The braking, assisted by our optional ABS, was sure and firm. We put the car through several stopping exercises on both dry and slick surfaces, and were pleased with the way the system brought our car to a halt.
Evidence of vibration and harshness on the Neon was virtually nonexistent; noise was more of a mixed bag. Although we were unaware of any road or wind noise, there was an obvious rumble coming from the engine, which made for a not-so-quiet ride.
EPA fuel efficiency ratings with the standard 5-speed manual transmission are 29 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway; with the 3-speed automatic those ratings decrease slightly to 27 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.