Dodge Neon Generation 2 (2002–2005)

Dodge Neon Generation 2 (2002–2005) — production years, market prices by model year, NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, and live listings for sale on VehiSales.

Dodge Neon — body generations

Generation Produced Facelift
Generation 1 1996–2001 —
Generation 2 2002–2005 —

Vehicles within one generation share the same platform and body style.

Engines used in the Neon

Engine families this model shipped with, by NHTSA VIN build data — each links to every model that shares it.

Engine Years in this model Also used in VIN builds ⓘ
Dodge 2.0L 4-cylinder 1995–2005 16 models 92

About this generation

Sales of the second generation model started with the 2000 model year and production ended with the 2005 model year. The second-generation Neon was only available as a four-door sedan. In some global sales regions, including the U.S., the sole engine was the 2.0 L SOHC engine, the power output remaining. An optional Magnum engine configuration (with an active intake manifold, and other engine revisions to increase power) that produced was available.

The second generation was more refined than the first-generation car. It was advertised that the second-generation Neon had over 1,000 refinements from the original generation. The first generation's frameless windows were replaced with a full-framed door. Other NVH refinements were implemented. The new interior and greater size increased weight. The DOHC engine (Chrysler code name ECC) was no longer available. In 2000, the R/T trim returned after a one-year hiatus.

The R/T consisted of a new SOHC Magnum 2.0 L Engine, wheels, spoiler, dual chrome exhaust tips, quicker steering box, and stiffer springs. The 2001 and 2002 R/Ts had a flat, 'hammerhead' spoiler. From 2000 to 2003, the R/T was sold as a Chrysler in the United Kingdom. The Neon was offered with a sport package for the 2001 model year only commemorating Dodge's return to the NASCAR scene, called the Motorsports Edition.

It was available on SE, ES, and R/T and on SE/ES models, consisted of an R/T wing, R/T wheels, R/T springs, Goodyear NASCAR raised yellow-lettering tires, 'Dodge Motorsports' side decals, white instrument cluster, and R/T steering box. SE and ES cars were an R/T visually except for the lack of dual exhaust, R/T lower moldings, fog lamps, and R/T exclusive front bumper. The SE and ES only came equipped with the base model's engine and was available with an automatic transmission (unlike the manual-only R/T model), the R/T retained the 150 hp Magnum engine.

In 2001, there was also a Sport Appearance Package available on SE and ES, which added the R/T wing and 16” wheels as well as other option availability. 2001 was the last year for the Plymouth Neon, and the Plymouth brand as well. The last Plymouth Neon, which was also the last Plymouth ever produced (a silver four-door sedan), rolled off the assembly line on June 28, 2001. The former Dodge and Plymouth Neon were briefly sold under the Chrysler name in Canada from 1999 until 2002, until being renamed as Dodge SX 2.0 for 2003.

As before, in Europe, Australia, Mexico, Asia, South Africa and South America, it continued to be sold as a Chrysler, as Dodge and Plymouth passenger cars were not marketed outside the U.S. and Canada at the time. Besides the 2.0 L engine, it used the same Tritec 1.6 L unit found in the MINI prior to 2007. The 1.6 L unit is a variation of the 2.0 L SOHC engine designed by Chrysler and built by Tritec.

Originally, the second-generation Neon featured a five-speed manual transmission using the former ACR gear ratios to improve acceleration. However, this hurt gas mileage and made the car noisier on the highway, and eventually, the original gear ratios were restored. A four-speed automatic (41TE) was offered in the Neon for the 2002 model year, and the 03-05 received an updated 40TE four-speed auto, replacing the earlier 3-speed 31TH.

The Chrysler Neon was renamed Dodge SX 2.0 in Canada for 2003 and sold at Dodge dealerships. In Australia and Canada, the Chrysler Neon was discontinued in 2002. In 2002, the front clip was changed to match the R/T and ACR front clip with the exception of missing a lower lip. The Neon was facelifted once again for 2003 with revised headlights and a crosshair grille to make it look more like a Dodge Caravan and Dodge Stratus.

The ACR model was discontinued for 2003; the R/T model for 2004. The Chrysler Neon continued to be sold in Europe until 2004. The second generation saw limited exports compared to the original Neon.

Source: Wikipedia — Chrysler Neon — Second generation (2000), CC BY-SA.

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