2000 Dodge/Plymouth Neon
Daimler-Chrysler is billing the 2000 Neon as "quiet, sophisticated and still a lot of fun." The company wants people to know that while the Neon has grown up, it hasn't grown old.
Obvious signs of maturity include full frame doors that contribute to a 26 percent increase in torsional stiffness and a 37 percent increase in bending stiffness over the previous generation previous-generation Neon. Combined with a newly designed MacPherson strut-type suspension and expandable foam baffles for reduced dB levels, and the new Neon appears ready to capture the subcompact crown in terms of refinement and sophistication.
Under the hood you'll find the familiar 2.0-liter, SOHC four-cylinder engine, but improvements to the air induction and intake manifold system are designed to increase torque over a broader rpm range. A new exhaust manifold, cylinder head and timing belt cover will also contribute decrease to less overall engine noise, further boosting the new Neon's civilized character.
You won't have any problems distinguishing the 2000 model from previous Neons. Obvious changes include new, jewel-like headlamps, a smoother roofline and updated taillamps. By increasing the wheelbase and widening the track, the new Neon offers more interior room and a more stable ride.
After spending a short time with the car, we can confirm that the driving position and control placement is excellent. Turn signal and cruise-control switches can be activated without taking your hands off from the wheel and the front seats are comfortable with plenty of side bolster support. Unfortunately, getting into and out of the car can be tricky because of the low roof line, especially over the rear doors. Once inside, there's plenty of head, leg, and hip room in either the front or rear seats.
Expect the new Neon to go on sale in early 1999. Daimler-Chrysler claims a base price of under $13,000 (including destination charge!) but we wonder just how base that particular Neon would have to be. Regardless of the actual price, there's no question that this latest Daimler-Chrysler compact will capture a big chunk of the growing small car segment.
Daimler-Chrysler is billing the 2000 Neon as "quiet, sophisticated and still a lot of fun." The company wants people to know that while the Neon has grown up, it hasn't grown old.
Obvious signs of maturity include full frame doors that contribute to a 26 percent increase in torsional stiffness and a 37 percent increase in bending stiffness over the previous generation previous-generation Neon. Combined with a newly designed MacPherson strut-type suspension and expandable foam baffles for reduced dB levels, and the new Neon appears ready to capture the subcompact crown in terms of refinement and sophistication.
Under the hood you'll find the familiar 2.0-liter, SOHC four-cylinder engine, but improvements to the air induction and intake manifold system are designed to increase torque over a broader rpm range. A new exhaust manifold, cylinder head and timing belt cover will also contribute decrease to less overall engine noise, further boosting the new Neon's civilized character.
You won't have any problems distinguishing the 2000 model from previous Neons. Obvious changes include new, jewel-like headlamps, a smoother roofline and updated taillamps. By increasing the wheelbase and widening the track, the new Neon offers more interior room and a more stable ride.
After spending a short time with the car, we can confirm that the driving position and control placement is excellent. Turn signal and cruise-control switches can be activated without taking your hands off from the wheel and the front seats are comfortable with plenty of side bolster support. Unfortunately, getting into and out of the car can be tricky because of the low roof line, especially over the rear doors. Once inside, there's plenty of head, leg, and hip room in either the front or rear seats.
Expect the new Neon to go on sale in early 1999. Daimler-Chrysler claims a base price of under $13,000 (including destination charge!) but we wonder just how base that particular Neon would have to be. Regardless of the actual price, there's no question that this latest Daimler-Chrysler compact will capture a big chunk of the growing small car segment.
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