The Dodge Neon has successfully thrived in the overpopulated econobox market thanks to three major factors: above average performance, innovative exterior styling, and excellent value. For the 2004 model year the Dodge Neon SRT-4 (a replacement for the Neon ACR) still boasts this combination of attributes, however performance is taken to a whole new level. Thanks to a larger turbocharged engine this 4-door sedan can now claim to be one of the most affordable production cars capable of scooting from 0 to 60 MPH in less than six seconds.
The most notable asset of the SRT-4 is its engine; a 2.4 liter turbocharged 4-cylinder (the same power plant found in the PT Cruiser Turbo). The end result here is 230 horsepower (up 15 horsepower from last year) and more torque than most of Chrysler's own large V6's. The SRT-4 is also segregated from its less powerful siblings by a more aggressive appearance. From a small hood scoop, 17" alloy wheels, and extreme ground effects, there is no confusing the SRT-4 with a Neon SXT or R/T. So, this Neon has sporty looks and power up the ying yang, but how does it perform in the real world?
Driving Impressions:
When you drop a 2.4 liter turbocharged engine pumping out 230 horsepower in a little car it doesn't take a genius to come to the conclusion that it's going to be fast. The SRT-4 is not only extremely fast but it is also very easy to exploit the power offered from its 2.4 liter powerhouse. The 2004 SRT-4 provides enough power to push you back in your seat even under partial throttle, but the most surprising factor here is that it does so with very little torque steer; something that could not be said about last year's SRT-4.
Although I was extremely impressed with last year's SRT-4, I found that torque steer was all too common. The 2004 SRT-4 is a FWD vehicle, so some degree of torque steer is going to be inevitable. The major difference between the 2003 and 2004 models is that there is now a torque sensing limited slip differential or LSD. This addition not only helps reduce the front tires from spinning under full throttle, but also helps the SRT-4 when it's pushed hard through twisty roads.
Unfortunately for those who would prefer an automatic transmission, the 2004 Neon SRT-4 is still only available with a 5-speed manual. Since an automatic transmission is available for the powerful PT Cruiser Turbo, my best guess is Chrysler either wants to keep the price of the SRT-4 down as much as possible or doesn't want to ruin it's gaining reputation by making a performance hampering automatic model. On the plus side, the SRT-4's 5-speed manual is one of the most refined in its class and is extremely easy to operate; the throws are short, the clutch is light, and gearing is excellent. If you are newbie to driving a manual transmission the SRT-4's manual should not pose any threat.
In addition to the SRT-4's quick acceleration, the driver is also rewarded with a muscular exhaust note from ignition start to redline. While most high performance 4-cylinder engines these days (especially those that come from Japan) provide more of a screamer type character at high RPM, the SRT-4 offers more of a bull dog style sound effect from its dual exhaust pipes.
If you own a 1st gen Neon ACR and want to upgrade to a 2004 Neon SRT-4, the only gripe you may have with this vehicle is the way it feels on twisty roads in comparison. Although the SRT-4 is one of the best handlers under $25,000 and boasts a more advanced suspension system than the late ACR, the SRT-4 feels less tossable around the twisties. Still, the SRT-4 is an excellent handler, exhibiting very little body roll around tight bends in the road and offers performance-tuned steering for excellent response. The SRT-4 rides on wide low profile P/205/50YR17 high performance BFGoodrich tires which help aid in grip and good handling. One should also take note that the SRT-4 comes standard with 4-wheel disc brakes coupled with 4-wheel ABS to make sure that this car can stop just as easily as it can go.
On the freeway the SRT-4 is one of the most compliant high performance economy cars I have recently driven. Although the suspension is stiff, it's not so stiff that you feel jolted when passing over road reflectors or small road imperfections on the road (this was always a problem with the late ACR). Though not totally devoid of wind noise, outside noise is definitely kept to a minimum, even at speeds above 80 MPH. Surprisingly engine noise is also kept to a minimum when cruising at high speeds. At 65 MPH the SRT-4's tachometer reads just under 3,000 RPM. This relatively tall gearing helps keep the sound effects of the SRT-4 from becoming annoying when taking this vehicle on long journeys.
If you live in mountainous terrain and want good economy without sacrificing good hill climbing power then the SRT-4 is just what the doctor ordered. Due to the relatively tall 5th gear, downshifting into 4th is common on extremely steep grades, however this car does equally as well as many V8 powered vehicles I have driven in the past when traveling over steep terrain.
While not as fuel efficient as the late Neon ACR which had an EPA stamp of 40 MPG freeway, the SRT-4 still receives good fuel economy; again, tall 5th gearing can be given credit. With an EPA rating of 22/30 MPG the SRT-4 receives fuel economy similar to many small economy cars that don't come with nearly as much horsepower.
Interior:
Back in 1995 Chrysler had a simple way of making the Neon a race car; give it a stiffer suspension, lower the gearing, gut the interior, and call it ACR. With the 2004 SRT-4 Chrysler made no sacrifices when it comes to amenities. Sometime between the introduction of the ACR and the SRT-4 Chrysler realized that most people who want a fast car also want a good sound system, air conditioning, etc. etc. For the 2004 model year the SRT-4 comes with all the equipment that one would expect to find in a $20,000 performance car. Standard on the SRT-4 comes a 6-speaker single CD sound system, AC, tilt steering, dual front air bags (side and curtain air bags are available), a boost gauge, power windows, and much more. Options include a power sunroof at $700.
Though the SRT-4 comes with a generous amount of standard equipment it still doesn't get by without me voicing my gripes. The SRT-4's interior, just like the 1st gen Neons, still suffers from severe quality control issues. Don't get me wrong, there have been huge improvements over the years, however the SRT-4 is still plagued with an overdose of cheap plastics. When sitting in the rear of the SRT-4 I couldn't help but notice at least a 2" gap from the flimsy plastics to the actual sheetmetal. Other gripes include the front seating surfaces. Though Dodge calls them "Viper inspired seats," I found these cloth on leather seats to be more of a pain in the butt than supportive. To explain, the bolsters are far too prominent. I got the feeling that Dodge tried to go with a Recaro type front bucket seat, but failed miserably. These claustrophobic front bucket seats refuse to flex leaving those over 90 lbs wishing for bench seating.
On the plus side, creature room and stowage is more than adequate for an economy car. Though not as dimensionally large as cars like the Mustang GT, the SRT-4 has a much roomier interior, ditto that of most sub $30,000 cars that can boast this type of exhilarating performance. The SRT-4 also sports easy-to-read white faced gauges and simple-to-use instrumentation.
Price/Warranty:
With a starting MSRP of approximately $20,500 fully equipped (about 5,000 less than the Subaru WRX) this is pretty much the ending price as well. One should expect to pay a max of around $21,500 with the sunroof option. If anything goes haywire with your new Dodge Neon SRT-4, Chrysler offers an excellent 36 month/36,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty, a 84 month/70,000 mile powertrain warranty, and a 60 month/100,000 mile corrosion perforation warranty along with roadside assistance.
Final Verdict:
The 2004 Dodge Neon SRT-4 is an absolute blast to drive. The SRT-4 proves that the Dodge Viper is not the only fun-to-drive car bearing the Dodge nameplate. Though I do have my gripes with the interior of this vehicle i.e., the claustrophobic bucket seats, I do feel that the base MSRP of the SRT-4 justifies many of this car's drawbacks. My final recommendations for this car go out to those folks who are looking for a sporty economical sedan that offers amazing performance without sacrificing amenities and an excellent warranty.
Epinions.com periodically updates pricing and product information from third-party sources, so some information may be slightly out-of-date. You should confirm all information before relying on it.
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