The fuel gauge is quirky Filling the tank brings the needle down to 'E', and it slowly rises to 'F' as you drive. Once the bad gas was out of it, the engine ran smoothly and had good compression, despite having 159,000+ miles on it. Four new tires and a battery later, I changed the oil and set about chasing about a half-tank of watery gas out of it (took a lot of alcohol). When I made my offer, it had been sitting for two years on four flats and had a dead battery. I bought my 2000 Dodge Neon (Plymouth also made some) about eight years ago, for $600 from a guy who had bought his wife a new car and parked the Neon beside his house. If Chrysler wants to continue to compete in this market, they better up the feature content level.
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The top end model doesn't even have power rear windows or cruise control. The small increase in price from a year ago is reflected in the Neon's lack of features. And the Neon has a few interior "surprise and delight" features that include a radio/cassette and four Big Gulp-sized cupholders. By increasing the wheelbase and widening the track, the new Neon offers more interior room and a more stable ride than did its predecessor. Exterior changes include new, jewel-like headlamps, a smoother roofline and updated taillamps. You won't have any problems distinguishing the 2000 model from previous Neons. 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 power rack-and-pinion and revamped suspension also contribute to the cruising quality. Thanks to increased wheel travel, the ride is smoother, and it's further enhanced with premium shock absorbers and rear sway bars. Unfortunately, the 150-horsepower DOHC engine is not available for the year 2000- and the automatic transmission still only offers three forward gears. A new exhaust manifold, cylinder head and timing-belt cover also decrease overall engine noise, further boosting the new Neon's civilized character. Under the hood is the familiar 132-horsepower 2.0-liter inline four, but improvements to the air induction and intake manifold system provide torque over a broader rpm range. It's probably worthwhile for them to stress the fun factor, since the coupe version has initially been scrapped, meaning that a four-door sedan will have to suffice for all the entry-level economy car thrill-seekers.
It's used repeatedly by the manufacturer including, "fun-to-drive handling and steering" and "fun-to-drive attributes." Its maker obviously wants people to know that while the Neon has grown up, it hasn't grown old.
But "the first car of the last year of the old millennium" is probably too wordy for marketing purposes.ĭaimlerChrysler is also billing the 2000 Neon as "quiet, sophisticated and still a lot of fun." Fun seems to be the catch word for the Neon. However, the company's claim that "the 2000 Neon will be the first car of the new millennium" is not accurate remember, historians, the new millennium technically starts in 2001.
The race to build the first 2000-model-year production car goes to DaimlerChrysler with the all-new Dodge and Plymouth Neons.