2002 Dodge Neon R/T

The Neon was Chrysler's (before Daimler bought them) attempt to market a quality, low-priced entry against entrenched Japanese and German competition. Its cutesy styling, roomy interior, revvy (if a bit buzzy) motor and low sticker made it a base hit—but not quite a home run. Sadly, the coupe version fell prey to low sales, and the virtually identical Plymouth-nameplate edition fell by the wayside when DC axed that division.

R/T styling features include the rear spoiler, chromed exhaust tip and alloy wheels.

The Neon makes great sense for the truck-heavy Dodge Division as an entry tier for the three-sedan range. When you add the R/T version of the Neon, at about $17K, the younger, budget-driven crowd has yet another neat, very affordable option to the ubiquitous (and generally high-priced) Subaru Imprezas, Mazda MP3s, Toyota Corollas and Nissan Sentra SE-Rs.


Years ago in New England, a budget clothier called Robert Hall sold affordable, good-quality men's suits off pipe racks in converted, no-frills warehouse showrooms. You got a good deal in a not-so-fancy setting. The Neon is a Robert Hall kind of sedan. It's fractionally cheaper in feel than Japanese and German rivals and the new Ford Focus gives it a run for the money, but for way under 20 grand, you can't deny its appeal.

The R/T version of the Neon has a 150-hp 2.0-liter inline-four, which is 18 more ponies than the "regular" Neon 2.0 puts out.

The heart of the matter is a 16-valve, 2.0-liter inline-four that's pumped up to 150 horsepower from the standard model's 132 horses. You can't get the regular Neon's four-speed automatic with the R/T, but we'd have recommended the five-speed manual anyway. The R/T's product planners upgraded all the standard model's running gear, starting with stiffer coils and shocks. Then they added a rear sway bar, ABS, traction control, quicker steering and a slightly more snorty exhaust note thanks to oversized piping with a jaunty chrome tip.


The R/T already has all the cosmetics and upgrades of the Neon SE, like A/C, a CD changer, power windows, locks and mirrors, and keyless entry. Outside cues that appeal to younger buyers—and may even help the already-decent handling a bit—include a rear spoiler and alloy wheels. The list also includes sharper interior trim and white-faced instrument dials.