2002 Dodge Neon R/T

Inside, the seats have special R/T embroidering. White-faced gauges, power windows/mirrors/locks, A/C and a CD sound system are all standard features.

Our test car had the optional ($575) black-painted multi-spoke alloy wheels, plus fat and sticky P195/50TR16 Goodyear Eagles. It's a little short of the Neon ACR race package (available for racing and autocross competitors), but with the right setup and some attention to tire pressures, the R/T can be autocrossed quite competitively—my UPS driver has one that he hammers (and wins with) in weekend contests. In the R/T, you can be the on- and off-ramp sprint champ on your favorite highway.


Remarkably tossable for a small, front-drive sedan, Chrysler claims that the Neon will sprint to 60 in just 7.6 seconds, and it stops very effectively. Turn-in is quick, the ride isn't too stiff and the R/T is quite roomy for its class. While it's kind of a "kid" car in looks and trim, the R/T's spunky styling, factory rake and willingness to boogie give it all the appeal of a grateful mongrel pup you've just rescued from the pound—or, for you older buyers, a Robert Hall suit. (www.4adodge.com)