2003 Dodge Neon SRT-4

Hitting 60 mph in less than six seconds, it's the quickest production vehicle available in the United States for (barely) less than $20,000, and the second quickest (to the V-10 Viper) in Dodge's stable. We couldn't quite verify that touted performance since we never got it properly test-launched without a big bunch of wheelspin. Maybe it was the pavement we were on, but the SRT-4 lit its front tires every time we torqued it up and launched from rest. And it spun them again after shifting to second. Launching more conservatively or backing off a bit to regain traction settled it down, but wouldn't quite get us there in less than six seconds. Oh well, who cares? The point remains—this car is fun!

The SRT-4 is easy to spot from any angle from its big Dodge crosshair face back to its sweeping St. Louis Arch-style rear spoiler.

Once underway, the SRT-4's wonderful new 215-hp 2.4L turbocharged engine feels strong and torquey (245 peak lb.-ft.) at almost any speed. The clutch's action is excellent, with ample under-the-dash foot clearance, and the standard 5-speed's shifts are slick, quick and precise. Steering, braking and cornering are also terrific.


Not surprisingly in a performance car of this size and price, ride is a bit stiff, and the suspension crashes through on occasional sharp impacts such as uneven tracks. We also question why all four doors lock when you drive, but only the driver's unlocks when you stop, which means a dig for the key fob whenever you want to open a door to get something out or put something in. Also, three annoying things happen when you turn off the key: the radio and 12V accessory plug turn off (no retained accessory power), and the interior lights turn on, whether you want them to or not. These things should be programmable to taste.


Dodge says "SRT" stands for "Street and Racing Technology." It designates special, low-volume, high-performance models from DCX's Performance Vehicle Operations (PVO) group, which, until his recent promotion to head Chrysler Group U.S. Motorsports activities, was run by racer and hot-car enthusiast John Fernandez. PVO's two other current products are the Dodge Viper SRT-10 and the soon-to-arrive Ram SRT-10 pickup, both 500-hp V-10-powered.

A nicely executed add-on turbo boost gauge compliments the expected speedo, tach, temperature and fuel gauges.

Fernandez points out that the SRT-4's exceptional performance comes without aftermarket add-ons. "Achieving the SRT-4's acceleration straight out of the factory is something most compact cars only wish they could do," he says. "The SRT-4 offers the most performance per dollar of any production sport compact car available in the United States, which means our customers will have more cash left over for aftermarket enhancements."