2004 Dodge Neon SRT-4

Given the big splashes made by the Subaru WRX STi and Lancer Evo on the radar screens of sport-compact enthusiasts, an inevitable question arose. Could a domestic sport compact register even a faint blip? Well, the Dodge SRT-4 registers considerably more than that—INCOMING! With rocketing straight-line performance, a snug chassis and cockpit, and thrifty pricing to boot, this car pegs the bang-for-the-buck indicator.


Dodge's approach does have some historical precedent. Back in the mid-Eighties, the company enlisted the help of Carroll Shelby to wring some performance out of their econobox, the Omni. That wholly unremarkable car was turned into what came to be known as "Shelby's Blunt Instrument," the GLH series. With an intercooled turbo engine, beefed-up suspension and wider footprint, it did, as the acronym implied, "Goes Like Hell." (Later followed by the GLHS model, predictably translated to, "Goes Like Hell Some more.")


Some 20 years later, using the compact Neon sedan as the basis, and apparently without the help of ol' Shel', Dodge has done it again. Only this time, besides wringing some considerable performance out of its popular econobox, Dodge has considerably sharpened its edge—and image—in the process.

With the speed potential of this car, that wing might be called on to perform more than just cosmetic duty.

The Dodge SRT-4 lights up the tuner market with an estimated top speed of 148 mph and sub-six-second 0-to-60 mph times. At 230 horsepower and 250 lb.-ft. of torque, the turbocharged SRT-4 is estimated to be the quickest production car available in the United States for less than $21,000. "Sport Compact Car" magazine agrees, naming the Dodge SRT-4 its Compact Car of the Year for 2003.


Unquestionably, SRT-4's sights are aimed squarely at the youth market. In addition to 17-inch alloy wheels shod with BSW performance tires, what sets the SRT-4 apart visually from the Neon is the multi-ducted and slotted hood and front fascia, upgraded four-wheel disc braking system, dual-exhaust outlets, and "hoop style" rear wing. With the speed potential of this car, that wing might be called on to perform more than just cosmetic duty.