2004 Dodge Neon SRT-4

As with all production Neons, the stance of the chassis has a pronounced forward rake, and it seems accentuated here. No doubt, there are good reasons for this, such as improved weight transfer while cornering, high-speed aerodynamic stability, and load carrying capacity, to name a few. On the other hand, from an aesthetic point of view, the "cool factor" is definitely called into question. But who knows, it could even be an unintended form of compromise: street racers will want to lower the rear (which changes the look of it considerably), while rally racers will want to raise the front.


Once inside and sitting in the driver's seat, the youthful theme continues. This would be especially apparent to those with "middle-aged spread," as the side bolstering on the seatback is not calibrated for their age and size. It does, however, firmly support a leaner body in comfort and security while the chassis generates the considerable cornering forces that it's capable of. All of the important controls are in the right position, including the properly spaced pedals (heel-and-toe is effortless), tilt-adjustable steering column, and short-throw shifter. Instrumentation is stylish and readable, including the boost gauge, which is mounted to the right of the speedometer. As far as materials choice and quality are concerned, improvements have been made since the introduction of the Neon platform. While not screaming cheap, there is no mistaking the econo-factor here.

Instrumentation is stylish and readable, including the boost gauge, which is mounted to the right of the speedometer.

To further enhance the interior, an all-new Kicker/SRT Livin' Loud audio system upgrade is available on 2004 model-year Dodge SRT-4 cars. Performance Vehicle Operations engineers worked with their supplier partners at Kicker to develop the audio system upgrade. It includes two 1-inch high-performance Neodymium tweeters mounted in the instrument panel, two 6.5-inch full-range 75-watt speakers mounted in the front doors, two rear 90-watt 6x9 co-axials, a six-disc under-dash CD changer and a 10-inch SVC 100-watt amplified subwoofer mounted in the trunk. The subwoofer is tied to the front-channel balance control for the most listening flexibility.


If you want to hear a different sort of music, start the willing 2.4-liter intercooled turbo mill, and the prominent exhaust note greets you. While having a youthful volume level, it seems a bit boomy and lacking in tone. But hey, there has to be some good excuses for wanting to alter a perfectly functional brand-new vehicle, and typically, customizing the exhaust system is a good place to start.


Getting underway is easy, the clutch and shifter being a cinch to operate, with clutch feel and "take-up" just about spot-on. Unfortunately, the center console makes noticeable (and annoying) contact with the back of the driver's forearm, sometimes fairly fouling up the process when reaching for third and fifth gear. An "elbows-out" driver might not notice, but the rest of us will.