SPECS / FEATURES:
AOL Autos: http://autos.aol.com/cars-Dodge-Neon-2000/specs/
MSN Autos: http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/Spec_Glance.aspx?year=2000&make=Plymouth&model=Neon&trimid=-1
Yahoo! Autos: http://autos.yahoo.com/plymouth/neon/2000/sedan/features.html
PICS:
AOL Autos: http://autos.aol.com/cars-Dodge-Neon-2000/photos/
EXPERT REVIEWS:
NewCarTestDrive: http://autos.aol.com/cars-Dodge-Neon-2000/expert-review/
http://www.vehix.com/car-reviews/2000/plymouth/neon/expert-reviews/nctd
The Dodge Neon offers a solid value among compact sedans. Roomy and fun to drive, it delivers style and performance.VIDEO:
Chrysler has completely redesigned its Neon for model year 2000. The new one is far more refined than before. Neon no longer says Hi." Now it says "Hello. How are you?" You'll recognize it as a Neon, but you'll also notice it's new.
It's more pleasant to live with than early models, which were initially Spartan, unrefined and noisy. This new, second-generation model moves the Neon up a rung on the compact car food chain. Compared with the previous model, the new Neon is solid, serious and sophisticated.
Chrysler first introduced the Neon in January 1994. Back then, it was the roomiest car in its class. It was quick and fun to drive. And it was inexpensive. After listening to consumers, Chrysler believed the original Neon was the perfect answer. Those consumers had told Chrysler that they were tired of paying high prices: Americans now wanted a good five-cent cigar. So Chrysler designed the Neon to be a low-priced car. But the company quickly discovered that people really wanted more than that. They may have said they wanted a cheap car, but they also wanted refinement, quality and comfort. It was a hard lesson…And that brings us to the 2000 Neon.
The 2000 Neon looks similar to the old one, but all the bodywork is new. Those ovoid headlamps continue to be a key styling cue, but they've been redesigned with jewel-like reflectors that add sophistication. The design of the front fascia is more integrated. A new tail lamp design along with more pronounced wheel arches offer a crisp, less rounded look...
Overall, the new Neon is longer and wider than before. It rides on a longer wheelbase with a slightly wider track (the distance between the front wheels). These changes make for a roomier interior, but they also smooth out the ride quality and increase stability at high speeds. The ground clearance has been raised slightly to accommodate longer suspension travel, which further improves ride quality…
The new body structure is much more rigid, which ultimately results in a smoother, quieter, more controlled ride. Full frame doors reduce wind noise and create a tighter seat of door to body. The latest sound-deadening technology helps isolate the cabin from engine and road noise.
Though Chrysler had continually improved the interior of the last generation Neon, the interior of the new Neon was completely redesigned and is much nicer than before. For starters, there's more of it. The bigger cabin offers more front hip room and more space for nicer seats. The driver sits a little higher than before for improved visibility.
Back-seat passengers benefit the most from the larger interior with more head, shoulder and hip room. The trunk is significantly deeper than before. The rear seats split and fold down for carrying additional cargo.
Sporty new gauges grace a redesigned instrument panel with a wide dashboard brow. Premium door trim and materials that are soft to the touch provide a richer appearance and feel. The interior comes standard with four cupholders and AM/FM/cassette with six speakers
Neon's redesigned single overhead-cam 2.0-liter engine feels more powerful than its predecessor. A new air induction system broadens the torque curve, which makes the car feel more powerful around town. A new exhaust manifold, cylinder head cover and timing belt cover, and attention to a myriad of details reduce noise.
The brake pedal feels firmer. The brake system was redesigned for improved pedal feel. The thickness of the front brake rotors was increased and low-metallic linings were used to keep them from squealing.
While last year's Neon was quick and fun to drive, the all-new 2000 is a much more pleasant companion. It has been improved in every way. It's roomier, smoother, quieter, and more comfortable. The Neon offers a good value, but be sure to look past the base price. Air conditioning, antilock brakes, remote keyless entry, power windows and other conveniences we're beginning to take for granted are all extra-cost options.
In short, the Dodge Neon is a top contender among compact cars. It's practical and fun to drive and should be on the shopping list
