The second generation Neon (abbreviated hereafter as PL2k) debuted in the spring of 1999 as a 2000 model. Its look was markedly different from the first generation cars, but still identifiably Neon. The friendly grin of the original Neon was reduced to a pleasant smile, the roofline and curb height were higher, and the rear sported a somewhat loopy bumper/taillight design that may be a bit of a disappointment compared to, say, the rear clip of a second generation Intrepid. In general, the car was received with cautious but happy acceptance by the Neon faithful.The New Neon is aimed at a slightly higher market than the original car. Consequently it benefits from a lot of attention to finish quality and design detail. According to the pre-release press kit, 78% of the first generation parts were redesigned for the PL2k. Noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) issues were foremost among the mainstream consumers who answer surveys about this stuff. In response, the Neon design team added framed glass to the doors, redesigned the motor mount system, softened the suspension slightly, and added more jounce travel (among thousands of other items) to improve the feel and ride quality of the new car.
Truthfully, Chrysler was treated somewhat unfairly on the subject of the new Neon. The design team carefully addressed all the common complaints about the original Neon, only to hear the automotive press (and enthusiasts) comment that the new car was heavier, less sporty, and more expensive than its predecessor. Worries about the Neon "growing up" too much were aggravated by the temporary (but potentially permanent) disappearance of the performance-oriented first generation models, the striped R/T and the less-famous ACR. Many people were most disappointed, moreover, by two decisions made under the influence of Daimler (albeit not directly ordered by the new management):
The most obvious change was the cancellation of the two door Coupe. Originally intended to be approximately half of Neon production, the first generation Coupe never accounted for more than 25% of the Neon's sales volume. Despite sharing most parts with the four door (even including the roof skin and back glass), the Coupe was considered economically unviable and was discontinued with the 1999 m/y.
In another unpopular move, Chrysler also cancelled the rev-happy DOHC 2.0 liter engine. Powerful, reasonably efficient, and durable, it remains a great design for a modern mid-displacement engine. However, it was not considered an important enough selling point for the Neon's adjusted target market. Consequently it was also axed for economic reasons.
The 2001 R/T and Sport Appearance "Grand Am" style rear wing was changed to a more-appropriate low tunnel-style design for 2002-3 m/y, and also made available as an option on all models. This new wing better complements the car's shape.
The 2003 m/y Neon has received a minor facelift for the last three years or so of its model life (unlike the first-generation cars). A new crosshair grille picks up the Dodge identity styling in the front, and sits lower on the fascia. The hood has also been lowered slightly, giving more prominence to the fender line, and subtly sculpting the whole front for a racier look. In addition, the rear clip has been modestly updated, with the reverse lights moving toward the top of the tail lamps. While the rear fenders and decklid are the same as previous years, The rear facia has been re-molded with harder edges to interrupt the 'goofy grin' of the previous rear bumper.
Also in 2003, the Canadian Neon received a name change. The PL moved from the Chrysler brand to Dodge, in the process changing its name to SX 2.0 and lowering the price a bit. This appears to be another move away from its older brother.
The original Base Neon was a stripped down economy car, with an asking price under $10,000. The new 'bottom of the line' SE is more equivalent to the first generation Highline, the largest seller of the previous years. Interior finishes are much improved, and even the base seats are more comfortable and supportive. Exterior appearance is improved as well- body-color painted door handles, rub rails, and fascias are standard at even the lowest trim level. The second generation cars debuted with a chrome grille bar; however, this was changed to body-color for the 2002 m/y. 14" steel wheels with Sprint wheelcovers are standard, with the 15" split-5-spoke Impulse alloys as an option. Unlike its predecessor, the 2001 SE can option the sport appearance package, which contains the suspension upgrades of the R/T as well as some appearance items. Canadian Neons in this line were branded with "Chrysler Neon LE"
Neon SE/LE Sedan Information Year 2000 2001 2002 Engine SOHC SOHC SOHC Transmission ATX or MTX ATX or MTX ATX or MTX Steering Standard power 18:1 Standard power 18:1 Standard power 18:1 Suspension Touring, Optional Sport Touring, Optional Sport Touring, Optional Sport Brakes Standard, Optional ABS Standard, Optional ABS Standard, Optional ABS Colors Black, Bright White, Bright Silver Metallic, Cinnamon Glaze Metallic, Deep Ameythyst Pearl Coat, Deep Cranberry Pearl Coat, Flame Red, Forest Green Pearl Coat, Patriot Blue Pearl Coat, Salsa Red Metallic Cinnamon Glaze Metallic, Shale Green Metallic, Patriot Blue Pearl Coat Salsa Red Pearl Coat, Bright Silver, Steel Blue Pearl Coat, Dark Garnet Red Pearl Coat, Black, Stone White, Flame Red Flame Red, Steel Blue Pearl Coat, Shale Green Metallic, Light Almond Pearl Metallic, Bright Silver Metallic, Cinnamon Glaze Metallic, Dark Garnet Red Pearl Coat, Black, Stone White Seat Type Picasso Picasso Picasso Tachometer Optional Optional Optional Exhaust Single Single Single Fascia Standard painted fascia, chrome grille and headlight bezels Standard painted fascia, chrome grille and headlight bezels Standard painted fascia and crosshair grille, and chrome headlight bezels Wheels 14" 5-lug steel, 15" 5-lug Impulse alloy (optional) 14" 5-lug steel, 15" 5-lug Impulse alloy (optional), 16" 5-lug Silverstone alloy (Sport Pkg) 14" 5-lug steel, 15" 5-lug Impulse alloy (optional)
For the New Neon, the original 3-level lineup (Base, Highline, Sport) was replaced by the 2-level SE and ES designations, both of which are closer to the mid-level Highline than their predecessors. The ES is similar to the later '97-'99 Sport/Expresso option package, rather than a separate "all options are standard" model like the '95-'96 Sport. The second generation cars debuted with a chrome grille bar; however, this was changed to body-color for the 2002 m/y. The ES front fascia does include foglights, but 15" steelies with "Fusion" wheelcovers are standard instead of alloys (the 15" "Impulse" alloys are optional). Like the SE, the ES can also option the Sport appearance package, which contains the suspension upgrades of the R/T as well as some appearance items. This is a bit different from the prior lineup, where the Sport option was only available at one trim level. Canadian Neons in this line were branded with "Chrysler Neon LX"Back for the first time since the 1995 m/y - factory leather interior! This is optional on the ES and R/T only (Dark Slate for both, or Taupe for the ES). Unfortunately the leather package also includes fake wood grain dash accents on the ES. However, the leather package does feature the side airbags which are optional on other trim levels.
The ES model has been discontinued for the 2003 m/y, replaced by the SXT.
Neon ES/LX Sedan Information Year 2000 2001 2002 Engine SOHC SOHC SOHC Transmission ATX or MTX ATX or MTX ATX or MTX Steering Standard power 18:1 Standard power 18:1 Standard power 18:1 Suspension Touring, Optional Sport Touring, Optional Sport Touring, Optional Sport Brakes Standard Disk/drum, Optional ABS Standard Disk/drum, Optional ABS Standard Disk/drum, Optional ABS incl. Disc/disc Colors Black, Bright White, Bright Silver Metallic, Cinnamon Glaze Metallic, Deep Ameythyst Pearl Coat, Deep Cranberry Pearl Coat, Flame Red, Forest Green Pearl Coat, Patriot Blue Pearl Coat, Salsa Red Metallic Cinnamon Glaze Metallic, Shale Green Metallic, Patriot Blue Pearl Coat Salsa Red Pearl Coat, Bright Silver, Steel Blue Pearl Coat, Dark Garnet Red Pearl Coat, Black, Stone White, Flame Red Flame Red, Steel Blue Pearl Coat, Shale Green Metallic, Light Almond Pearl Metallic, Bright Silver Metallic, Cinnamon Glaze Metallic, Dark Garnet Red Pearl Coat, Black, Stone White Seat Type Shadow Shadow, Royale Leather (optional) Shadow, Royale Leather (optional) Tachometer Optional Optional Optional Exhaust Single Single Single Fascia Painted fascia with fog lights, chrome grille and headlight bezels Painted fascia with fog lights, chrome grille and headlight bezels Painted fascia with fog lights, chrome grille and headlight bezels Wheels 15" 5-lug steel, 15" 5-lug Impulse alloy (optional) 15" 5-lug steel, 15" 5-lug Impulse alloy (optional), 16" 5-lug Silverstone alloy (Sport Pkg) 15" 5-lug steel, 15" 5-lug Impulse alloy (optional)
The Neon R/T took a break for the 2000 model year, and returned on the new platform in 2001 minus its distinctive 'skunk stripes'. The R/T designation is a Mopar tradition, indicating a performance model of a given car, and for a time included the Intrepid, Caravan, and Stratus lines. This car is similar to the ACR in many ways, but includes all the comfort options available in other packages. Luxury items include standard leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, power front windows, door locks, and mirrors, and optional power sunroof. Canadian R/T Neon retained its name, although under the Chrysler brand.The R/T Sedan uses the SDE suspension, which is a stiffer, more aggressive handling package between the common SE/ES setup and the ACR's competition tuning. Antilock braking with Traction Control and variable proportioning is standard. Also, R/Ts are only available with the performance manual transmission. Instead of the DOHC engine, the R/T now features a High Output "Magnum" SOHC engine, which utilizes a more aggressive cam, a tricky two-stage intake manifold, and hotter PCM calibrations to provide 150 horsepower and a small increase in torque over the base engine.
The interior features the subtle grey-on-grey Aries seats with improved side bolsters common to the ACR. An optional full leather interior is available in grey only, with a "fake-almost-carbon-fiber-look" instrument bezel replacing the ES's "fake-almost-burl-walnut-look" bezel. Starting in 2002, the instrument bezel has a brushed-aluminum appearance. Stripes are no longer available from the factory. Despite this shortcoming, the R/T still has more horsepower than its "normal" siblings.
The R/T has a specific front appearance, featuring a different front fascia with a subtle chin lip and fog lights, side skirts, a body-color grille, and black headlight bezels (2001 m/y.) At the rear are a "Vibrant" style dual outlet chrome exhaust, and a wing more suited to a Grand Am than a Neon. This wing design is changed for the 2002 m/y to a more rounded style that better complements the car's design.
Neon R/T Sedan Information Year 2001 2002 2003 2004 Engine SOHC Magnum SOHC Magnum SOHC Magnum SOHC Magnum Transmission Performance MTX Performance MTX Performance MTX Performance MTX Steering Firm power 18:1 Firm power 18:1 Firm power 18:1 Firm power 18:1 Suspension Sport Sport Sport Sport Brakes Antilock with Traction Control Antilock with Traction Control Antilock Antilock Colors Black, Flame Red, Stone White, Bright Silver Black, Flame Red, Stone White, Bright Silver Black, Inferno Red, Solar Yellow, Bright Silver Black, Blaze Red, Solar Yellow, Bright Silver Seat Type Shadow, Royale Leather (optional) Shadow, Royale Leather (optional) Shadow, Royale Leather (optional) Shadow, Royale Leather (optional) Speedometer 140mph 140mph 140mph 140mph Tachometer Standard Standard Standard Standard Exhaust Dual outlet Dual outlet Dual outlet Dual outlet Fascia Special, with fog lights, painted grille and black headlight bezels Special, with fog lights, painted grille and chrome headlight bezels Special, with fog lights Special, with fog lights Wheels 16" 5-lug, Silverstone alloy, silver 16" 5-lug, Silverstone alloy, silver 16" 5-lug, Silverstone alloy, silver 16" 5-lug, Silverstone alloy, silver
Despite the best efforts of the SCCA Competition Board to punish Chrysler for making such a good, inexpensive race car, the ACR returned in the 2001 model year. Although added weight has slowed the car slightly, it remains an excellent value in the "fun-to-drive" category, and would in fact be competitive if it were not purposely mis-classed by the SCCA.When the ACR was introduced in 1994, the car was built to be as light and simple as possible, using the lowest available trim levels. The second generation ACR, however, is more like the new R/T, minus some appearance items and luxuries. It shares the Magnum SOHC engine, standard Antilock Brakes and Traction Control, leather shifter and wheel, front fascia, and dual-outlet exhaust with the R/T, minus the side-skirts. In addition, a convenience package including A/C, keyless entry, power locks, and interior light package were available.
The ACR's suspension remains unique, and includes double-adjustable Dynamic Suspensions struts, in addition to stiffer spring rates, thicker sway bars, and firm-feel steering also seen on the R/T.
While Grassroots Motorsports is reporting that generous quantities of Chrysler-backed Neon contingency money have returned for 2002/3 racing and autocross seasons, the ACR has been discontinued for the 2003 m/y. It is not clear how these seemingly conflicting stories can be reconciled. The SRT-4 has been classified by SCCA in the T2 club racing class for the 2004 season.
Neon ACR Sedan Information Year 2001 2002 Engine SOHC Magnum SOHC Magnum Transmission Performance MTX Performance MTX Steering Firm power 18:1 Firm power 18:1 Suspension Competition Competition Brakes Antilock with Traction Control Antilock with Traction Control Colors Black, Flame Red, Stone White, Bright Silver Black, Flame Red, Stone White, Bright Silver Seat Type Shadow Shadow Speedometer 140mph 140mph Tachometer Standard Standard Exhaust Dual outlet Dual outlet Fascia Special, with fog light openings, painted grille and black headlight bezels Special, with fog light openings, painted grille and chrome headlight bezels Wheels 15" 5-lug, Impulse alloy, silver 15" 5-lug, Impulse alloy, silver
Like the first generation cars, the PL2k line has received a little stir-up as Chrysler tinkers with models and equipment packages. Rather like the Expresso, the Neon SXT contains most of the option content of the ES, combined with special badging and colors. The SXT is available in Solar Yellow, Flame Red, Black, and Silver Metallic, among other colors. One unique feature is the body-color bezels on the HVAC controls and automatic shifter for certain models. The SXT line is intended to be a "value" package and offers high content and fairly low pricing. Mechanically, the SXT is similar to the SE/ES models. The SXT will replace the discontinued ES in the 2003 m/y lineup. In Canada, the SXT is called the Neon Sport.
Neon SXT/Sport Sedan Information Year 2002 2003 2004 Engine SOHC SOHC SOHC Transmission ATX or MTX ATX or MTX ATX or MTX Suspension Sport Sport Sport Brakes Antilock with Traction Control Antilock Antilock Colors Black, Flame Red, Bright Silver Atlantic Blue Pearl Coat, Black, Flame Red, Bright Silver Metallic, Blaze Red Crystal Pearl Coat, Graphite Metallic, Light Almond, Flame Red, Patriot Blue Pearl Coat, Stone White, Solar Yellow Atlantic Blue Pearl Coat, Black, Flame Red, Bright Silver Metallic, Blaze Red Crystal Pearl Coat, Graphite Metallic, Midnight BLue Pearl Coat, Electric Blue Pearl Coat, Stone White, Solar Yellow Seat Type Shadow, Royale Leather (optional) Shadow, Royale Leather (optional) Shadow, Royale Leather (optional) Speedometer 120mph 120mph 120mph Tachometer Standard Standard Standard Exhaust Single Single Single Fascia Special, with fog lights, painted grille Special, with fog lights, painted grille Special, with fog lights, painted grille Wheels 15" 5-lug Impulse alloy, Aluminum or Chrome 15-Inch 5-lug Aluminum or Chrome 15-Inch 5-lug Aluminum or Chrome
Note: This section is based on a combination of rumor, unofficial, and official information.The Neon SRT has been the most cherished vaporware in the Neon community, dating back to the supercharged Neon GTS Coupe concept car in 1995. After the debut of the PL2k, Chrysler showed a similar, more developed concept dubbed the SRT, for Supercharged R/T. Sedan only, of course, this car featured an Eaton blower unit under the hood feeding a 2.0 litre SOHC engine. The car was shown with huge split-spoke wheels, tunnel wing, and an aggressive front fascia. The interior was similarly decked out with aluminum trim and bright blue seat inserts.
Rumors flew about the odds of the car ever seeing production, with strong opinions both ways. In 2000, despite the Daimler takeover, Chrysler was still considering the car and doing quiet market research. Two new versions of the SRT show car were exhibited. Polls were taken to investigate potential pricing, and the public opinion of turbo charging rather than supercharging. Insiders leaked info that the car was closer to being green lighted for production.
In early 2001, a small anomaly got the attention of sharp-eyed enthusiasts: the SRT-style wing appeared in the Mopar Accessories catalog, listed as being available in Flame Red, Solar Yellow, and Black, matching the colors of the show cars. In addition, insiders heard that the Belvidere Assembly line workers had come up with some ingenious methods to simplify engine installation, which suddenly moved the SRT from "difficult" to "very feasible."
Around October of 2001, the internal newsletter for the Belvidere plant announced the good news: the SRT is a go.
At the LA Auto Show in early 2002, Dodge made the official announcement that the SRT will see production, with a rollout of the new car in bright Solar Yellow. Slated to begin production in Spring 2003, the SRT will be priced at approximately $19,995, and production is rumored to be 3000-5000 units per year. It is expected to share a turbocharged second-generation 2.4 liter DOHC engine with the also-announced GT Cruiser. This engine makes 205-210 horsepower and delivers 220 lb.-ft. of torque between 2000 and 4800 rpm, which puts the estimated 0-60mph time at 5.9 seconds. All this power will be coupled with a T-850 5 speed manual featuring slightly different gearing. High strength clutch and drive plate assemblies and revised engine/transaxle mounts will provide greatly increased torque capacity in the new T-850 transmission. It's going to need it! Although a Limited Slip Differential has not been specified, the SRT will include equal-length half shafts to reduce torque steer and improve equality in traction. Other features include 4-wheel disc brakes with 11-inch front rotors and 17-inch wheels, with a 60-0 stopping distance around 120 feet.
Production prototypes are currently undergoing durability testing in the form of Pro Rally competition, which is sure to shake out any bugs in the design. The car is slated to appear in the dealer order books in December of 2002, with delivery beginning in March/April of 2003. Rumors persist that production will be limited to 5000 units, at least for the first model year.
2001.7.1 Q: Which Neon is better, the first or second generation?2001.7.2 Q: How can I identify a second generation ACR?A: Both of them.2001.7.3 Q: What does "SRT-4" stand for?A: As with the previous generation, ACRs are most easily identified by the front fascia, which has foglight holes but no fog lights. The ACR also comes with the dual-outlet Magnum muffler but without the R/T's decklid wing or side skirts. All ACRs have the Impulse alloy wheels (silver). Due to its limited options, the ACR can be mechanically identified using the engine, transmission, and brake system information above. If it is not as shown on the table, it is not an ACR.A: Street & Racing Technology, 4 cylinder. The SRT line also includes the Viper SRT-10 and a Viper-powered Ram truck called the RAM SRT-10.