A basic tenet applies to subcompact and compact cars: They are designed to provide
economical transportation and hold the frills. What you get in return for minimal
dollars is an engine, four wheels, seats and a roof overhead. Refinement, luxury
touches and driving pleasure cost money, more than most manufacturers competing in
this particular market think they can persuade you to spend.?
That does not mean these little machines are deficient. They meet the same safety
and antipollution standards as larger cars do, they're generally well-built, and get
the job of moving passengers between points A and B done effectively. What they do not
offer, however, is much in the way of personality.
Except, that is, for the Dodge and Plymouth Neon. If any cars among the
entry-level crowd deserve to be called "cute," the Neon twins are the likeliest
candidates. They are fresh, perky and distinctive. But their appeal goes beyond looks;
they are genuinely fun to drive and are spirited performers, arguably the greatest in this
class.
If that does not appeal to you, there are plenty of other choices. Look at the
freshly redesigned Ford Escort and Mercury Tracer, Geo Metro, Toyota Tercel, Nissan
Sentra, Hyundai Accent or Elantra, Mazda Protege, Chevrolet Cavalier, Pontiac Sunbird or
any one of a number of others. Each of them is stingy with fuel and provides low-cost
transportation, adequate (or better) interior room, and performance that's acceptable
at the very least. Lots of choices here.
Nevertheless, the Neon can compete with any of these worthies in terms of
practicality, but adds its own distinct flavor to the field. On that basis alone, it's
worth looking at.
You won't confuse the Neon with any of its rivals. It combines
Chrysler's
cab-forward design philosophy with a wheels-at-the-corners stance that minimizes front
and rear overhang. The latter confers several real benefits in the areas of
maneuverability and stability, as well as making Neon a standout among its
shrunken-big-car competitors.
Neon's profile is chunky and has a pronounced wedge shape. Aerodynamics are good,
though any reduction in wind noise from the slippery form is masked by other factors
we'll get to shortly. The high roof and generous glass area deliver ample headroom and
superb visibility. Access through the large doors is good, too; the rear doors are
wider than the class norm.
In front, the Neon follows its own design path by substituting oval headlights for
the more universal rounded rectangular units. The nose is rounded and smooth; Sport
versions add a bulge to the hood to cover a taller engine. Out back, large taillights
flank a large deck lid that provides easy access to a good-sized trunk.
Three trim levels and two body styles make up the Neon lineup. The coupes and
4-door sedans are available in Base, Highline and Sport form, starting at $9495 for
the coupe, $9995 for the sedan. Differences between Dodge and Plymouth versions are
confined to the badge on the hood; other than that, a Neon's a Neon. It gets down to
which brand happens to have a dealer nearby.
Our Neon Sport sedan tester, which had a base price of $12,700, wore a Dodge
emblem.
