Chrysler has completely redesigned its Neon for model year 2000. The new one is far more refined than before. This, of course, generates a new clichT: Neon no longer says "Hi." Now it says "Hello. How are you?" You will recognize it as a Neon, but you'll also notice it's new. This second-generation Neon should make its owners happy. It will be more pleasant to live with than early models, which were Spartan, unrefined and noisy.
Expectations have changed since Chrysler introduced the first 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. Chrysler talked to prospective compact car buyers before designing that car. They told Chrysler they were tired of paying high prices. What they wanted was a good five-cent cigar. Chrysler took them at their word and built the Neon to be a low-priced car. But people really wanted more than that. They said they wanted a cheap car, but they also wanted refinement, quality and comfort. It was a hard lesson for Chrysler. Though more than 1.5 million Neons have been sold during the past five years, other manufacturers introduced larger, more refined and more feature-laden cars. Chrysler continually refined and improved the Neon throughout its life cycle and the later models are much nicer than the earlier models. But it came time to redesign the car. And that brings us to the 2000 Neon.
This new, second-generation model moves the Neon up another rung on the compact car food chain. Compared with the previous model, the all new Neon is solid, serious and sophisticated. It can be seen at your local Plymouth or Dodge dealer.
When you first see the 2000 Neon, you'll see a familiar face. All the body work is new, but it still looks like a Neon. Those ovoid headlamps are still 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. New rear end and tail lamp designs along with more pronounced wheel arches offer a crisper, less rounded look.
Most noticeable is the change in profile. The base of the front windshield has been moved forward 3 inches. This major design change gives the car a more raked, cab-forward appearance that's in keeping with the Dodge Intrepid and other Chrysler sedans. The more aerodynamic windshield shape improves the car's ability to deflect water away and it helps reduce wind noise.
Overall, the all 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. Yet the floor pan has been lowered, which significantly increases trunk space. The new Neon provides more cargo space than the Ford Escort or Saturn SL sedans.
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.
For 2000, all Neons will be four-door sedans with 2.0-liter single overhead-cam engines. No stripped-down base models are available. No two-door coupes are available. No high-revving double overhead-cam engines are offered. But Chrysler showed off a 2001 Neon R/T sedan at the Detroit auto show expected to debut in the spring of 2000. The 2000 Neon is available with a choice of 5-speed manual or 3-speed automatic transmission.
Chrysler held the price of the all new Neon down by using supercomputers to pre-design the interior; it cut development costs in half and reduced manufacturing costs. The result is a better car at little additional cost to the consumer.
Two trim levels are available: For $12,890, you get the base D package. For an additional $1760, the G package adds air conditioning, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, electronic brake proportioning, traction control, remote keyless entry with security system, anti-theft alarm and programmable door locks, tilt steering, cruise control, 15-inch aluminum wheels, power windows, bucket seats, a leather-covered steering wheel and shift knob, and other interior upgrades. Opt for the G package unless basic transportation is your only goal.
