The Dodge Neon was a car that presented contrasting identities. On one hand, it was seen as an economy vehicle, characterized by a subpar interior, mediocre build quality, and disappointing safety ratings. On the other hand, it was regarded as a surprising performer. Although it didn’t find favor with all American consumers, the Neon earned positive reviews abroad, particularly in Japan. In 1994, the Japanese show Best Motoring compared the then-new Neon with the Honda Accord EX and the Nissan Sunny 1500 Super Saloon at Tsukuba, where the American model outperformed its rivals.
This comparison didn’t involve the more performance-oriented Neon ACR or the SRT-4; it featured a standard Dodge Neon equipped with a two-liter, 132-horsepower four-cylinder engine and a three-speed automatic transmission. Nothing about the Neon tested by Best Motoring was exceptional, yet it dominated on the track, leaving the Accord and Sunny in its wake. At one point, the Neon driver appeared to be teasing the competition, swerving playfully as he maintained a significant lead.
In an informal assessment of practicality, the Neon proved to be nearly as spacious as the Accord. It was a sedan that offered ample interior comfort and trunk space comparable to its competitors, while also delivering a more exhilarating driving experience. As highlighted in a June 1996 Bloomberg article regarding its launch in Japan, the Neon had significant potential. However, it faced challenges in that market, likely due to being classified as a larger vehicle than its rivals, which meant higher road taxes for owners. By December 1996, Chrysler had managed to sell only 900 Neons in Japan after five months on the market, causing enthusiasm to dwindle, as reported by the Chicago Tribune.
Despite its poor sales on the international stage and limited staying power in the U.S., Chrysler managed to create a standout among practical sedans. The Neon has gained recognition posthumously for being affordable, fun to drive, and easy to repair. Would drivers seeking a similar experience be better off with a Honda Accord from the same period? Likely. But there’s no denying that the Neon is the quicker choice.
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