Results 1 to 8 of 8

Thread: Mopar Neon (2nd Gen) 2000-2005

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Feb 2005
    Location
    Barcelona
    Posts
    33,489

    Mopar Neon (2nd Gen) 2000-2005

    Sales of the second generation model started with model year 2000 and production ended with the 2005 model year. The second generation Neon was only available as a four-door sedan. In some global sales regions, including the U.S., the sole engine was the 2.0 L SOHC engine, the power output remaining at 132 hp (98 kW). An optional Magnum engine configuration (with an active intake manifold) that produced 150 hp (110 kW) was available. Both engines had a redline of 6762 rpm.

    The second generation was more refined than the first generation car. It was advertised that the second generation Neon had over 1,000 refinements from the original generation. The first generation's frameless windows were replaced with a full-framed door. Other NVH refinements were implemented. The new interior and greater size increased weight. The DOHC engine (Chrysler code name ECC) was no longer available.

    In 2000, The R/T trim returned after a one-year hiatus. The R/T consisted of a new 150 hp (110 kW) SOHC Magnum 2.0 L Engine, 16 in (41 cm) wheels, spoiler, dual chrome exhaust tips, quicker steering box and stiffer springs. The 2001 and 2002 R/Ts had a flat, 'hammerhead' spoiler. From 2000-2003, the R/T was sold as a Chrysler in Europe. The Neon was offered with a sport package for the 2001 model year only commemorating Dodge's return to the NASCAR scene. It consisted of an R/T wing, R/T 16 in (41 cm) wheels, R/T springs, Goodyear NASCAR raised yellow-lettering tires, 'Dodge Motorsports' side decals, white instrument cluster and R/T steering box. It was an R/T visually except for the lack of dual exhaust, R/T lower mouldings, fog lamps and R/T exclusive front bumper. The Sport only came equipped with the base model's 132 hp (98 kW) engine and was available with an automatic transmission (unlike the manual-only R/T model). 2001 was the last year for the Plymouth Neon, and the Plymouth brand as well. The last Plymouth Neon, which was also the last Plymouth ever produced (a silver four-door sedan), rolled off the assembly line on June 28, 2001.

    The former Dodge and Plymouth Neon were briefly sold under the Chrysler name in Canada from 1999–2002, until being renamed as Dodge SX 2.0 for 2003. In Europe, Australia, Mexico, and Asia, the car had always been sold as a Chrysler, as Dodge and Plymouth passenger cars were not marketed outside the U.S. and Canada at the time. Besides the 2.0 L engine, it used the same Tritec 1.6 L unit found in the MINI prior to 2007. The 1.6 L unit is a variation of the 2.0 L SOHC engine designed by Chrysler and built by Tritec.

    Originally, the second generation Neon featured a five-speed manual transmission using the former ACR gear ratios to improve acceleration. However, this hurt gas mileage and made the car noisier on the highway, and eventually the original gear ratios were restored. A four-speed automatic (41TE) was offered in the Neon for the 2002-05 model years, replacing the earlier 3-speed 31TH.

    The Neon's name was changed to SX 2.0 in Canada in 2002. In Australia and Canada, the Chrysler Neon was discontinued in 2002. In 2002, the front clip was changed slightly to match the R/T and ACR front clip with the exception of missing a lower lip. This was done by making the grille smaller.

    The Neon was facelifted once again for 2003 with large "crosseyed" headlights and crosshair grille to make it look more like a Caravan Stratus.

    The ACR model was discontinued for 2003; the R/T model for 2004. The Chrysler Neon continued to be sold in Europe until 2004.

    In Brazil, the Neon was marketed as a luxury mid-size sedan; for Mexico it was a competitor to the Ford Escort, and sold as a Chrysler with either the 1.6 or 2.0 L engine and European-style taillights (with separate amber indicator lights), except for the R/T model, which was a Dodge, with U.S.-style taillights.

    For the Dutch market, the Neon proved more successful than for the rest of the Continent. Trim levels were 2.0 LX and 2.0 SE. However, some grey import versions came in from Mexico.

    This generation continued to be offered in Japan from 1999-2001, but as with the previous generation, the width dimension did not comply with Japanese Government dimension regulations which affected sales. The Japanese version was installed with leather interior, and was marketed as a small luxury car to Japanese consumers. In 2002, the Neon was replaced by the Chrysler PT Cruiser in Japan.

    Source: wikipedia.org
    Attached Images Attached Images
    Lack of charisma can be fatal.
    Visca Catalunya!

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Feb 2005
    Location
    Barcelona
    Posts
    33,489
    Chrysler Neon #2
    Attached Images Attached Images
    Lack of charisma can be fatal.
    Visca Catalunya!

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Feb 2005
    Location
    Barcelona
    Posts
    33,489
    Chrysler Neon #3
    Attached Images Attached Images
    Lack of charisma can be fatal.
    Visca Catalunya!

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Posts
    10,227
    These were absolutely everywhere in my childhood. They are all gone.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Feb 2005
    Location
    Barcelona
    Posts
    33,489
    We once looked at a first gen to buy, but ended up in a Mk1 Focus.
    Lack of charisma can be fatal.
    Visca Catalunya!

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Posts
    10,227
    Quote Originally Posted by Ferrer View Post
    We once looked at a first gen to buy, but ended up in a Mk1 Focus.
    You dodged a serious bullet.

    EDIT: #UnintentionalPun

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Location
    └A & Connecticlump
    Posts
    5,367
    Quote Originally Posted by Kitdy View Post
    You dodged a serious bullet.

    EDIT: #UnintentionalPun
    You mean he Chryslered it...
    These things weren't quite as ubiquitous at home back in the day, but I remember, even five years ago, clapped out versions were everywhere in the rural Northeast. Now they've almost all gone. Detroit apologists claimed, and claim, that these did everything the Japanese did for a cheaper price. I think their recent disappearance bears out that there was still something missing.
    The SRT-4 does have its share of fanatics, though.
    "Kimi, can you improve on your [race] finish?"
    "No. My Finnish is fine; I am from Finland. Do you have any water?"

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Feb 2005
    Location
    Barcelona
    Posts
    33,489
    I only remember liking the hardtop-like doors and little else. From the Focus, though, I took control of the cars we bought.
    Lack of charisma can be fatal.
    Visca Catalunya!

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 3 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 3 guests)

Similar Threads

  1. Mopar Neon (1st Gen) 1994-1999
    By Ferrer in forum Matt's Hi-Res Hide-Out
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 11-16-2014, 01:34 PM
  2. Chrysler Imperial (2nd gen) 1931-1933
    By Ferrer in forum Matt's Hi-Res Hide-Out
    Replies: 23
    Last Post: 11-09-2014, 02:18 PM
  3. Car Brochures
    By carbrochuretom in forum Books, magazines, brochures and posters
    Replies: 48
    Last Post: 08-21-2011, 01:01 PM
  4. Forza 2 Demo!!!!
    By werty in forum Gaming
    Replies: 39
    Last Post: 05-20-2007, 12:28 AM
  5. Probable Entry List for Le Mans
    By Zytek_Fan in forum Racing forums
    Replies: 29
    Last Post: 09-01-2006, 07:16 AM

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •