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Dodge Neon Coupe 2.0 i (132 Hp)
Overall Rating
Dodge Neon:
The Neon is a compact car built from November 1993 until 2005 by the American Chrysler Corporation over two generations. It has a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout and was available in two-door and four-door sedan body styles. In the United States and Canada, it was sold as either a Dodge or a Plymouth , while in Europe, Mexico, Japan, South Korea, Egypt, Australia, South Africa, and South America, it was branded as a Chrysler....(Read more on Wikipedia)
Coupe Overview:
Dodge Neon (Coupe). With 174 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 1082 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. A two-door car with a fixed roof, known for its sporty design and dynamic performance. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The 1998 Dodge Neon sedan, part of the same generation, scored 2 stars for adult occupant protection in Euro NCAP tests. The coupe variant was not independently tested by Euro NCAP, but shares structural similarities.
2.0 i (132 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Offers a good balance of everyday performance and responsiveness for city driving and highway cruising, feeling peppy for its class.
Fuel Economy
Achieves reasonable fuel economy for a naturally aspirated 2.0L engine of its era, making it a cost-effective daily driver.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Engaging and agile handling for a compact car
- • Peppy engine options, especially the 147 Hp DOHC
- • Distinctive and youthful styling
- • Affordable purchase price and running costs
- • Good visibility due to cab-forward design
Cons:
- • Interior quality and materials are basic
- • Noticeable road and wind noise at highway speeds
- • Some early models had reliability concerns (e.g., head gasket)
- • Rear drum brakes on base models
- • Limited rear seat space in the coupe
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Neon: 1994 - 1999).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Dodge |
| Model: | Neon |
| Generation: | Coupe |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.0 i (132 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1996 |
| End of production: | 2001 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Coupe |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 132 Hp @ 6000 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 66.1 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 174 Nm @ 5000 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 1996 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.25 l |
| Coolant: | 6 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 87.5 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 83 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.8:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 7.2 l/100 km |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 8.2 kg/Hp, 122 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.2 kg/Nm, 160.8 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1082 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 216 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 47 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4364 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1715 mm mm [7mm more] |
| Height: | 1345 mm mm [46mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2642 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1458 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1458 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 185/65 R14 |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Several levers and rods |
The hidden gems or the annoying flaws? Expose the truth about the Dodge Neon!