🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Dodge Model: Neon Years Covered: 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999 Codes Platform: PL (Chrysler's Small Car Platform) 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact Car (Economy segment) Brand Strategy: Dodge's offering in the highly competitive compact segment, aiming for affordability and sporty styling. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Escort, Chevrolet Cavalier, Nissan Sentra. Key Features Design Philosophy: Cab-forward design, multi-link rear suspension (a notable feature for its class), relatively spacious interior for its exterior dimensions. Value Proposition: Affordable pricing, good fuel economy, and a generally youthful and sporty appeal. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: Parts Listing, Labor Hour Estimates Secondary Coverage: Repair Guidance (Implied by product description) Page Count Estimated Page Count: Varies by specific edition, typically hundreds of pages for comprehensive parts catalogs. Manual Type Type: Parts List Catalog / Service Information Language Language: English Format Format: Likely printed book format, or potentially a digital format (PDF) depending on the source. 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain Parts: Engine components, transmission, exhaust, fuel system, cooling system, ignition system. Chassis Parts: Suspension (front and rear), steering, brakes (front and rear discs/drums), wheels, hubs, axles. Body And Exterior Parts: Body panels (fenders, doors, hood, trunk), bumpers, glass, mirrors, lighting (headlights, taillights, signals), trim, seals. Interior Parts: Seating, dashboard, console, door panels, carpeting, headliner, seat belts, airbags (if applicable). Electrical And Electronic Parts: Wiring harnesses, fuses, relays, battery, alternator, starter, lighting components, sensors, control modules (ECU). Procedures Included Labor Time Estimates: Estimated labor hours for various repair and maintenance procedures, critical for estimating repair costs. Part Identification: Detailed illustrations and part numbers for accurate identification of replacement components. Technical Depth Depth: Detailed part cataloging, enabling identification of even obscure components and fasteners. Labor guides provide insight into complexity. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Digital Format Potential: If digital, typically PDF; searchability is a key feature for efficiency. Print Quality Print Quality Expectation: High-quality printing with clear illustrations and legible text, essential for technical reference. Binding Type Binding Type: Likely spiral-bound or stitched binding for durability and ease of use in a workshop environment. Paper Type Paper Type Expectation: Durable paper stock suitable for workshop conditions, potentially with laminated pages for critical diagrams. ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code And Description: 2.0L SOHC (Single Overhead Cam) I4 (16-valve) - Engine Code: ECC Displacement: 1996 cc (2.0 Liters) Bore X Stroke: 87.6 mm x 83.0 mm Compression Ratio: 9.8:1 (typical) Performance Horsepower: 132 hp @ 6000 rpm (typical for SOHC) Torque: 130 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm (typical for SOHC) Fuel System Induction Type: Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI) Fuel Type: Unleaded Regular (87 octane recommended) Engine Variants Performance Variant: 2.0L DOHC (Double Overhead Cam) - Engine Code: AGT (High Output), 150 hp, also found in ACR models. 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 5-Speed Manual Transmission Optional Transmission Type: 4-Speed Automatic Transmission (with lock-up torque converter) Features Manual Gear Ratios: Refer to manual for specific ratios per gear and final drive. Typically geared for economy. Automatic Transmission Type: Chrysler's A500/A518 derivative family, adapted for front-wheel drive. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: 101.4 inches (2576 mm) Length: 174.4 inches (4430 mm) Width: 67.4 inches (1712 mm) Height: 53.0 inches (1346 mm) Interior Passenger Volume: Approx. 95 cubic feet Cargo Trunk Volume: Approx. 13 cubic feet (sedan), larger for hatchback models. Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 2500 - 2700 lbs (depending on trim and transmission) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Refer to VIN sticker or manual. 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Frontal Impact Ratings: Refer to specific NHTSA reports for 1995-1999 models; early models may have had lower ratings. Active Features Braking System Type: Front: Ventilated Disc, Rear: Drum Brakes (standard). Optional ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) available. Traction Control: Not commonly available on base models, may have been an option on higher trims or later years. Passive Features Airbags: Driver and Passenger Airbags standard from 1995 onwards. Seat Belts: Three-point front seat belts with pretensioners; three-point rear seat belts. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Basic speaker configurations. Display: Analog gauges, basic climate control knobs/sliders. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Available on most trims, typically as an option or standard on higher levels. Connectivity Connectivity Options: None (pre-internet era for mass-market cars). No Bluetooth, USB, or auxiliary inputs. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 3,000 to 5,000 miles or 3 to 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil used. Check manual for specific recommendation. Engine Air Filter Replacement: Every 15,000 to 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection. Spark Plug Replacement: Typically around 60,000 to 100,000 miles for platinum or iridium plugs. Copper plugs would be much sooner. Coolant Flush Interval: Every 30,000 to 50,000 miles or 2-3 years. Transmission Fluid Change Interval: Automatic: 30,000-60,000 miles. Manual: Inspect and...
Not commonly available on base models, may have been an option on higher trims or later years.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Airbags standard from 1995 onwards.
Seat Belts:
Three-point front seat belts with pretensioners; three-point rear seat belts.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Basic speaker configurations.
Display:
Analog gauges, basic climate control knobs/sliders.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Available on most trims, typically as an option or standard on higher levels.
Connectivity
Connectivity Options:
None (pre-internet era for mass-market cars). No Bluetooth, USB, or auxiliary inputs.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 to 5,000 miles or 3 to 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil used. Check manual for specific recommendation.
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 to 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically around 60,000 to 100,000 miles for platinum or iridium plugs. Copper plugs would be much sooner.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 30,000 to 50,000 miles or 2-3 years.
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Automatic: 30,000-60,000 miles. Manual: Inspect and change as needed, typically 50,000-100,000 miles.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Specification:
API Certified SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check owner's manual for climate-specific recommendations).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.0 quarts (3.8 liters) with filter for 2.0L engine.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant, Mopar Orange or equivalent. A 50/50 mix with distilled water is typical.
Transmission Fluid Type Auto:
ATF+4 (Chrysler's recommended fluid) or equivalent, or ATF Type 7176 for earlier models.
Transmission Fluid Type Manual:
Refer to manual for specific gear oil type, typically GL-4 or GL-5 SAE 75W-90.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Known Issues
Engine Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gasket and rear main seal are common leak points.
Cooling System Problems:
Plastic radiator end tanks can crack, thermostat housing can leak.
Suspension Wear:
Ball joints, tie rod ends, and control arm bushings can wear prematurely.
Exhaust Manifold Cracks:
Cast iron exhaust manifolds are prone to cracking, leading to exhaust leaks and noise.
Evaporative Emission Control System:
Canister purge solenoid and vent solenoids can fail, leading to Check Engine Light.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Dodge Brand Positioning:
Historically known for muscle cars and trucks, the Neon represented Dodge's push into the mainstream compact market.
Model Evolution
First Generation Launch:
Launched in 1995 as an all-new model, replacing the Dodge Colt.
Body Styles:
Available as a 2-door coupe and a 4-door sedan. A 5-door hatchback was also part of the original design but primarily marketed under the Plymouth brand in the US (Plymouth Neon).
Facelift Updates:
Minor styling and feature updates occurred throughout the generation, with a more significant refresh often noted for the later years.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Belvidere, Illinois, USA.
Production End Year For Generation:
First generation ended with the 1999 model year, leading into the second generation Neon.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Automotive Press Acclaim:
Often received praise for its handling and sporty driving dynamics for the price, particularly the ACR models.
Car And Driver 10Best:
Was featured on Car and Driver's 10Best list in 1995.
Ratings
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Consumer Reports often rated the Neon as average to below average in reliability for this generation.