2001DodgeNeonDodge Neon2001 Dodge Neon Highline SedanSedanSedanFWDUSAThe Neon R/T and Neon ACR, both models sporting a 2.0-liter 150-horsepower engine, make their much-anticipated return this year. Side-impact airbags and leather seats are now available in Dodge's economy car, as is a new interior color and four new exterior colors. An internal trunk release keeps young and old from being trapped in the Neon's cargo hold, and four new option packages, one of which includes a four-disc in-dash CD player, further widen its appeal to buyers seeking an American-made economy car.Large interior, competent handling, attractive interior/exterior styling.Noisy engine, archaic three-speed automatic transmission, lack of feature content in standard trim.DaimlerChrysler is billing the current-generation Neon as "quiet, sophisticated and still a lot of fun." Fun seems to be the catchword for the Neon. Its maker obviously wants people to know that while the Neon has grown up, it hasn't grown old. It's probably worthwhile for them to stress the fun factor, since the coupe version has been absent since the 2000-model-year redesign, meaning that a four-door sedan will have to suffice for all those economy car thrill-seekers out there. Available trim levels include the base ES, uplevel SE, sporty R/T, and performance-minded ACR. The standard 132-horsepower 2.0-liter inline four received improvements to the air induction and intake manifold systems last year to provide torque over a broader rpm range, but the powerplant still makes too much noise at high rpms. Thankfully, with a refined suspension that offers plenty of wheel travel, the Neon's ride is smooth. The power rack-and-pinion steering and precisely tuned suspension also contribute to the Neon's cruising quality while making it an absolute blast when canyon carving. Stopping power comes from a front disc/rear drum combo, but buyers may want to opt for four-wheel discs with ABS and traction control. A 150-horsepower 2.0-liter engine, absent in 2000, makes a celebrated return this year as standard equipment in the reintroduced R/T and ACR models. The feature-laden R/T model also features 16-inch aluminum wheels, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, a sport suspension, special body cladding, a performance-tuned exhaust, and high ratio steering, along with a unique steering wheel and shift knob, power front windows, power door locks, air conditioning, and remote keyless entry. Options include leather seats with side airbags. Despite its luxury appointments, a five-speed manual is the only transmission offered with the R/T. ACRs are targeted at the club racing faithful who have used their Neons for track events since the car's introduction in 1994. The 2001 model comes with 15-inch wheels sporting performance tires and all of the performance upgrades found on the R/T, but without the heavy luxury items that might slow Ricky Roadracer down while strafing cones at the local SCCA event. In this arena, the Neon has proven quite capable. But whether buying a performance-oriented R/T or ACR model, or just the low-dollar base Neon, make sure you stick with the standard equipment five-speed manual transmission. Dodge has the cojones to charge $600 for its lame-oid and out-of-date three-speed automatic while the cheaper Hyundai Elantra and Daewoo Nubira offer four-speed autos. Whatever. Items like a radio/cassette combo and four Big Gulp-sized cupholders are much appreciated, yet overall feature content is still lacking. We also give Dodge credit for creating an attractive and roomy cabin with available white-faced gauges and a swoopy dash that appears very upscale and Intrepid-like. Unfortunately for Dodge, competitors like the Ford Focus, Mazda Protege and Nissan Sentra offer more bang for the buck in terms of both refinement and content while still providing enthusiasts a fun-to-drive car. If Chrysler wants to continue to compete in this market, the company will have to address the Neon's failings. Chevrolet CavalierFord FocusHonda CivicToyota Corolla336,000336,000336,0005100,000NANANA42 litersInline132 hp @ 5600 rpm130 ft-lbs. @ 4600 rpm174.4 in.67.4 in.56 in.2567 lbs.105 in.39.1 in.36.8 in.53.4 in.52.8 in.52.4 in.52.9 in.42.4 in.34.8 in.11.8 cu.ft.OptionalStandardNot AvailableOptionalNot AvailableOptionalNot AvailableRating = GoodRating = GoodAverageAverageNot TestedNot Tested12.5 gal.27 mpg / 33 mpg24 mpg / 31 mpg338 mi. / 413 mi.300 mi. / 388 mi.Insurance costs can vary greatly for this vehicle, depending on such factors as driver age, driver gender, teenage drivers in the household, driving records, theft loss data for your particular geographic region, miles driven per year, and other widely variable factors. Additionally, some companies charge a premium for certain makes and models, while others do not.$11,856$12,7157.35%$490N/A3% of the Total MSRPHIGHLINE (5M): 2L I4 SOHC SMPI 16-valve engine; 5-speed OD manual transmission; 450 amp battery with run down protection; 83 amp alternator; front-wheel drive, 3.55 axle ratio; stainless steel exhaust; front independent strut suspension with anti-roll bar, front coil springs, rear independent multi-link suspension with anti-roll bar, rear coil springs; power rack-and-pinion steering, power steering cooler; front disc/rear drum brakes; 12.5 gal. capacity fuel tank; side impact bars; front and rear body-colored bumpers; body-colored bodyside molding; clearcoat monotone paint; aero-composite halogen headlamps; driver's and passenger's black outside mirrors, driver's manual remote outside mirror, passenger's manual outside mirror; 14" x 5.5" black steel wheels; P185/65TR14 BSW touring A/S tires; compact steel spare wheel; AM/FM stereo radio, clock, seek-scan, cassette player, CD changer pre-wiring, 6 speakers, fixed antenna; child safety rear door locks; 1 power accessory outlet;instrumentation display includes water temperature gauge, trip odometer; warning indicators include oil pressure, battery, lights on, key in ignition, low fuel, door ajar; driver's and passenger's front airbags; tinted windows, manual front and rear windows; variable intermittent front windshield wipers, sun visor strip, rear window defroster; seating capacity of 5, front bucket seats with adjustable headrests, center armrest with storage, driver's and passenger's seat includes 4-way adjustment; 60/40 folding rear bench seat with fixed headrests; front height adjustable seatbelts; cloth seats, cloth door trim insert, full cloth headliner, full carpet floor covering with carpeted floor mats, deluxe sound insulation; interior lights include dome light with fade; steering wheel with tilt adjustment; passenger's side vanity mirror; day/night rearview mirror; full floor console, locking glove box, front and rear cupholders, instrument panel bin, dashboard storage, driver's and passenger'sdoor bins; carpeted cargo floor, carpeted trunk lid, cargo light; black side window moldings, black front windshield molding, black rear window molding and body-colored door handles.