There were three engines available in the first-generation Neon, and this 1998 Dodge Neon Highline has the “hottest” one. 150 horsepower isn’t exactly hot for 2026, but in 1998, in a 2,500-pound car, it was at least warm for ’98. This one is posted here on craigslist in Mullins, South Carolina, and the seller is asking $3,999. Here is the original listing, and thanks to Rocco B. for the tip!
I love the notchback body style over fastbacks for most vehicles, even if they have a tiny trunk lid, so not much of a notch. The Neon was available in either a four-door sedan, as seen here, or a two-door notchback, and that’s it. Chrysler offered the Neon for all three of its divisions in North America, but here in the U.S., we got the Dodge and Plymouth versions. The Highline trim is a step above the base model, and the “power bulge” hood and rear spoiler were options.
This car appears to be a very nice example, and I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a Neon in black. It looks almost formal, despite being just over 14 feet long and looking like a jelly bean. Albeit a sporty jelly bean with the rear spoiler and “power bulge” hood for the relatively high-zoot engine. Here’s what it looks like inside the trunk compartment. I don’t see a flaw on or in this car anywhere, other than whatever made that ring in the trunk carpet. Is that rust or just an oil stain?
The first-generation Neon was made from 1994 for the 1995 model year until late 1999. The next-gen cars were only made until the end of 2005 and only came with four doors. I made a quick convertible last year just to see what it might look like. The interior also looks like a time capsule, but a five-speed manual would sure make this car more fun to drive. As expected, the back seat also looks perfect.
The engine is a Chrysler 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve inline-four with 150 horsepower and 133 lb-ft of torque when new. Passing through a three-speed TorqueFlite, power is sent to the front wheels, and performance should be more than enough to keep up with modern traffic. Although most of today’s traffic is in the left lane, being held up by texting drivers, not to generalize. The seller gives zero description, so we have to go by the photos and the listed mileage of 59,073. This sure looks like a nice example, and $4,000 is almost nothing for a nice car today. Which one of you would be a buyer for this nice little Neon?
Waaay cool convertible SG!!😆
The best of these IMHO were the 2 dr 5 spd but this one would still be a decently fun grocery getter/gas sipper ($4.89 regular here!). This one is really clean for a 28yr old economy car and a good price from what’s showing.
GLWTS
$6,23 / gallon (91 octane) here in Mtn View, CA. (my 2013 Ford only runs on 91octane; anything lower causes the check engine light to go on…)
It makes me want to shop a Neon fastback. Unlike Scotty I generally prefer them to notchbacks at least on modern-ish compacts where they come with a bulky load-swallowing hatch.
Oh, if only this were a 2 door, 5 speed! Sharp little car! GLWTS!! :-)
5 speed definitely but I prefer the 4 door, it’s clear it was designed first and the 2 door an afterthought. If only it were a better ’90s color too!
I believe these cars replaced the Shadow, that replaced the Omni, and was pretty far down on the list of what people wanted. A knee jerk reaction to the Asian cars, but soon became unloved beaters parked outside trailer homes with a mini spare tire, mismatched fender and foggy headlights. They were good sellers, I read almost 100K/year, so there was a market for an Asian knockoff, there’s a turn around for ya’, but few bought another. It’s true, $4grand doesn’t buy much, and surprised it’s not sold.
Buddy had a stick shift one. Remember the long lever, and seemingly long throws too 💁♂️
My wife and I had considered one of these when they first came out. Remember the commercial, “Hi” when they came out. It was a Neon, Escort, or a base model Saturn we considered. We wound up getting the best deal on the Escort Sedan. I looked at that trunk photo and the only thing I can think of is maybe a flat tire at one point got tossed in the trunk and made a stain. But it looks oily like Scotty said. Maybe an oil drain pan? But for the price you can’t beat it. Looks like its in great shape.
Looks like it would be perfectly fine for a commuter car. Not too many “throw-away” cars which are 28 years old which are in good shape. But it does have the obligatory clouded headlights.
The convertible chop is cool, makes the car looks like it has a 202 inch wheelbase.
Thanks SG.
The length of time on the market, 24 days, highlights the lack of interest. Even though it’s not terrible expensive, it would have sold if potential buyers in the area saw it as a good value. These Neons have been forgotten, for good reason. Someone looking for cheap transportation will likely be looking for something at a lower price point, that means an economy car with bad paint or dings and dents or some other cosmetic issues.
Steve R