2003 Dodge Neon SRT4 - Neck-snapping exhilaration

Having previously purchased a 2000 Neon, and loving it, I was very familiar with the Neon platform. However, my college-bound daughter needed some reliable and efficient transportation (and the Neon has been incredibly reliable), so she inherited 'Old Betsy', so that I would have an excuse to purchase a new vehicle.

In my search for a new vehicle, I weighed a number of different factors. Primary in the consideration was reliability and a match for my driving habits; 98% of my driving is in town.

Additional considerations are ease in maintenance (I perform much of my own maintenance) and low cost of support (when the maintenance is over my head!). I also need to fit comfortably in the vehicle - I'm not exactly small in stature, and I have difficulties in fitting into a Civic or even a Ford Mustang.

I eventually decided to stick with the Neon, but step it up a bit - with a canary yellow 2003 Dodge Neon SRT-4. In a word - wow! From the first time I pressed the throttle, I've been walking around with a permanent smile on my face. It's quite a step up from the 132 hp of the stock 2000 Neon, with (conservatively) another 100 hp in the SRT-4. With a 2.4L engine matched with a (Mitsubishi) turbocharger and intercooler, it gives far more than enough acceleration to go 0 to 60 in less than 6 seconds.

The rumble of the exhaust during acceleration, the whining of the turbocharger at higher revs, and the gurgles and pops on deceleration all let you know that you have all the power needed on tap. The hardened suspension and low profile tires all work in tandem with the power source to allow you to move smoothly and efficiently through traffic.

If you buy an SRT-4, be prepared to be challenged. The dealer even warned me about this when I bought it. Every boy racer or squirrelly little Civic driver with a loud tailpipe wants to line up with you at the nearest stop light. What you choose to do is up to you (remember - always obey all traffic laws, heheh...).

The exterior has looks that draw gawks and stares from the 'civilians'. And the interior has design cues that Neon owners will recognize, with the exception of the front part-leather bucket seats, the leather steering wheel (standard) and the part-leather rear seats. Seating is very comfortable in the bucket seats, even for long drives, even for my large frame. I have had several passengers comment on how comfortable and spacious the seating is. I did a 1300 mile run in 18 hours, and it felt like a trip around town.

Gas mileage, admittedly, is not as good as the stock Neon. Expect to run somewhere between 15 to 20 mpg. Why? Because this car begs you to drive it enthusiastically. You will not be able to resist the urge to put the peddle to the metal. Premium gas is required.

There is a veritable cornucopia of aftermarket parts available for the SRT-4. A good place to start, if you are interested, is SRTForums.com (I am not affiliated with this website, but I am an active member in their forums). My modifications so far - I replaced the stereo head unit, all 6 speakers, and added a CD changer in the trunk (all very easy to do). I also have replaced the stock tires with Pirelli P-Zeros, and installed a Mopar cold-air intake and short throw shifter. If you enjoy 'tweaking' your car, the SRT-4 lends itself well to that activity.

If you are a driver, and want to drive a car that is a thrill to get into each and every time, and is $10,000 less expensive than comparable vehicles, then I strongly recommend the Dodge Neon SRT-4