2000 Dodge & Plymouth Neon

Handsome styling is not something generally associated with econocars, but the 1995 Neon looked neat to us when new in the spring of 1994, and its trim, slipper-like shape has held up nicely over time. Styling history will repeat itself this spring as the second-generation Neon reaches Dodge and Plymouth showrooms from the company's Belvedere, Illinois, plant.

The 2000 Neon appears radically different from its predecessor with its faster (the base is moved forward 3 inches) windshield angle, all-new hood, fenders, decklid, roof, quarter panels, and clear-lens headlamps. It feels different with a 37-percent improvement in bending and a 26-percent increase in torsional stiffness over the original car. This extra body rigidity, which chassis engineers say helps quiet the ride and sharpen handling, is provided by a new one-piece body-side aperture, new stiffening ribs in the firewall, sill and center-pillar reinforcements, and added steel and magnesium instrument-panel structure. One of the most important design changes to the Neon was to the doors. They now sport full-frame windows. At speed in the previous Neon, the frameless window glass rattled and leaked air and even water at the rubber seals. Now, the elements are held firmly in check by the channels of the steel frames and premium triple seals.

Inside, the Neon gets some unexpected new features like a better grade of fabrics and interior plastic trim, lockable glovebox, pen holder, and roomy hard pockets in the doors. And the Neon also picks up a smidgen of additional interior volume from 101.7 to 103.4 cubic feet. Standard items include folding outside mirrors, variable-speed wipers, floor mats, AM/FM stereo cassette sound system with six speakers, self-dimming interior lights, and four cupholders. Some optional goodies are air conditioning, 15-inch wheels, cruise control, tilt column, and remote keyless entry.

Keeping with current trends, the Neon has also grown slightly on the outside. Overall length increases by 2.6 inches to 174.4, and the wheelbase is bumped an inch to 105.0. Track increases just slightly by 0.6 inch to 58.0. In back, the trunk is enlarged from 11.8 to 13.1 cubic feet. Alas, the two-door coupe has been canned, leaving the Neon available only as a four-door sedan.