Road Test: 2000 Dodge & Plymouth Neon
The steering rack is slightly reduced, which allowed the team to more accurately tune it for a crisper turn-in response. And the rack itself was further isolated to attenuate the transmission of noise and vibration from the road and from the hydraulic system. Small items of change, yes, but noticeable when you're behind the wheel.
The brake system's pedal feel and overall quiet are enhanced with a larger master cylinder, thicker rotors, and low-expansion brake lines. The standard arrangement is front discs and rear drums. Optional are four-wheel discs with an anti-lock system and even traction control. Chrysler's engineers brag that the Neon has best-in-class brakes.
The Neon will be targeted, again, at tough competitors like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Escort, and Chevrolet Cavalier in a small-car segment that accounts for about 2.2 million units a year and will be about 28 percent of the total North American market by 2000. Considering the segment's economy-minded buyers, a nicely-equipped version should sticker at about $15,000. A loaded Dodge ES or Plymouth LX variation will come in around $18,500.