EDMUNDS.COM 2004 DODGE NEON SRT-4
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 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
A ridiculously fast econobox with the suspension to back it up, the SRT is undeniably the most performance you can buy for $20K.
Pros
More power than a $20K car has any business having, near perfect suspension tuning, throaty exhaust snarl, serious seat bolstering.
Cons
Lacks refinement, some low-grade interior components.
What''s New for 2004
New fuel injectors and a recalibrated engine control module bump the horsepower and torque numbers to 230 and 250. A limited-slip differential is now standard equipment, along with new high-performance BFGoodrich tires and bright pedal pads, while a sunroof is now available as an option. Electric Blue replaces Solar Yellow on the color chart.
Overview
Introduction:
In an Edmunds comparison test, the tire-smoking Neon SRT-4 squared off against Nissan''s Sentra SE-R Spec V, Mazda''s Mazdaspeed Protege and Ford''s SVT Focus. Armed with a class-leading 215 horsepower and a chassis to match, the SRT-4 blew the others away and amazed us with its incredible performance-per-dollar ratio. This year, it seems that Dodge just wants to rub the others'' front fascias in the SRT-4''s tire dust, as the company has given this hyper Neon 15 more horsepower for a total of 230 ponies. The company also made other upgrades for the SRT-4''s sophomore year that include a much needed limited-slip differential, along with "three-season" BFGoodrich performance tires and racing-style aluminum pedal accents. There are still a few details that could use refinement. We had mixed feelings about the interior, where a pair of serious racing-style seats offer plenty of support but, this being a Neon, the cabin materials and design still lag behind cars like the Protege and Sentra. And the stereo, although not bad in terms of sound quality, pales in comparison to the state-of-the-art units offered in class rivals. A cheapo interior and an average stereo might be enough to deter some buyers, but if those factors even enter your mind, you''re not the kind of driver that Dodge''s PVO (Performance Vehicle Operations) engineers had in mind anyway. This is an econosport sedan that takes the goal of maximum performance for minimum dollars very seriously, and the numbers prove it. The Mazdaspeed Proteges, Focus SVTs and Spec Vs of the world better take notice -- the SRT-4 is the new king of speed on the cheap and currently, they don''t stand a chance of wresting the crown away from Dodge.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The SRT-4 comes only in a four-door body style. Standard features include air conditioning, a CD stereo, power windows (front only), power mirrors, 17-inch alloy wheels shod with 17-inch performance tires, an auxiliary boost gauge, metallic interior accents, foglights and sport seats. Key options include a power sunroof and side airbags.
Powertrains and Performance:
The SRT-4 is fitted with a turbocharged, 2.4-liter inline four that boasts ratings of 230 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. The sole transmission is a five-speed manual, and this year the SRT-4 gets a much needed limited-slip differential. With this type of power in a small car, acceleration is almost scary; according to Dodge, the ''04 SRT-4 will blast from zero to 60 mph in under 6 seconds. Top speed is north of 140 mph.
Safety:
Four-wheel antilock disc brakes are standard and side airbags are optional. In frontal impact testing, the Neon scored four out of five stars; in side-impact tests, it got three stars. In frontal offset crash tests, the Neon earned just a "Marginal" rating, the second lowest on a scale of four.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
The most notable interior feature is the pair of Viper-inspired sport seats with side bolsters so prominent you practically have to crawl around them just to get in. A few other upgrades such as a boost gauge and satin silver metallic accents separate the SRT-4 from plebian Neons. The rear seats are relatively tight for adults, so don''t expect to shove too many friends back there. All interior controls are simple to use, but materials quality is poor and build quality generally isn''t much better.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
The SRT-4 is the most fun you can have behind the wheel for $20,000. Under full boost, first gear disappears in a torrent of tire smoke, but the big 17-inch tires dig in for second and never let up from there on out. The car pulls strongly through 6,000 rpm with only a minimal drop-off in power as it approaches its 6,240-rpm redline. The only notable weak spot is the shifter, as it takes its time getting into gear, allowing the turbo to lag behind on every shift. The antilock disc brakes are fully up to the task of keeping the easily gotten velocity in check; we recorded a stellar 116-foot stopping distance from 60 mph. Its speed is undeniable, but there''s more to the SRT-4 than just horsepower. A full complement of thick sway bars and retuned springs provide flat cornering and crisp transitions. Ride quality has been compromised, but not by much, as it remains compliant enough for everyday driving -- just don''t expect to sip your morning coffee without a few tongue scaldings.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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