Topic: Modern Classics: Dodge SRT4, 2003-2005

[Autos_Editor]

With its 215-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine, "there wasn't another vehicle on the market at the time with such impressive performance numbers for under $30,000 that could also seat a family of five," says Modern Classics columnist, Jeff Burry.

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[Rupert]

I wonder if companies make any profit on this type of product. Has there ever been a study on warrenty costs.

[footlong58]

This car was fantastic.  Very powerful, very fast, and very simple.

[wing]

So simple in fact it had power windows in the front but wind-up in the rear LOL

[PhiDelt]

But it's still a Neon.

[Cory X]

PhiDelt,
 A SRT4 though it may be a Neon,but the Neon was a reliable car and was praised by journelists when it came out,yes the 90's version was highly rated and reliable,also it was the fastest small car in the 90's as well 7 sec 0-60 with the dohc 4 banger,then the Turbo 2.4 !!

What do you say about people customizing Civic's..its still a Civic !!Mostly older women buy Honda products new..How about a Mazda6 its a Ford !! Ford engine/trans ect...

Also the BMW Mini uses a Chrysler neon engine block !!! So in essence the Mini is realated to a Neon !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

[Erik]

I did like a lot of stuff about the old Neons (the fact that they were HUGE inside was certainly nice for a guy my size), but "reliable" is certainly not a word I would use to describe them.

[rrocket]

Here's me dispatching a Nitrous SRT-4 that qualified quicker than me...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAxTF-uyQTg

[Erik]

Here's me dispatching a Nitrous SRT-4 that qualified quicker than me...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAxTF-uyQTg

Both impressive.
You wouldn't think that something that looks like that Neon could even be competitive at all with a monster like the Supra.

[rrocket]

Here's me dispatching a Nitrous SRT-4 that qualified quicker than me...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAxTF-uyQTg

Both impressive.
You wouldn't think that something that looks like that Neon could even be competitive at all with a monster like the Supra.

Only at the track...and only with slicks.  On the street, a high HP nitrous Neon is useless.....no traction whatsoever.

And only through my kindness did I allow him to race me because he was found to be in violation of the rules (he was running full slicks...a no-no for True Street classes).

[auto_enthusiast]

Wouldn't mind picking up one of these in the future - esp an 04 or 05 which have the Quaife LSD from the factory and the extra power.  They have a ton of potential as well - I think they have a reasonable chance of being a bit of a collector's car.

Oh, and the article states that it was a SOHC engine when it was actually a DOHC engine...

[rrocket]

Oh, and the article states that it was a SOHC engine when it was actually a DOHC engine...

Car and Driver, Motor Trend and Road and Track have also called the SRT-4 SOHC & DOHC depending on the article. 

But yea, I always thought it was DOHC.

[aknutson]

Looking at this car on a spec sheet looks promising, but in the real world, I can't help but think the fact that it was, and always will be engineered as a Neon, would compromise the experience. That's what sets the GTI apart. It isn't the fastest, it isn't the cheapest or the hardest, but it is arguably one of the most livable 'cheap' sportlets out there, which is why I'd look up a used 1.8T over this anyday.

[rrocket]

Looking at this car on a spec sheet looks promising, but in the real world, I can't help but think the fact that it was, and always will be engineered as a Neon, would compromise the experience. That's what sets the GTI apart. It isn't the fastest, it isn't the cheapest or the hardest, but it is arguably one of the most livable 'cheap' sportlets out there, which is why I'd look up a used 1.8T over this anyday.

By that same token, you could say the same thing about the GTI since it was based on the Golf/Rabbit.

[rrocket]

Its a dohc.
At this point I'd buy a Cobalt SS over the srt as they are also hell fast and cheaper than the older srt.

I'd only consider the Cobalt SS Turbo FWIW...

[aknutson]

Looking at this car on a spec sheet looks promising, but in the real world, I can't help but think the fact that it was, and always will be engineered as a Neon, would compromise the experience. That's what sets the GTI apart. It isn't the fastest, it isn't the cheapest or the hardest, but it is arguably one of the most livable 'cheap' sportlets out there, which is why I'd look up a used 1.8T over this anyday.

By that same token, you could say the same thing about the GTI since it was based on the Golf/Rabbit.

That doesn't make sense. The Rabbit/Golf is a great car in base form, not just GTI. It was built well, drove well, and the only thing it was missing was power. The GTI took an already good car and gave it some zoot. The SRT-4 is taking a (sorry) crappy car and giving it a LOT of zoot. So, you are still left with very different cars, because one was fundamentally good, the other wasn't.

That being said, the target market for the Dodge is different than the GTI, so most SRT-4 owners or shoppers won't really care.

[auto_enthusiast]

I'm curious as to what you think made the base Neon a "crappy" car.  While one could perhaps question touchy feely interior materials, the platform could easily handle the increased power and handling it was given.

And if anything, one could argue that the SRT is closer to the original concept of the pocket rocket which the original GTI was famous for - adding power and handling to a relatively pedestrian platform.  While the current  GTI is an excellent drive, it has gotten relatively cushy, overweight, and luxurious to the original concept.

[man]

i prefer the mazdaspeed 3 with more options such as navigation system, but only little money more than srt-4. also japanese cars are more reliable than america cars.

[Snowman]

Pretend you are are in 1967 and everything becomes clear.

[aknutson]

I'm curious as to what you think made the base Neon a "crappy" car.  While one could perhaps question touchy feely interior materials, the platform could easily handle the increased power and handling it was given.

And if anything, one could argue that the SRT is closer to the original concept of the pocket rocket which the original GTI was famous for - adding power and handling to a relatively pedestrian platform.  While the current  GTI is an excellent drive, it has gotten relatively cushy, overweight, and luxurious to the original concept.

Yes, my use of the word 'crappy' probably wasn't a very astute choice of words. Regardless, I have had two friends who owned base model Neons, and both have had scads of problems. One was an 'Espresso' model, yikes!

That tidbit aside, lots of cars have mechanical problems, and you have made a good point about the original GTI. The new car has become softer, and the commuting masses might be thankful. But considering the intent of the SRT-4 is to shed weight and deliver thrills, there is no question it is a purer driving machine, much akin to the original GTI.

Hmmm, you've given me something to think about.