2004 Dodge Neon SXT vs. Other Compact Cars: A Comparison Review

2004 Dodge Neon SXT: A Review of Its Features, Performance, and Value

If you are looking for a compact car that offers a combination of style, comfort, and performance, you might want to consider the 2004 Dodge Neon SXT. This car was one of the most popular models in its segment when it was released, and it still has a loyal fan base today. But what makes this car so special, and how much is it worth in today's market? In this article, we will review the features, performance, and value of the 2004 Dodge Neon SXT, based on the data from Kelley Blue Book, one of the most trusted sources for car valuation. By the end of this article, you will have a better idea of whether this car is right for you or not.

2004 dodge neon sxt kelley blue book

Features

The 2004 Dodge Neon SXT was designed to appeal to young drivers who wanted a sporty and affordable car. It came with a variety of features that made it stand out from its competitors. Here are some of the main features of this car:

Exterior

The exterior of the 2004 Dodge Neon SXT was sleek and stylish, with a distinctive grille, headlights, and taillights. It had a body-colored spoiler, bumpers, door handles, and mirrors. It also had fog lamps, alloy wheels, and a sunroof (optional). The car was available in several colors, such as black, silver, red, blue, and yellow.

Interior

The interior of the 2004 Dodge Neon SXT was comfortable and spacious, with enough room for five passengers. It had cloth seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power windows and locks, remote keyless entry, air conditioning, cruise control, and a CD player. It also had a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, a rear window defroster, and a trunk light. The car had a simple and user-friendly dashboard, with easy-to-read gauges and controls.

Safety

The safety of the 2004 Dodge Neon SXT was decent, but not outstanding. It had dual front airbags, front disc and rear drum brakes, and a child seat anchor system. It also had an anti-lock braking system (ABS) and a traction control system (TCS) (optional). However, it did not have side or curtain airbags, stability control, or a rearview camera. The car received mixed ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Performance

The performance of the 2004 Dodge Neon SXT was impressive, especially for its price range. It had a powerful and responsive engine, a smooth and reliable transmission, a good fuel economy, and a fun handling. Here are some of the details of this car's performance:

Engine

The engine of the 2004 Dodge Neon SXT was a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produced 132 horsepower and 130 pound-feet of torque. It was capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in about 9 seconds, and reaching a top speed of about 120 mph. It was also relatively quiet and smooth, with minimal vibration or noise.

Transmission

The transmission of the 2004 Dodge Neon SXT was either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic. Both options were easy to use and shift, with no major issues or complaints. The manual transmission offered more control and fun, while the automatic transmission offered more convenience and comfort.

Fuel Economy

The fuel economy of the 2004 Dodge Neon SXT was good, but not great. It had an EPA-estimated rating of 25 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway, for a combined average of 28 mpg. This was slightly lower than some of its rivals, such as the Honda Civic or the Toyota Corolla. However, it was still acceptable for its class and age.

Handling

The handling of the 2004 Dodge Neon SXT was one of its best features. It had a tight and responsive steering, a firm and stable suspension, and a balanced and agile body. It was easy and fun to drive, especially on curvy roads or in tight spaces. It also had a good grip and traction, with minimal body roll or understeer.

Value

The value of the 2004 Dodge Neon SXT was dependent on several factors, such as its condition, mileage, location, and demand. One of the best ways to determine its value was to use Kelley Blue Book, which provided an accurate and updated estimate based on these factors. Here are some of the aspects of this car's value:

Kelley Blue Book

Kelley Blue Book (KBB) is one of the most trusted sources for car valuation in the US. It has been providing car buyers and sellers with reliable information since 1926. It uses data from millions of transactions, market trends, industry experts, and consumer feedback to calculate the fair market value of any car. It also offers tools and tips to help car owners make informed decisions.

Price Range

The price range of the 2004 Dodge Neon SXT according to KBB was between $1,000 and $2,500 as of June 2023. This was based on the assumption that the car had an average condition, mileage, location, and demand. The exact price could vary depending on these factors, as well as on the negotiation skills of the buyer or seller.

Pros and Cons

The pros and cons of buying or selling a 2004 Dodge Neon SXT were as follows:

ProsCons

- Affordable price- Low safety ratings

- Stylish exterior- No side or curtain airbags

- Comfortable interior- Mediocre fuel economy

- Powerful engine- High maintenance costs

- Smooth transmission- Low resale value

- Fun handling- Limited availability

Alternatives

If you are not convinced by the 2004 Dodge Neon SXT, or if you want to explore other options, you might want to consider some of the alternatives that are similar to or better than this car. Here are some of them:

• 2004 Honda Civic: This car was one of the most popular and reliable compact cars in its time. It had a higher safety rating, a better fuel economy, and a higher resale value than the 2004 Dodge Neon SXT. It also had a more spacious and refined interior, and a smoother and quieter ride. However, it was more expensive, less powerful, and less fun to drive than the 2004 Dodge Neon SXT.

• 2004 Toyota Corolla: This car was another strong contender in the compact car segment. It had a similar safety rating, fuel economy, and resale value as the 2004 Honda Civic. It also had a more durable and reliable engine, and a lower maintenance cost. However, it was also more expensive, less powerful, and less fun to drive than the 2004 Dodge Neon SXT. It also had a more bland and boring exterior and interior.

• 2004 Ford Focus: This car was a close rival to the 2004 Dodge Neon SXT in terms of style, comfort, and performance. It had a similar price range, engine power, and handling as the 2004 Dodge Neon SXT. It also had a more modern and attractive exterior and interior, and a more versatile and practical body style (available as a sedan, hatchback, or wagon). However, it had a lower safety rating, fuel economy, and resale value than the 2004 Dodge Neon SXT. It also had a more noisy and rough engine and transmission.

Conclusion

The 2004 Dodge Neon SXT was a compact car that offered a lot of features, performance, and value for its price range. It had a stylish exterior, a comfortable interior, a powerful engine, a smooth transmission, and a fun handling. It also had a reasonable fuel economy and safety rating. However, it also had some drawbacks, such as low side or curtain airbags, high maintenance costs, low resale value, and limited availability. Therefore, it might not be the best choice for everyone.

If you are interested in buying or selling a 2004 Dodge Neon SXT, you should use Kelley Blue Book to get an accurate and updated estimate of its value. You should also compare it with other cars in its class, such as the 2004 Honda Civic, the 2004 Toyota Corolla, or the 2004 Ford Focus. By doing so, you will be able to make an informed decision that suits your needs and preferences.

Thank you for reading this article. We hope you found it helpful and informative. If you have any questions or comments about the 2004 Dodge Neon SXT or any other car topic, please feel free to contact us or leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you!

FAQs

Here are some of the frequently asked questions about the 2004 Dodge Neon SXT:

• How many miles can a 2004 Dodge Neon SXT last?The lifespan of a 2004 Dodge Neon SXT depends on how well it is maintained and driven. Some owners have reported that their cars have lasted over 200,000 miles with proper care and service. However, others have experienced major problems and breakdowns after 100,000 miles or less. The average mileage of a 2004 Dodge Neon SXT is about 150,000 miles.

• What are some common problems with the 2004 Dodge Neon SXT?Some of the common problems with the 2004 Dodge Neon SXT include engine oil leaks, head gasket failures, transmission failures, cooling system failures, electrical system failures, and suspension system failures. These problems can be costly and time-consuming to fix, and can affect the performance and safety of the car.

• How much does it cost to insure a 2004 Dodge Neon SXT?The cost of insuring a 2004 Dodge Neon SXT varies depending on several factors, such as your age, gender, driving record, location, coverage level, and deductible amount. The average annual premium for a 2004 Dodge Neon SXT is about $1,200, which is slightly higher than the national average of $1,100 for all cars.

• Is the 2004 Dodge Neon SXT a good first car?The 2004 Dodge Neon SXT can be a good first car for some drivers, especially those who are looking for a cheap, stylish, and fun car to drive. It can also teach them how to maintain and repair a car, as it might require frequent and regular service. However, it might not be a good first car for others, especially those who are looking for a safe, reliable, and fuel-efficient car to drive. It can also be frustrating and stressful to deal with its problems and issues.

• Where can I buy or sell a 2004 Dodge Neon SXT?You can buy or sell a 2004 Dodge Neon SXT from various sources, such as dealerships, private sellers, online platforms, or auctions. However, before you buy or sell a 2004 Dodge Neon SXT, you should do your research and homework to make sure you get the best deal possible. You should also use Kelley Blue Book to check the fair market value of the car, and inspect the car thoroughly before making any transaction.

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