cars when it unveiled the Neon, sold under the same name through Dodge

and Plymouth dealers, for the 1995 model year.

The small car rulebook to that point seemed to state that basic transportation

was synonymous with subcompact econobox. It had to have a homely exterior

that screamed cheap, its performance had to be sluggish and the ride uncomfortable.

Forget all that. The Neon tossed out that rulebook, and its looks remain

fresh two years after its introduction. Its design still rates as innovative

in the way it creates more room for people and cargo. Its driving performance

is spunky. And it's chock-a-block with personality. Yet it still is cheap,

with a base price of just under $11,000 for a base coupe.

Although there have been adjustments--ongoing detail improvements, an

optional engine and new model variations--the Neon remains fundamentally

unchanged. Mechanical refinements for 1997 focus on making the Neon quieter,

while new interior features include a midline AM/FM/CD audio system, new

fabrics and fresh color choices. The new colors for 1997 are Deep Amethyst

Pearl and Lapis Blue. Also, the full armrest console is now standard on

all models.

Neon appears to have blazed a new trail for small cars, as many of the

recently redesigned models have become more stylish and personable as well,

most notably the recently updated Ford Escort and Mercury Tracer. Other

rivals, and there are many, are the Chevrolet Cavalier and Pontiac Sunfire,

the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla and Tercel, Mitsubishi Mirage, Nissan Sentra,

and Mazda Protege.

The Neon sits on a 104-inch wheelbase, which is long for this class.

That, and a relatively wide track, are the keys to Chrysler's inventive

cab-forward layout, which pushes the wheels to the far corners of the car.

In addition to reducing front and rear overhangs, this configuration creates

more room for the people inside the cabin and their belongings in the trunk.

The Neon's high roofline adds to the interior spaciousness, which provides

ample headroom and relatively expansive glass for good visibility all around.

The proportions also allow for large doors, with the rear doors wider than

those on most small cars, for easier entry and exit.

Aside from its aerodynamically efficient chunky wedge shape, the Neon's

most distinctive styling feature is the oval headlamp treatment straddling

its smooth, rounded nose. The bug eyes are easily recognizable from a distance,

and they've already become a familiar part of America's automotive landscape.

The Neon is available as either a sedan or coupe, and regardless of

brand (Dodge or Plymouth) equipment specifications are essentially identical.

The only divisional distinction lies in the badging.

In addition to the base model, the Neon is available with the Sport

or the Highline package. The Sport package provides more expressive and,

of course, sporty styling cues, including a rear decklid spoiler and a

hood bulge to fit the dual overhead cam valvetrain of its more powerful

engine--150-horsepower, versus 132 hp for the basic sohc edition.

The base powerplant is the most powerful standard engine in its class,

and the 150-hp version is the most powerful you can buy in a car this size.

comes inside the Neon where there is ample room for four adult passengers,

five in a pinch. Despite new entries into the small car segment, the Neon

still boasts more room than most vehicles in its class, coupe and sedan

alike. The expansive glass and high roofline not only enhance interior

volume but provide the Neon with an airy feel to its cabin.

The base version provides perfectly adequate accommodations, albeit

just the basics in a fairly plain package. Its seats are hard and the materials

used throughout are durable and inexpensive looking. Air conditioning and

a clock are optional on the base model, and some options are not available

at all on the base version. Indeed, the aim of the base Neon models is

to offer performance and value in the $10,000 price range.

Standard items on all Neon models include dual airbags, 5 mph bumpers,

child protection door locks in the rear, side impact beams, tinted glass,

traveling seatbelt buckles and height adjustable front shoulder belts.

The Highline models (from $12,970), however, are outfitted in better

quality fabrics, more comfortably supportive seats and additional amenities.

Coupes and sedans both come with a 60/40 split folding rear seat for additional

cargo carrying capability. Our test car's standard equipment included air

conditioning, a trunk light, bigger tires, an AM/FM radio, rear window

defroster, cruise control, tilt steering and lighting for the ash receiver,

glove box, ignition, and visor mirrors.

The optional three-speed automatic transmission added another $600 and

the pearlcoat paint was an extra $100.

Other available options for the Highline model include ABS, sunroof,

power windows, mirrors and door locks and remote keyless entry system as

well as a wider choice of upgrade upholstery.

The dashboard is simple, functional and sporty in appearance. The controls

are large, easy to reach and well marked. Likewise, the instruments are

big and legible.

spirited performance, thanks to its low curb weight and plentiful power.

It also delivers excellent fuel economy. At the same time, even with the

automatic the Neon delivers outstanding fuel economy, rated at 25 mpg in

the city and 33 miles per gallon on the highway.

However, a good many of the Neon's competitors provide a four-speed

automatic option, and for all its power the Neon would deliver more civilized

performance with this feature.

For that matter, we prefer the five-speed manual. It's not as precise

as some, but it makes the most of the engine's output and also enhances

the Neon's sporty personality.

The base engine, which was installed on the tested Highline version,

is a 2.0-liter 16-valve sohc four cylinder that produces 132 horsepower,

a leader in its class for engine output. The optional 150-horsepower engine

turns the Neon into a fuel efficient pocket rocket.

Handling is nimble and the ride quite comfortable on the Highline version.

The Sport model, which has stiffer shocks and springs, provides even crisper

handling but ride comfort is sacrificed, making it better suited to weekend

racing than round-town travel.

In fact, Chrysler offers a competition package which turns the Neon

into a weekend warrior that's been very successful in Sports Car Club of

America showroom stock racing. However, this edition, called the ACR (for

American Club Racing), is stripped of all but essentials and is intended

for competition use only.

Despite numerous changes to reduce the noise level, including several

mechanical changes for 1997, the Neon still is the noisiest of its class.

competition in its class, with new introductions from Ford and General

Motors particularly, offer worthy entries to consider. In fact, many of

the Neon's competitors offer a more quiet, comfortable ride.

Nevertheless, if you like pep and personality, the Neon delivers more

than anything in its class. Its blend of performance, sassy styling, roomy

interior and all-around value are tough to beat.