2004 DODGE SRT-4 NEW CAR BUYER'S GUIDE

What's New for the 2004 Dodge Neon SRT-4?
After just one year on the market, the Dodge Neon SRT-4 receives significant upgrades that are certain to keep it at the top of the factory sport compact car heap. Horsepower is boosted 15 ponies to 230 and torque now measures 250 lb.-ft. over a wider range between 2,200 and 4,400 rpm. Standard equipment includes a torque-sensing limited slip differential, new B.F Goodrich KDW2 three-season tires and bright pedal pads. A sunroof is newly optional, and Electric Blue replaces Solar Yellow on the paint chart.

Advantages of the 2004 Dodge Neon SRT-4:

• Spectacular powertrain combination
• Amazing handling
• Supportive front sport seats

Objections to the 2004 Dodge Neon SRT-4:

• Inexpensive interior materials
• Lots of cabin noise
• Lower front seat bolsters cramp wider thighs

Editor's Advice:
While test-driving a Solar Yellow 2003 Dodge Neon SRT-4 on our favorite twisty road near Los Angeles, we caught up to a late-model Pontiac Firebird Trans Am WS6 that had embarked upon a fun run prior to ours. Our Neon’s pugnacious mug remained in the Firebird’s rearview mirror all the way down the mountainside, growing distant in the few straights but looming large in the plethora of curves. Did we kill the Pontiac? Not quite, but we sure hunted it down. The turbocharged Neon never gave up and the Firebird never got away. Loud, unrefined, and with an oddly tuned suspension that effectively scrubs body roll but allows too much jounce and rebound, the Dodge Neon SRT-4 is a bona fide performance bargain. Upgrades for 2004 make it even more appealing. It’s just too bad that Dodge didn’t dress it up in less obvious duds.