Comments: 1-15, 16
Wheel alignment has gone out several times.
Too many squeeks and rattles, typical dodge.
Interior fit and finish below standards in comparison to its competitors, typical dodge.
Fast, but absolute lousy handling, again typical dodge.
The car is seriously quick and can blow away most if all V8s you encounter on the roads.
Most people think its just a neon, but it's a sleeper.
Image is lousy, neon. Civic and Corolla have a better image.
Why did you buy it?
I have owned my SRT-4 since January of 2004. Not a single thing has gone wrong with it. Despite the previous statement from the original review, this car DOES handle great. The only people I have encountered that say that the car doesn't handle well come in 2 types: 1) The drag racing "I can only go fast in a straight line" type or 2) The "I just bought a Neon with a turbo in it and I have no clue how to drive it" type. I have found that the second type is more abundant; which is why it is even more important to make the public aware of local tracks and events that raise driving skills and awareness in a safe environment for WAAAAAY less in cost compared to a street racing/speeding ticket on the highway. Please drive these cars in a respectable manner so my insurance rates won't go up!!!
Any enthusiast who has had the pleasure of driving one of these SRT-4's will tell you that this car is great, espcially given its MSRP price tag for the performance comparison. I'm also highly impressed that Mopar is sticking by their product lines for upgrades available for the SRT-4. (i.e. Stage 1,2,and 3 performance upgrade kits; Stage 1,2,and 3 coil-over kits for killer track suspension; and the infinite accessories readily available).
Thanks Dodge!!!
This car is definitely on my next buy list...
What kind of an image does a Civic have? When I think Civic I see a coffee can tailpipe with an aftermarket wing. Wow, what an image...
You better not wait around if you want a new one.
The Neon, and the SRT-4, will end production this summer.
I bought my 04 SRT4 in the middle of last year and haven't had any problems with it, other than the fact that the tires are Z-rated and wear quickly.
As for the rattles - you bought a $20k sports car, it's not supposed to be a Benz or M3. It's a cheap little sports car with a powerful punch to take the glory away from every sport compact owner that puts a 75shot of nitrous or a turbo on their car.
How can buying a car with 13-second 1/4 mile times and a full warranty be any better? I just laugh every time I see a 350Z - not only can I beat them in a race at the track, but my insurance is cheaper and it's easier to get my kids in the back seat.
I LOVE THIS CAR!!
I brought my 2005 SRT-4 3 weeks ago. Driving it everyday and absolutely love it.
I owned a few sport cars before (or high performance car if you will). Taking into consideration of performance, handling and price, this is the 2nd best one I have. The number one being a 94 Dodge Stealth Twin Turbo (I was way younger then).
Not too many people like Dodge; as a matter of fact, me neither. But they do have pleasant surprises particularly in low cost, high performance cars. If you really loves the art of driving and are not into luxury stuff, SRT-4 won't fail you. But, if you are into luxury stuff; or if you don't have the experience to drive a high performance FWD, you are better off with other models. Also, double clutching is important in this car if you want to control it well during cornering. So if you are not up to it, again go to other model; preferably with automatic. The SRT-4 is probably not for you.
This car is great - simply put.
The reason this person has probably had alignment problems is due to two possible reasons
1- The person got a dud (which is possible with any car)
2- The person launched way too hard on each start - was too hard through 1st and 2nd gear off each start (causing torque steer) - this would also cause wheel hop which would then lead to interior "squeaks and rattles"
I've owned every generation of Neon
a 98
a 02 R/T
a 03 SXT
an this 04 SRT-4.
Every Neon I've had has worked like a champ... yeah a few MINOR problems here and there (but even the "beloved" Honda and Toyota's have those)
Dodge has done this car right - extremely right.
If you look into the history of the car, and how much time and effort and testing went into making this car a super reliable smokin fast car - you'll be amazed...
And I don't understand why everyone expects some SUPER awesome interior - it's every bit as good (if not better) than any other Corolla or Civic for sure... it is a 20k car - not a 100k sports car...
For the money - the car is awesome... it looks good (IMO) it performs well - It handles well - its reliable - and mopar makes SO many upgrades for the car.
A car that can push upwards of 350 HP (120 more than stock) without voiding the factory warranty has something good going for it.
I agree with the last poster. Neons have been great cars compared to anything in it's class. They have been efficient, cheap, great performance, roomy, easy to maintain, safe vehicles.
I currently have an 05 SRT-5 and I love it. I plan on commuting daily and don't want to drive it everyday. I plan on getting a regular Neon with an automatic to do that job and save the SRT-4 for weekend fun.
I can get a Honda or Toyota, but why would I want to spend thousands more on a similar vehicle with less fun?
I've only owned Hondas, but recently I bought a 2004 srt4, and don't get me wrong, I still love Hondas, but you can't touch the srt4; very powerful, comfortable, and very affordable! People are just jealous of these cars, cause we paid less for more, and they paid more for less. Thanks Dodge!!
Hey I'm looking foward to buy an 04 srt-4 with 30k... I've read all your comments and make me really exited to buy it! does srt's have many technical problems??? (leaks, check engine, oil burn.. etc etc..) please any owner let me know if had problems with it!
I am looking at a 2004 srt-4 and VERY excited to buy it. Hopefully within the next 2 or 3 days. My cousin has a 2002 Honda s2000 and as soon as I get the srt-4, I will then again come back and comment on this page letting everyone know the ups and downs and which is better.
-Sam.
I bought an '03 SRT-4 in July of '03. Have had no problems at all. No repairs at all. Replaced the tires once and have done routine maintenance (oil changes, plug changes, clean air filter). Approximately 60k miles. No rattles. Handles very well. Had some dummy bump into me from behind while at a stop light and no damage other than a paint rub which I was able to buff out. Installed Mopar's Stage 1 at about 15k miles and have had no problems at all. It's a solid car, and a blast to drive. After 5 years it still gives me a stupid grin every time I mash the GO pedal!
You must be one of the few with 60K and no problems. I used to see tons of these cars around, and now I almost never see one. Either they are all in the junk yard, or the owners moved on to something better by now. I still can't trust a car this fast to be that good for the money. Dodge isn't exactly known for super high quality.
The reason you don't see many SRT-4's around is because people are holding onto them due to their great performance, looks, and the fact they are holding their value very well. I love people bashing this car, leaves more on the market for serious Neon owners like myself.