Comments: 1-15, 16-20
No trouble so far, but I got the car less than a month ago.
A car to be considered for anyone looking into a mid-range performance sedan. Stiff competition for the Subaru WRX to be sure.
The SRT-4 is far the best car for the money. I'm sorry to say... well not really, but the SRT-4 blow the Subaru WRX out of the water by a long shot.
WRX is stiff competition due to AWD and Handling over the SRT-4. I bought my SRT simply because I couldn't come up with the extra 5000 for a comparably equipped WRX.
If your srt is anything like mine, I'm sorry to say, but many problems await you in the future. sorry.
To the person above me, what do you mean by futre problems?
The SRT-4 NEON beats the WRX off the line, true, but it will also beat it to the junk yard by a long shot!! Low cost means low quality ESPECIALLY when dealing with cars. Good luck to you... I will be the one cruising by you with your hood up on the shoulder of the road wondering why you bought such a cheap car! A used WRX is a better bet than this car any day if you can't swing a new one for $25K!!
(Although this comment maybe a little late, I must say)
Just because a Car is low priced does not mean it is lower in quality. More Power Usually Creates Less reliability, Look at a Chevy Corvette, tons of power, but I read about lots of problems with the car in the long run especially if you race all the time. Now if a car is not designed or tuned properly to deal with the stress then it won't last long. Lots of people own SRT4's and have very few problems. And I'll tell you what, the engine in an SRT4 is forged internals, it can deal with alot. And if you want to compare about reliability! Look at honda's and acura's, u will rarely See a Honda or an Acura on the side of the road or fall apart. Now If you wish to compare your WRX, and think its so reliable then listen to this. My dad still owns his Carbeurated 1984 CRX. Even with the same engine, the car still RUNS with minor problems. Change the oil, it lasts forever! 21 years old! Now lets see your 20 - 25k WRX do that... 20 years without failing?highly...unlikely....oh and by the way, isn't the MSRP on a CRX around $12,000?? wow, so its not reliable because its cheap right? WRONG! Just because you like the WRX more, doesn't make the car more reliable. WRX's have weak trannys by the way. There not top notch quality either.
Just for the record I do like both the SRT-4 and the WRX, but which is More or Less reliable usually depends on whether the car is a lemon and/or how abusive you are when you drive it. Racing a car all the time will break it. I've yet to find anything to out last a Honda or an Acura. A WRX!? Not a chance buddy!
As for outlasting a Honda or Acura, notice how many 80's Hondas you see on the road compared to 80's american cars. The Japanese cars have all rusted away from that era, while the American cars from that era are still cruising away, many with original paint jobs. I would take an 80's full size American car over any Japanese Junk any day of the week!
How about you guys quit being stupid, the dodge srt-4 is not some miracle of super engineering.
You can turbo a car 3 ways:
For Power, Reliably, or Cheaply.
Now pick 2.
Srt-4s don't hold a bone to STis Evos or Corvettes whatever. I can make an argument that my altima is the best bang for my buck because of its 'awesome' engineering. Btw, you can buy a 2004 STi for under 25k now.
Just to let you guys know. I would rather buy a srt4 over a wrx, sti, or an evo.
Reasons are: Srt 4 is built by engineers that made the legendary viper, that have a lot of experience in making reliable performance cars since the muscle car era (Challenger, Road Runner, Cuda!!!).
Second, I hear complaints about rattles and other minor things that are not compared to blown trannys, differentials and clutches that happen to these 25000 and up cars. My friend has an evo and it's been in the shop twice already within 2 months since he bought it. It has an idle problem and one tire is worn down to the metal! And its not a cheap car to fix.
My whole family work on Hondas and Acuras. And let me tell you, they are not for racing. They go through a motor every 6months. They also need to step up in their torque too! But for cruising they last forever.
Final comment is America has been making performance cars that can take abuse since the 40's. The same goes for car manufacturers in europe. Japan was always known for their economical way of cars, and Japan is new to this. When I want a performance that can take some abuse, go american or european. When you want a smooth, gas sipping, economical car, go japanese. I can go all day for reasons. But I'll stop there.
The SRT-4 may provide some competition for the WRX in the acceleration department. But that's where that ends. The Subaru is more refined, handles far, far better, is definitely more reliable, and will hold more value.
Yup, the Neon is just another one trick pony whereas the others, mainly WRX/STI, are more refined and offer a more well rounded experience.
And read the reviews here of Chrysler products and their engines are the paragons of engineering the May 4th poster is making them out to be.
I have an 05 SRT-4 and think its wonderful. Wanted a Charger RT, but this was cheaper and faster. Its just a great car. The reason the car is cheap is because of the sound deadeners taken away and lighter parts used. All in the name of speed. I can't really tell you much about handling at high speeds because I never tried taking a turn at 70-147. So in my everyday driving I do not see the need for the WRX's handling. Its just nice to have a spunky car. 17,000 miles no trouble.
I don't think the SRT-4 is a Charger with less sound insulation and lighter materials.
In the end, its still a neon.
Just a neon? That's an unwieldy understatement, Frankeneon maybe, but definitely not just a neon. It's unfortunate that some people who are now bitter having paid quite a bit more money for a car that doesn't outrun a less expensive one feel the need to bash the SRT-4. Face it folks, the SRT-4 is a phenomenal car that handles very well, is extremely fast and gets great gas mileage. And as for reliability, I have 46K on mine and it's running great with no serious problems to report. The WRX is an awesome car, but never underestimate the simple "neon", it may just leave you at the light scratching your head.
Just like the Ram SRT-10 is just a "Ram", huh?