What engine did the Dodge Neon have?

The Dodge Neon’s main engine was a 2.0-liter inline-four; a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine was used in the high-performance SRT-4 variant.

Across its two generations, Neon engines varied by trim: base and mid-range models used a 2.0L four-cylinder (with SOHC or DOHC variants), and the SRT-4 added a turbocharged 2.4L engine producing substantially more horsepower. The following breakdown outlines the engine options by generation and trim to clarify the Neon’s powerplants throughout its production.

First generation (1994–1999)

Engine options in the first-generation Neons centered on Chrysler’s 2.0-liter inline-four family, available in different cam configurations depending on trim and model year.

Note: Each bullet below represents a common configuration across trims in this generation.



• 2.0 L inline-4 SOHC (single overhead cam) engine


• 2.0 L inline-4 DOHC (dual overhead cam) 16-valve engine, used on higher-performance trims

In summary, the early Neon relied on a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with either SOHC or DOHC valving, delivering modest to sporty output depending on the variant.

Second generation (2000–2005)

The second generation retained the core 2.0-liter four-cylinder but refined the powertrain, while introducing a landmark high-performance variant.

Note: The following options reflect common configurations across the 2000–2005 models.



• 2.0 L inline-4 (SOHC or DOHC) with variations in horsepower across trims (roughly 132–150 hp)


• 2.4 L inline-4 turbocharged (used in the Neon SRT-4), delivering significantly higher power (approximately 230 hp in most years)

In summary, the second-generation Neon continued with a 2.0-liter engine across most models, while the standout SRT-4 model added a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine for markedly enhanced performance.

Summary

The Dodge Neon’s engine story centers on a 2.0-liter inline-four powering the majority of cars in both generations, with the notable exception of the SRT-4, which swapped in a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder for higher performance. Across trims, this meant a range from around 132 hp in base 2.0L configurations to roughly 150 hp in more spirited 2.0L variants, and up to about 230 hp from the 2.4L turbo in the SRT-4.