As a previous Neon owner, I have to say that a well-sorted Neon can be quite fast. Especially considering the amount of aftermarket parts available - far more than what we can get for our Proteges. In the real world, though you'll find a lot of high school kids on automatic Neons with their only mod being a muffler, and they think they're fast.

But every so often, you'll run into somebody who has a serious car, complete with Blue Ribbon turbo, head work, etc. I've seen a few boosted ones around metro Detroit that I would not want to tangle with. And, having driven an SRT-4, all I can say is how awesome it is. My biggest (and only gripe) with the Neons has always been their cheap, low rent interiors. But handling, braking, and acceleration have always been pretty good. Especially in the lighter first gen cars. They are a lot of fun. Anyone who thinks otherwise has never driven one.

 

I have driven a Neon once, and it had a few upgrades. I'm not a big Neon fan, so I can't say exactly what it had done to it. It was a ok ride, handling could not compare to my P5 though. I have not had a chance to drive the new SRT-4 though, and there's only 2 around here. I have had a couple of friends say they are fast.

Of all the cars I've driven so far, I have to say I like my 90 Max the best. After driving that for the past 2 years, my P5 seems like a 3 cyl Geo compared to my Max. But I have to admit, I love the handling of my P5.

I have to agree with Juddz, a Neon can be some competition if the right stuff has been done. But out here, the Neon's aren't worth racing. Most are as you say Juddz

"you'll find a lot of high school kids on automatic Neons with their only mod being a muffler, and they think they're fast."

And to be honest, I didn't find the Neon that much fun. But I guess that's because I'm so used to the handling of the P5, and the speed of my Maxima. I'm hoping to drive a SRT-4 someday though, but it won't be here. The stupid Dodge dealership up here is a bunch money grabbing morons. And they require a credit check just to let you test drive the new SRT-4.

And after looking at the stickers on the cars last night at the dealer. I'm never going to buy anything from them. There's a automatic $500 regional discount for this area. From Dodge itself. But the dealership is so money hungry, they add a $300 market adjustment back on to it.

 

That is true, most neon owners are highschool kids with an exhaust or two. But drive one with a header on it and I mean one with the dohc in it and it puts our pro's to shame. But I do agree that everything on them is low rent, ride quality and all. That is why the value dropps as severely as it does.