I think that Dodge is going to make a big mistake if they do use that new Dodge Caliber to replace the neen. Some say it's the neon replacement but I don't understand how it's a mix betweent the Pontiac Vibe and Toyota Matrix and be a replacement for the neon. I think they should've done something with the SRT-4. Maybe they could offer it in 2-door and get maybe a little bit more horsepower. The neon has been around a long time for those people who need a little family car which people like us changed it to be a car that can, with some changes, be up there with the competitors.

 

every car gets replaced eventually. the world is moving towards small crossovers, that's the way it's going to be. they've decided that a small wagon will sell better than than a small sedan. Besides, there'll be plenty of tuners for the new one I'm sure.

also... punctuation.

 

Yeah there's a replacement for everything eventually but why did it have to be an SUV. At least keep it sporty

 

because we live in the land of the gas guzzlers. Why offer a car that can get good milage when u can sell an SUX i mean an SUV and get kick back from oil companies

 

The Neon IS DEFINATELY getting replaced by the Caliber. I don't understand the complete changed. The were on to something with the new Neon and SRT-4 designs. I personally thought that they were excellent designs and only could look better. Maybe changed the name because it's on the Mitsubish GS platform. But not the whole style. I love all the new ideas and cars of DCX. The Caliber is the only car that makes me want to throw up. But, if they make a coupe or regular 4-door, it might not look all that bad. It could look nearly the same as the Neon, if they have another style, other than the hatchback.

 

You don't understand why the Neon is getting replaced?

It has a reputation for "engine failures". Granted, the head gaskets didn't fail any more often than the several dozen other cars that have used aluminum heads on cast iron blocks. The difference is that DC refused to admit there was a problem, and thus refused to fix it. Even though the updated head gasket came about eventually, the image is still in people's minds.

Read any good crash test ratings lately? At least they didn't have a "Significant Problem" stamped on the review, although it's about as close as you can get.

Rental cars. Automatics. 3-speed gutless wonders that had a hard time pulling away from a stop light, particularly the DOHC automatics (ATX's shift before the DOHC power band even starts). Anyone that rented one never bought one, and was sure to tell all their friends what pieces of crap they were. Then came the heavier, more awkwardly geared 4-speed with the 2nd gen Neon and nobody changed their opinions.

Peeling paint (1st gens). Again, DC refused to admit there was a problem with their process and refused to help owners fix it. Now every Lapis Blue, the vast majority of Polar White, and a few Patriot Blue and Black Neons are mobile billboards for the Neon's build quality.

Canadian Neons dropped the name years ago. "Neon" is avoided in SRT-4 discussions, particularly with SRT-4 owners who stare down their noses at lowly "Peons" as if they were mutant stepparents.

How well do you think a 2007 model year Ford Pinto would do? Neons carry the same mental stigma... DC is right to let it go. Just wish they had a decent replacement. I've got my eye on the upcoming Pontiac Solstice. Still keeping the Neon though. It's just too much fun, even after 235,000 miles.

 

You all know that they are making a sedan version of the Caliber too? It's not just going to be the sport hatchback model.

 

Yeah well the SRT-4's are selling aren't they???

 

The fact is, there is nothing wrong with the design. I don't see why they are changing it completely. They didn't have to do that. Is the SRT-4 going to be replaced? And how many were made.

 

Exactly, instead of replacing it completely why didn't they bother working on the flaws