Dodge SRT-4 review..
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Dodge SRT-4 review..
Look at this gd review on the 2004 SRT-4 that I found at http://cars.about.com.
Detroit must have been caught by surprise with "The Fast and The Furious." The movie portrayed a subculture that was the industry’s worst nightmare. Young toughs no longer shouted "My Chevy can beat your Ford." Allegiance and passion had moved to Mitsubishi, Honda, Nissan. Each manufacturer needed to appeal to that crowd, but Chrysler had only the Neon. Cute, but will the Dodge SRT-4 attract young buyers? Don't bet on it. Price: US $22,030 as tested. Warranty: 7years/70,000 miles powertrain.
Once upon a time in America, V-8s ruled. They thundered down back roads, moonshine in their trunks, or raced stoplight to stoplight along Biscayne Boulevard. They spawned NASCAR and young people bought flathead Fords and Mopar Hemis and big-block Chevys. The Hemi found its way into Cudas and Chargers and Road Runners and Challengers, then on to drag strips and the winner's circle at the high banks of Talledaga. But a funny thing happened not long ago. Young drivers decided small cars were cooler. They decided it was more challenging to pump up horsepower without relying on cubic inches. They coveted an Eclipse. Longed for a Civic. Fell for Subarus. Thus it was that Chrysler took note of this and decided the quickest way to young hearts was a Neon that didn't say "hi" but said "eat my shorts." They beefed up the suspension, slapped on bigger brakes, bolted down semi-racing seats and stuffed a 2.4-liter turbo 4-cylinder under the hood. And don't forget that huge wing! The result is the 2004 Dodge SRT-4. But it's plasticky inside, still looks like a cute little Neon, and can't keep up with a WRX or Evo. Plus, at over $20,000, it's not cheap compared with a used import with aftermarket speed products making a unique statement.
You can tell this 2004 Dodge SRT-4 is a quickie makeover by modern touches it doesn't have. Look at those exterior door handles. They are still the same old nail-breaking, spider-hiding flip lids that are so yesterday. Today's updated cars have bar handles, to better aid rescue after an accident. And despite some cosmetic touches, the 2004 Dodge SRT-4 is unmistakably a Neon. Arnold in a tutu. Yes, it's a hoot to drive, but young people want to make a statement as much or more than they want to go fast. This is a statement few will want to make. Remember James Dean being taunted by bullies at the planetarium? "I'm cute, too," he says to hoots and jeers. Somehow, it's hard to conceive of young men -- the targeted buyers -- wanting to say "I'm cute, too" with their choice of vehicle. The interior is bargain basement, with an acre of cheap plastic covering the dash. Ergonomics are good, however. The metal ball shifter for the five-speed manual transmisson falls easily at hand. Heel-and-toe driving is not easy, as pedal placement is less than optimal. The rear windows do NOT go down. The instruments are clean and a turbo boost gauge is to the right of the steering wheel (why does anyone need this?).
The 2004 Dodge SRT-4 is a blast to drive. It cannot compete with the acceleration prowess of the Subaru WRX or Mitsubishi Evo, but it costs a lot less. It'll shut down most other $20,000 cars. Plus, in the real world, it's easy to drive. The clutch releases easily and takeoffs can be smooth. The front tires dig for grip and the car scoots to redline quickly (torque steer can be a demon, so pay attention). There are 230 horsepower coming from this powerplant, enough to scoot 0-60 in 5.8 seconds. In Dodge's lineup, only the Viper is quicker. The SRT-4 engine has been tuned to emit wonderful "pops" as it decelerates. The dual exhaust system is nicely tuned, not too intrusive at highway speed, but letting others know it's around when you accelerate. The turbocharger gulps air with all the noise of an old iron lung machine. We've seen these cars before, however. Pocket rockets were all the range in the early 1990s, with models like the Toyota Paseo, Nissan NX2000 and Mazda MX-3 ruling the roost. Dodge had an incredibly quick four-door sedan named the Spirit R/T, another turbocharged front-driver. They've all passed on. But what goes around, etc. They were fun to drive back then; the SRT-4 is fun to drive now. Great bang for the buck.
It must be tough to be a Detroit auto executive. First, you lost small car sales to the imports. Then you lost luxury cars. Then minivans. Now trucks are under import assault. You try. But you don't get it. Or get it in time. That's the problem with the 2004 Dodge SRT-4. Nice car. Too late to the table. The gang has moved on. Every time you reach for the bar, someone has raised it and you stumble trying to get over. Driven a Subaru WRX Sti lately? An Evo? Checked out the engine in the Honda S2000? V-8s are over. Front-drive is over. Flip-lid door handles are over. You continue to hang on to yesterday because your parts bins are full, while Japan long ago switched to the faster-to-change "just in time" system. They have no parts bins. You make some nice vehicles, that's for sure, but they're like Mick Jaggar in concert today. Lots of effort from a terrific entertainer. But better back then. The Dodge SRT-4 won't turn the tide of loyalty that has moved to import brands. Those young men driving a Mitsubishi Eclipse with nitrous oxide will become tomorrow's businessmen who buy a Nissan G35 coupe, then a BMW M5. Maybe that's okay, since Daimler owns Chrysler now. Maybe not. Maybe the trade deficit will matter some day.
**END**
Is it just me? Or does this guy need to be hung by his ankles out of the empire state building for the rest of his life while kids from Tenn. shoot him with BB guns..
Detroit must have been caught by surprise with "The Fast and The Furious." The movie portrayed a subculture that was the industry’s worst nightmare. Young toughs no longer shouted "My Chevy can beat your Ford." Allegiance and passion had moved to Mitsubishi, Honda, Nissan. Each manufacturer needed to appeal to that crowd, but Chrysler had only the Neon. Cute, but will the Dodge SRT-4 attract young buyers? Don't bet on it. Price: US $22,030 as tested. Warranty: 7years/70,000 miles powertrain.
Once upon a time in America, V-8s ruled. They thundered down back roads, moonshine in their trunks, or raced stoplight to stoplight along Biscayne Boulevard. They spawned NASCAR and young people bought flathead Fords and Mopar Hemis and big-block Chevys. The Hemi found its way into Cudas and Chargers and Road Runners and Challengers, then on to drag strips and the winner's circle at the high banks of Talledaga. But a funny thing happened not long ago. Young drivers decided small cars were cooler. They decided it was more challenging to pump up horsepower without relying on cubic inches. They coveted an Eclipse. Longed for a Civic. Fell for Subarus. Thus it was that Chrysler took note of this and decided the quickest way to young hearts was a Neon that didn't say "hi" but said "eat my shorts." They beefed up the suspension, slapped on bigger brakes, bolted down semi-racing seats and stuffed a 2.4-liter turbo 4-cylinder under the hood. And don't forget that huge wing! The result is the 2004 Dodge SRT-4. But it's plasticky inside, still looks like a cute little Neon, and can't keep up with a WRX or Evo. Plus, at over $20,000, it's not cheap compared with a used import with aftermarket speed products making a unique statement.
You can tell this 2004 Dodge SRT-4 is a quickie makeover by modern touches it doesn't have. Look at those exterior door handles. They are still the same old nail-breaking, spider-hiding flip lids that are so yesterday. Today's updated cars have bar handles, to better aid rescue after an accident. And despite some cosmetic touches, the 2004 Dodge SRT-4 is unmistakably a Neon. Arnold in a tutu. Yes, it's a hoot to drive, but young people want to make a statement as much or more than they want to go fast. This is a statement few will want to make. Remember James Dean being taunted by bullies at the planetarium? "I'm cute, too," he says to hoots and jeers. Somehow, it's hard to conceive of young men -- the targeted buyers -- wanting to say "I'm cute, too" with their choice of vehicle. The interior is bargain basement, with an acre of cheap plastic covering the dash. Ergonomics are good, however. The metal ball shifter for the five-speed manual transmisson falls easily at hand. Heel-and-toe driving is not easy, as pedal placement is less than optimal. The rear windows do NOT go down. The instruments are clean and a turbo boost gauge is to the right of the steering wheel (why does anyone need this?).
The 2004 Dodge SRT-4 is a blast to drive. It cannot compete with the acceleration prowess of the Subaru WRX or Mitsubishi Evo, but it costs a lot less. It'll shut down most other $20,000 cars. Plus, in the real world, it's easy to drive. The clutch releases easily and takeoffs can be smooth. The front tires dig for grip and the car scoots to redline quickly (torque steer can be a demon, so pay attention). There are 230 horsepower coming from this powerplant, enough to scoot 0-60 in 5.8 seconds. In Dodge's lineup, only the Viper is quicker. The SRT-4 engine has been tuned to emit wonderful "pops" as it decelerates. The dual exhaust system is nicely tuned, not too intrusive at highway speed, but letting others know it's around when you accelerate. The turbocharger gulps air with all the noise of an old iron lung machine. We've seen these cars before, however. Pocket rockets were all the range in the early 1990s, with models like the Toyota Paseo, Nissan NX2000 and Mazda MX-3 ruling the roost. Dodge had an incredibly quick four-door sedan named the Spirit R/T, another turbocharged front-driver. They've all passed on. But what goes around, etc. They were fun to drive back then; the SRT-4 is fun to drive now. Great bang for the buck.
It must be tough to be a Detroit auto executive. First, you lost small car sales to the imports. Then you lost luxury cars. Then minivans. Now trucks are under import assault. You try. But you don't get it. Or get it in time. That's the problem with the 2004 Dodge SRT-4. Nice car. Too late to the table. The gang has moved on. Every time you reach for the bar, someone has raised it and you stumble trying to get over. Driven a Subaru WRX Sti lately? An Evo? Checked out the engine in the Honda S2000? V-8s are over. Front-drive is over. Flip-lid door handles are over. You continue to hang on to yesterday because your parts bins are full, while Japan long ago switched to the faster-to-change "just in time" system. They have no parts bins. You make some nice vehicles, that's for sure, but they're like Mick Jaggar in concert today. Lots of effort from a terrific entertainer. But better back then. The Dodge SRT-4 won't turn the tide of loyalty that has moved to import brands. Those young men driving a Mitsubishi Eclipse with nitrous oxide will become tomorrow's businessmen who buy a Nissan G35 coupe, then a BMW M5. Maybe that's okay, since Daimler owns Chrysler now. Maybe not. Maybe the trade deficit will matter some day.
**END**
Is it just me? Or does this guy need to be hung by his ankles out of the empire state building for the rest of his life while kids from Tenn. shoot him with BB guns..
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RE: Dodge SRT-4 review..
Someone please do..that part about "Who needs a turbo boost guage anyway" and "FWD is over" and "V8's are over" just has me riled up, but I wanna hear someone else tear it to shreds, please! Do it for the SRT-4!!! hehe
Captain
Joined: Mar 2004
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RE: Dodge SRT-4 review..
Dude, this article doesn't even warrant a response- this guy has obviously not driven the car himself (the back windows don't even go down?) and doesn't know much about cars anyway (who needs a boost gauge?). Ignorance just isn't worth getting mad over. I'm sure this guy is quite content driving his Olds 88. In the fast lane. At 45 mph.
Legend
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 9,543
Likes: 2
From: United States
RE: Dodge SRT-4 review..
Well he obviously can't drive, the '04 SRT-4 does 0-60 in 5.3 and not 5.8. I don't have enough time in a week even to begin tearing this retards review to shreds, I have better things to do.
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1
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RE: Dodge SRT-4 review..
proof that with a college degree, you can land just about any job....even reviewing subjects you know ABSOLUTELY nothing about....great PIECE!
Trending Topics
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 710
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From: United States
RE: Dodge SRT-4 review..
Here you go.
Quotes with my comments in parens
Cute, but will the Dodge SRT-4 attract young buyers? Don't bet on it
(wrong, sales show that, 04 production was upped by like 4K units)
The result is the 2004 Dodge SRT-4. But it's plasticky inside, still looks like a cute little Neon, and can't keep up with a WRX or Evo
(can't keep up with a WRX? wrong, EVO is 10 more)
You can tell this 2004 Dodge SRT-4 is a quickie makeover by modern touches it doesn't have.
(I'm sure PVO would love to hear about the "quickie makeover, boy, overwhealming power or basket type door handles, whichever should I choose)
The rear windows do NOT go down.
(I don't often do personal insults BUT.... maybe his limp wrist couldn't make the crank move?)
The instruments are clean and a turbo boost gauge is to the right of the steering wheel (why does anyone need this?).
(WHAAAAT!!!", don't need a tach either, but I like to know what's going on with my engine)
It cannot compete with the acceleration prowess of the Subaru WRX or Mitsubishi Evo, but it costs a lot less.
(Again the WRX)
It'll shut down most other $20,000 cars.
(Make that ALL 20K cars)
We've seen these cars before, however. Pocket rockets were all the range in the early 1990s, with models like the Toyota Paseo, Nissan NX2000 and Mazda MX-3 ruling the roost. Dodge had an incredibly quick four-door sedan named the Spirit R/T, another turbocharged front-driver.
(He gives away his age. The pocket rockets started in the mid-eighties, with the CRX SI, the Golf GTI, and Dodge smoked them all then. Only V-8s were competetive, just like now.
That's the problem with the 2004 Dodge SRT-4. Nice car. Too late to the table. The gang has moved on. Every time you reach for the bar, someone has raised it and you stumble trying to get over. Driven a Subaru WRX Sti lately? An Evo? Checked out the engine in the Honda S2000?
(Again, Huh!!! I don't even know what to say, 10K more?, nice comparison, bozo, lets see. Mazda Miata - gone turbo, GM, gone supercharged, Cobalt SS, Redline , Ford, offering supercharger kit for Focus, and NONE of them will keep up
You continue to hang on to yesterday because your parts bins are full, while Japan long ago switched to the faster-to-change "just in time" system. They have no parts bins.
(But still cannot make anything in the 20K range that even comes close to the SRT-4.)
Quotes with my comments in parens
Cute, but will the Dodge SRT-4 attract young buyers? Don't bet on it
(wrong, sales show that, 04 production was upped by like 4K units)
The result is the 2004 Dodge SRT-4. But it's plasticky inside, still looks like a cute little Neon, and can't keep up with a WRX or Evo
(can't keep up with a WRX? wrong, EVO is 10 more)
You can tell this 2004 Dodge SRT-4 is a quickie makeover by modern touches it doesn't have.
(I'm sure PVO would love to hear about the "quickie makeover, boy, overwhealming power or basket type door handles, whichever should I choose)
The rear windows do NOT go down.
(I don't often do personal insults BUT.... maybe his limp wrist couldn't make the crank move?)
The instruments are clean and a turbo boost gauge is to the right of the steering wheel (why does anyone need this?).
(WHAAAAT!!!", don't need a tach either, but I like to know what's going on with my engine)
It cannot compete with the acceleration prowess of the Subaru WRX or Mitsubishi Evo, but it costs a lot less.
(Again the WRX)
It'll shut down most other $20,000 cars.
(Make that ALL 20K cars)
We've seen these cars before, however. Pocket rockets were all the range in the early 1990s, with models like the Toyota Paseo, Nissan NX2000 and Mazda MX-3 ruling the roost. Dodge had an incredibly quick four-door sedan named the Spirit R/T, another turbocharged front-driver.
(He gives away his age. The pocket rockets started in the mid-eighties, with the CRX SI, the Golf GTI, and Dodge smoked them all then. Only V-8s were competetive, just like now.
That's the problem with the 2004 Dodge SRT-4. Nice car. Too late to the table. The gang has moved on. Every time you reach for the bar, someone has raised it and you stumble trying to get over. Driven a Subaru WRX Sti lately? An Evo? Checked out the engine in the Honda S2000?
(Again, Huh!!! I don't even know what to say, 10K more?, nice comparison, bozo, lets see. Mazda Miata - gone turbo, GM, gone supercharged, Cobalt SS, Redline , Ford, offering supercharger kit for Focus, and NONE of them will keep up
You continue to hang on to yesterday because your parts bins are full, while Japan long ago switched to the faster-to-change "just in time" system. They have no parts bins.
(But still cannot make anything in the 20K range that even comes close to the SRT-4.)
R.I.P. Dusty (Retired Moderator
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,471
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From: Alamosa, Colorado (200 yards from the Rio Grande)
RE: Dodge SRT-4 review..
I read that piece a few weeks ago and couldn't believe my eyes. It was the most "inaccurate and biased" auto review I'd ever seen. I didn't even think it was worth mentioning on DF, but I'm glad somebody else did.....[:@]
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 448
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From: United States
RE: Dodge SRT-4 review..
I would like to know who and what mag wrote the article were i can sue them for loseing a minute of my life reading this guys stupid article. Well i just did that the guys name is Bob, when i clicked on his name one thing caught my eye, WHERE IS BOB? Hideing from us thats were.
I would say he drives a' 85 corolla with a loud muff to work, you know the type, cheap suit, cheap shoes, and of course a cheap car.
Detroit has never tried to run with the imports, and never will. Not all americans want a over priced tin can to drive around in. Some people like to stretch there legs while they drive, and want a v8 under the hood.
I do, but i like the srt-4 its got the "bling,bling" effect and draws a lot of attention from the younger crowd. i'm 34 and i get approached by a lot of 16-25yo that has to know were i got it from and what was the price. Try pulling into the local "kids" hang out with your srt-4 and not get swarmed, think dodge hit it head on here, as we all no.
If the v8 is so yesterday why is nissan putting one in the titan? Lexus suv has one as do the toyota full size truck, which is yesterday. And the list goes on and on.
I would say he drives a' 85 corolla with a loud muff to work, you know the type, cheap suit, cheap shoes, and of course a cheap car.
Detroit has never tried to run with the imports, and never will. Not all americans want a over priced tin can to drive around in. Some people like to stretch there legs while they drive, and want a v8 under the hood.
I do, but i like the srt-4 its got the "bling,bling" effect and draws a lot of attention from the younger crowd. i'm 34 and i get approached by a lot of 16-25yo that has to know were i got it from and what was the price. Try pulling into the local "kids" hang out with your srt-4 and not get swarmed, think dodge hit it head on here, as we all no.
If the v8 is so yesterday why is nissan putting one in the titan? Lexus suv has one as do the toyota full size truck, which is yesterday. And the list goes on and on.