Dodge Neon
The first generation of Dodge Neon was produced from January 1994 to 1999 with both a 4-door sedan and a 2-door coupe. It was powered by two 4-cylinder engine options: a 132 horsepower 2.0 L SOHC and a 150 horsepower 2.0 L DOHC. It was sold as a Dodge and Plymouth in the United States and Canada and as the Chrysler Neon elsewhere. The Neon provided impressive horsepower compared to other cars of the time like the Civic's 102 horsepower, the Sentra's and Sunbird's 110 horsepower, and the Escort's 127 and Corolla's 115. Robert Lutz, then chairman of Chrysler Corporation, remarked on the Neon's success when he said, "There's an old saying in Detroit: 'Good, fast, or cheap. Pick any two.' We refuse to accept that." The Neon proved itself with a sizeable profit, making it unique for an American car of its class.
Furthermore, the first-generation Neons proved themselves proficient in SCCA Solo autocross. The ACR model came with four-wheel disc brakes, adjustable dampers, thicker anti-roll bars, and faster-ratio steering as well as a higher fifth-gear and final drive ratio for quick acceleration. 1995 to 1997 Neons also included adjustable camber. The speed limiter was also removed from 1995 ACR models and raised to 210 km/h (130 mph). To tell it apart from other Neon models, the ACR had bumper fog light holes without the fog lights. It was initially offered as a “Competition Package” exclusively to SCCA members, but was then made available to everyone else.
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