I just got back from test driving one today. My buddy is always looking at cars and they don't have one in Vegas yet (where he's at) so I volunteered to beat on one and give him my thoughts:
For a 4 cyl it moves out pretty good. Should not be a problem for the L though. The shifter is a bit notchy, but other than that for $22k (San Jose dealer mark-up of $2990) sticker $19995 it is the best bang for the buck out there. I'm 6'1" and had plenty of room, more than the last mustang I drove, and it had good torque for a 4 cyl. 4 doors with a fold down rears gave good cargo room too. Overall a good value 7/70 on the drivetrain 3/36 bumper to bumper. The wing on the back is the only thing I didn't like. Too boy-racer for me. The yellow was too much, but the silver is ok.

Thats my impression. I'd suggest to everyone to head to a dealer near you and beat the hell out of one.


PS - I asked about the SRT/10 - No info other than it "should" be out by the middle of the year

 

Did it still have the typical crappy Neon interior? My wife has a Neon and that is the worst interior I have ever seen in a vehicle. Cheap plastic pieces and the fitment is horrible.

I would hope that they improved the interior just a bit.

Mook

 

I actually had the chance to look at an srt-4 while waitin for my friend to pick up his durango at the dodge dealership. Like it was said before, its deffinetely a great bang for your buck. It doesn't look all that bad in my opinion but the yellow is a bit much and the wing is just way to ricey for me, but for a little guy it deffientely hauls ***.

 

The interior is ok, it is only $20k. The seats I thought were pretty good. The sales guy, Dody, said they are Viper seats . He didn't say a whole lot cause I had the throttle down most of the time

 

They are. Just in cloth. Atleast that is what I read. -Mat-

 

I think they advertise as the fastest car under $20k... Anyone else seen that?

 

What annoys me about dodge is the fact they are in bed with Mitsubishi.

They might as well call it the Neon DSM SRT/4 because, thats basically the powerplant it has. That company is hardly original, especially with its PVO line.

However, that SRT/4 has some stiff comp when the EVO arrives along with the WRX STI.. I know SVT is going higher power with a turbo focus and all, but it wont be a match for the EVO.

 

Just curious as to why it's a problem that they have partnered up with Mitsubishi. Most of the American manufacturers have been exchanging with the Japanese car makers for some time.

 

thats right, look what ford owns. and little bit of everywhere, haha.

Aston Martin, Ford, Jaguar, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo, Mazda, and Land Rover.

 

They are out. I looked at an EVO VII at the Mitsubishi dealer during lunch today. Nice little ride.

I'll have to drop by the Dodge dealership to check out the SRT4. I get a employee discount through my Dad so I am always interested in their new products. Still waiting on a V8 rear wheel drive sports car.

 

Still waiting on a V8 rear wheel drive sports car.

03 Cobra !!!!!!

 

Ford still builds there motors in house instead of getting them crated in from Japan. Only exception was the Yamaha 24 Valver used in the SHO. There is nothing original about Dodge PVO... Both power plants for their current lineup was taken out from other vehicles. I want to see them develop something from the ground up.

Only hope for the Foci is to bring over the Cosworth motor.

 

Cadillac XLR!



The prototype EVOQ had a 400 HP Eatoncharged Northstar. I'll bet this engine will be in a later version. Sweeetttt.

 

I like the '03 Cobras and XLRs. I should rephrase my statement though. Still waiting on a V8 rear wheel drive sports car from Dodge/Chrysler. If I could get a Cobra for 3% below true dealer invoice there would be one in my garage right now .