There's still enough styling suggestions for most people to recognize it's an updated Neon. The headlights are more egg shaped and a bit less buggy. The new Neon retains many of the things that consumers have liked including a roomy interior. Head room is good front and back and leg room in back is on a par with many mid-sized sedans. I found the Neon, with a 5-speed manual transmission, to be a energetic performer, delighted to be run to the redline.
Performance is better than adequate, more on the order of sprightly.
If you abhor shifting gears and opt for the optional automatic, performance will drop, but to adequate levels. Chrysler officials evidently felt that Neon buyers are willing to drive a three-speed and save a few dollars. A 150-horsepower engine was offered as an option last year, but it has been dropped for 2000. Chrysler officials say a beefed-up engine will be offered later but for now Neon buyers will have but one choice. While Chrysler has done a good job reducing road and wind noise, I was disappointed with the engine roar that penetrated the cabin.