Dodge Neon SRT-4. What? A domestic? Yea. A domestic. Its turbo 2.4 liter I4 engine is rated at 215 Horsepower to the flywheel by Chrysler, though actualy dynotests have shown that it pushes close to 250 horsepower TO THE WHEELS. Yes. That means Chrysler was seriously being modest when they put this puppy out. It has been in a numerous road test comparisons versus all cars that you can dream of, including civic SI's, Sentra SER spec-V's, and the infamous WRX. Well, it slaughtered every car in the quarter mile, yes, including the WRX, and just about held its own in the other road tests. And at less then 20,000 dollars, it's definately one of the best 'bangs for your buck'.

Now, I'm suppose to badmouth it too, but there is very little to badmouth. Well, I can begin by saying it's a Neon. It still politely says "Hi" to you, like the old Neon slogons back in the first year it came out. Even with a more aggressive body build and everything, those bulgy circle headlights make the car way too cute for my tastes. The other thing it lacks is a limited slip differential. With such powerful numbers being pushed to the road, driven wrong, you could just smoke the tires all day long.

With that said, I have to mention that I am unfortunately biased in my article. Driving a non-turbo 1997 eclipse myself, I actually share the same 420a engine platform that this turbo neon originates from. It has been known for years now that the neon could be turbo'd, so now it just seems Chrysler/Dodge wants a piece of the action. Not a bad idea. It's a good way to drive a really fast car and not void your warranty.

If you want a car that can only get better as the years go by, this is definately one to keep an eye out for. All wheel drive? Six speed? It already has all the power it needs, now give us more toys.