2003 Dodge SX 2.0 SE

This car is really a Dodge Neon, but in Canada the name was changed to SX 2.0 in 2003. Maybe this was done to hopefully make people forget about the old neon and it's problems.

My wife purchased the car in August 2004. The car was one year old and it was used as a HERTZ rental at the airport in St. John's, Newfoundland. It had 31,000 kilometers at time of purchase. We test drove several vehicles before purchase including the Mazda 3, Honda Civic, Kia Spectra, Toyota Corolla, and even a Cavalier and Sunfire (for a laugh). We were really impressed with the Mazda 3, it feels and handles like a race car, but we felt it was too much $$$. Originally we were going to get a Civic Special Edition because the dealer had them on clearance, but they were all gone by the time we decided to purchase. We couldn't get used to the new Corolla, to us it had an awkward driving position much like the Echo. The Spectra had a poor air conditioning system and slow acceleration.

We could have bought the 2004 SX 2.0 model but the price dramatically reduced after one year. Like most Dodges, resale value is not a strength. The car is inferno red, has a CD player with 6 speakers, and has air conditioning. The stereo system and air conditioning are top notch. The air conditioning reaches it's cold limit almost immediately and it provides a strong breeze in the car, notably better than any other car we tested. The stereo system is equally superior to others. For a stock stereo it is simply amazing. 2 speakers in the dash, 2 in the front doors, and two in the rear. Bass and Acoustics are very clean and clear. No subwoofers needed in this car, unless you want everyone around to hear your music too. Surprisingly, even when the stereo is jacked up the sound doesn't emit to the street anywhere near as loud, which is a nice touch (you won't peeve others).

Interior materials are adequate and the seats are very comfortable. I will add, however, that the light colored seats we have are not your best option. We had to have them professionally cleaned because they do not hide stains at all. It seems that even water will stain these seats. Later we learned that there was another seat material that would have been much better. Oh well. The cabin is exceptionally roomy, comparing favorably with mid sized sedans. Keep in mind this car is the smallest offered from Dodge. The trunk is practically a cave. You shouldn't have trouble getting all your luggage in there, no need for the back seat. 60/40 split rear seat is a plus, especially when you need to put some valuables in the trunk to avoid prying eyes and you don't want to make it obvious by getting out and opening the trunk.

Exterior styling is very attractive. From the cab forward design and the cute rounded headlamps this car has a style that sets it favourably apart from most in it's category. Remember, sometimes with style there is a price. That price is visibility. The car has thick roof pillars that allow large blind spots. The spoiler and high rear of the car make backing up a chore. The most evident visibility issue you will notice is when driving the car around left turns. Thick roof pillars that are directed in to create the sleek appearance leave blind spots when turning. In fact, unless you lean towards the CD player you will have difficulty viewing anything coming at you at a 45 degree angle. This takes some getting used to. However, the car is very accessible when entering and exiting and the car will sit 5 adults in relative comfort.

Power comes from a very brisk 2.0 L SOHC 16 valve engine that produces a healthy 132 HP. This car is no doubt a thrill to drive. Winding roads and highway speeds are enjoyable and city driving is satisfactory as well. The turning radius is poor. Also, if you are not careful you will find the nose of the car hit the pavement on steep inclines. Ride height is great though. There is a fair amount of kickback when the automatic transmission shifts gears.

The standard 14 inch tires are fairly narrow. This is great in winter as the thin tires cut through the snow without difficulty. In fact, it is actually difficult to make the car slide when turning in the snow. This alone makes you feel safe and secure in any conditions. We also have a 1995 Corolla and when we need to go somewhere in a storm there is no question that the Dodge is what we will take. Stopping power is by far the best I've ever experienced. It has the most competent braking on any car I've driven.

Fuel economy is less than perfect. I find the car very thirsty. At one point I started taking note and found that 250 kilometers was almost all we could get out of a tank in the city. I had to investigate this and noticed that the air filter needed to be changed. I also changed the oil and filter and replaced the spark plugs with BOSCH Platinum 4 for good measure. While this did improve fuel efficiency somewhat it still isn't that great.

The car is on it's second radiator and transmission. This was due to a faulty radiator that leaked coolant into the transmission killing it as well. A common problem with these cars. In fact, when we had the car towed to the dealer they immediately knew what was wrong and actually had a spare rad and tranny on site. You know it's a substantial problem when a small dealership has these parts just lying around. This problem occurred just 9 days after the warranty expired. Luckily we were able to convince the owner to replace both and partially cover them under the warranty. We only had to pay $1300. WHEW!!! We were lucky.

In terms of maintenance, the front brake pads and rotors have been replaced, as well as the rear drum brakes. I change the oil and filter myself and top up fluids when needed. Aside from the rad and tranny, the only other repairs were the control arm bushings (this winter) and the oxygen sensor (warranty).

We love this little affordable car. It now has 68,000 kilometers. The Dodge SX 2.0 certainly has its positives including its roominess, comfort, stereo, and air conditioning. Reliability may be the only real question. Time will tell I guess.