Against 265 other 4-cyl cars rated 2003–2005, the Neon beats their 24.5 mpg average by 3.5 mpg, about $196 a year.
Every Dodge Neon engine, compared
The Dodge Neon was rated in a single specification, so its gas mileage does not vary by version — only by model year. Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl | 24.5 / 33.2 | 1995–2005 | $1,381 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Ford Focus gets 26.3 mpg, the Hyundai Accent 28.3 mpg and the Acura TSX 23 mpg, next to 28 mpg for the 2005 Neon.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2005) | $0.114 |
| Fuel per year | $1,371 |
| Fuel over five years | $6,855 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 2003–2005 | −$196 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,227 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2005 Dodge Neon gives up 7 mpg in town: 32 on the highway against 25 in the city, $336 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2005) | 25 mpg | $1,536 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 32 mpg | $1,200 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +7 mpg (28%) | Typical for its type |
How the Neon changed over the years
The Neon peaked in 1998 at 29 mpg (25 city, 37 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2001 at 26 — 3 mpg apart, or $153 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2005 car does 28.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 25 / 32 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 2004 | 25 / 32 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 2003 | 25 / 32 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 2002 | 24 / 31 | 1 | $1,422 | |
| 2001 | 24 / 30 | 1 | $1,477 | |
| 2000 | 24 / 31 | 1 | $1,422 | |
| 1999 | 24 / 36 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 1998 | 25 / 37 | 1 | $1,324 | |
| 1997 | 25 / 35 | 1 | $1,324 | |
| 1996 | 24 / 35 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 1995 | 25 / 34 | 1 | $1,371 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 11 EPA ratings of the Dodge Neon — 1 engine across 1995–2005. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $2,227. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2005 Dodge Neon get?
28 mpg combined, 25 city and 32 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1995 the Neon has averaged 27.8 mpg.
Is the 2005 Neon more efficient than the 2004?
About the same: 28 against 28 mpg combined.
Which Neon year has the best gas mileage?
The 1998, at 29 mpg combined (25 city, 37 highway).
Does the Neon get better gas mileage than the Ford Focus?
Yes: 28 mpg for the 2005 Neon against 26.3 for the 2006 Ford Focus, about $89 a year less to run.
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