2005 DODGE SRT-4 NEW CAR BUYER'S GUIDE

What's New for the 2005 Dodge SRT-4?
Late last year, Dodge introduced State 1, Stage 2 and Stage 3 Turbo upgrade kits through its Mopar parts and accessories unit. The Stage 1 kit bumps horsepower to 240, the Stage 2 treatment bumps output to about 270hp, while the Stage 3 setup generates more than 300 ponies. For 2005, Orange Blast joins the paint chart and a new Kicker/SRT Livin' Loud audio system, replete with a six-disc CD changer, spins some sick tunes. Otherwise, the speedy Dodge Neon SRT-4 carries over from last year unchanged.

Advantages of the 2005 Dodge SRT-4:

• Spectacular powertrain combination
• Amazing handling
• Supportive front sport seats

Objections to the 2005 Dodge SRT-4:

• Inexpensive interior materials
• Lots of cabin noise
• Lower front seat bolsters cramp wider thighs

Editor's Advice:
While test-driving a Dodge Neon SRT-4 on our favorite twisty road near Los Angeles, we came upon a late-model Pontiac Firebird Trans Am WS6 that had embarked upon a fun run prior to ours. Apparently threatened by our Neon's pugnacious mug, the driver of the Pontiac gunned it. Despite his feeble attempt at putting distance between us, we remained in his rearview mirror all the way down the mountainside, shrinking in the few straights but looming large in the plethora of curves. Did we kill the Pontiac? Not quite, but we sure hunted it down. The turbocharged Neon never gave up and the Firebird never got away. Loud, unrefined, and with an oddly tuned suspension that effectively scrubs body roll but allows too much jounce and rebound, the Dodge Neon SRT-4 is a bona fide performance bargain. It's just too bad that Dodge doesn't dress it up in less obvious duds.