The car that replaced the Dodge Neon was the Dodge Caliber.
The Dodge Caliber took over from the Neon in the compact car segment. DaimlerChrysler discontinued the Neon, with the final vehicles being assembled on September 23, 2005, at the Belvidere Assembly plant in Belvidere, Illinois. Its successor, the 2007 model year Dodge Caliber, was introduced in the spring of 2006.
The Transition from Neon to Caliber
The Dodge Neon served as a popular compact car, known for its distinctive styling and peppy performance during its production run. Its discontinuation marked a shift in Dodge's compact vehicle strategy, moving towards a new design and platform with its replacement.
Key Aspects of the Replacement
The transition involved several important points:
- Discontinuation Date: The last Dodge Neon rolled off the assembly line on September 23, 2005.
- Successor Model: The Dodge Caliber was introduced as the 2007 model year vehicle, launching in the spring of 2006.
- Platform: The Dodge Caliber was built on the shared Chrysler/Mitsubishi Motors GS platform, indicating a new foundation for the compact segment offering.
This transition represented an evolution in Dodge's compact car lineup, moving from the sedan-focused Neon to the crossover-styled Caliber, reflecting changing market preferences.
Vehicle Comparison: Dodge Neon vs. Dodge Caliber
Below is a brief comparison highlighting their roles and key details regarding their market presence.
| Feature | Dodge Neon | Dodge Caliber |
|---|---|---|
| Role | Compact Car (Sedan) | Compact Crossover / Hatchback (Replacement Model) |
| Discontinuation | September 23, 2005 | Introduced Spring 2006 (as 2007 model year) |
| Assembly Plant | Belvidere Assembly Plant, Illinois | |
| Platform | (Specific platform not detailed in reference) | Shared Chrysler/Mitsubishi Motors GS platform |
