Advertisement

January 2: Chrysler reveals the Neon on this date in 1994

Yes, many people still remember the original Chrysler/Dodge/Plymouth Neon from the cutesy "Hi" ads, or think of them only as cheap beaters. Yet the Neon has its fans to this day; the SRT variations were capable SCCA racing cars, and even the plain versions had more speed than their tiny wheels and styling would suggest; the original 1996 Neon R/T scooted to 60 mph faster than today's Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla. Overall the Neon was a partial success for Chrysler; it met its sales goals, but it never fully established the company as a small-car player, as buyers chose cars with richer options over straight speed. You can't say Chrysler didn't try: