The early 2000s saw a revival in affordable, sporty cars. Automakers rediscovered the appeal of compacts that offered strong performance without breaking the bank. In 2000, Car and Driver pitted two contenders head-to-head: the Dodge Neon R/T and the Nissan Sentra SE. Both aimed to recapture the spirit of earlier “pocket rockets”—cars that were fun, fast, and relatively cheap.
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The Resurgence of Affordable Performance
For a period, the market had leaned toward bland practicality. However, the Neon R/T and Sentra SE represented a deliberate shift back toward enthusiast-focused compacts. Dodge, building on its SCCA Showroom Stock racing experience, introduced the Neon R/T with a tweaked engine and sport-tuned suspension. Nissan, meanwhile, refined its Sentra SE with a stiffer chassis and a more responsive powertrain.
Neon R/T: The Flamboyant Contender
The Dodge Neon R/T boasted a 150-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine—an upgrade over standard Neon models. This was achieved through an electronically controlled dual-plenum intake, revised valve timing, and a larger exhaust system. The result was a car that felt noticeably quicker than its siblings.
However, the R/T wasn’t without flaws. The shifter felt sloppy, and the clutch engagement wasn’t as precise as the Nissan’s. The interior, while comfortable, featured some cheap-feeling materials and questionable design choices (like an auto-locking system that annoyed testers).
Despite these drawbacks, the Neon’s aggressive handling impressed on the track. It beat the Sentra by nearly a full second on a road course, thanks to Dodge’s racing-derived tuning. The R/T was undeniably the more exciting choice for drivers prioritizing performance over refinement.
Nissan Sentra SE: The Refined Performer
Nissan’s Sentra SE took a different approach. It wasn’t about raw speed as much as it was about overall polish. The 2.0-liter DOHC engine, carried over from the SE-R, delivered plenty of power. The addition of a strut-tower brace and stiffer suspension calibrations further enhanced handling.
The Sentra SE stood out for its solid build quality and refined interior. The shifter was slick and accurate, and the seats offered better support than the Neon’s. It didn’t quite match the Dodge in drag-strip times (a mere 0.3 seconds slower to 60 mph), but it made up for it with a more composed driving experience.
The Verdict: A Matter of Priorities
The Car and Driver test concluded with the Nissan Sentra SE taking first place. While the Neon R/T was faster on the track, the Sentra’s superior refinement, better ergonomics, and overall solidity made it the more compelling package.
The Sentra SE is a mini-Maxima. The careful engineering that made us vote this car the winner will mean little if potential buyers dislike the looks. We think the styling’s a bit generic, particularly the rear end, and expect many shoppers to agree with us. But the great thing about the SE is that the tail spoiler actually improves its rear aspect.
The Neon R/T, with its more aggressive styling and track-focused handling, was a worthy runner-up. The choice between the two ultimately came down to individual preferences. If you wanted a car that felt special, the Neon was the obvious pick. If you preferred a more balanced, refined experience, the Sentra SE was the better option.
These cars represented a crucial moment in the evolution of affordable performance. They proved that automakers could still deliver engaging driving experiences without demanding a premium price tag.
