Dodge Neon & Dodge Colt Engines: Reliable Compacts With Surprising Performance
Drivers who love lightweight, responsive, no-nonsense cars know the Dodge Neon and Dodge Colt well. These compact models earned loyal followings for their balance of efficiency, durability, and fun-to-drive personality. Today, many owners are restoring them, daily-driving them, or even building spirited street and track projects.
And a strong engine is the heart of keeping these classics alive.
At Gearhead Engines, we help Neon and Colt owners keep their cars running longer with high-quality remanufactured engines engineered for reliability.
Why Dodge Neon Engines Still Matter
The Dodge Neon debuted in the mid-1990s with simple, dependable four-cylinder engines that delivered surprising punch for their size. Popular engines included:
| Engine | Common Name | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2.0L SOHC 4-cyl | 420A | Strong daily-driver motor with great mileage |
| 2.0L DOHC 4-cyl | 420A DOHC | Higher-revving, better throttle response |
| 2.4L DOHC 4-cyl (SRT-4) | SRT-4 Turbo | Turbocharged performance favorite |
What makes Neon engines loved today:
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Simple, mechanical durability
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Easy maintenance and parts availability
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Solid power-to-weight ratio
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Great tuning potential (especially SRT-4)
When these motors get tired, it’s common to see symptoms such as low compression, oil consumption, misfires, or loss of power. A remanufactured replacement gives these cars a second life with modern-quality internals and testing standards.
A Look Back at Dodge Colt Engines
Before the Neon, the Dodge Colt offered practicality, fuel efficiency, and surprising athleticism for its era. Engines varied by generation and were often Mitsubishi-sourced, including:
| Engine | Platform | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5L 4-cyl | Mitsubishi Orion | Light, economical commuter motor |
| 1.6L 4-cyl | Mitsubishi 4G32 | Known for toughness and simplicity |
| 1.6L Turbo 4-cyl (Colt Turbo) | Mitsubishi 4G32T | Early turbo fun, cult-favorite |
These engines are still valued by collectors and enthusiasts restoring early hot-hatch style cars. Remanufacturing helps keep these vintage drivetrains alive without cutting corners with unknown used motors.
Why Choose a Remanufactured Engine From Gearhead
You are not buying a used or junkyard engine with a “cross-your-fingers” guarantee. Gearhead remanufactured engines go through an industry-leading process that includes:
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Precision machining and new internal components
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Multi-stage testing and quality checks
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Hot-run simulation to ensure proper break-in and sealing
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Comprehensive warranty protection
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Nationwide shipping and support
You get reliability, performance, and peace of mind.
Whether you drive a base-model commuter or you’re wrenching on an SRT-4 or Colt Turbo project, a reman engine gives you factory-fresh confidence and stronger long-term value.
Signs It’s Time for a Replacement
If you notice:
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Oil consumption
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Knocking or ticking sounds
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Loss of power or compression
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Overheating issues
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Blow-by or smoking exhaust
Don’t wait until the motor fails completely. A quality remanufactured engine puts you back on the road with confidence.
Bring Your Neon or Colt Back to Life
These cars deserve to stay on the road. They represent a fun, balanced era of driving, and people who own them know they aren’t just transportation. They are part of a community.
Whether you are restoring, daily-driving, or building something special, Gearhead is here to help with:
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Expert support
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High-quality remanufacturing
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Honest guidance
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Nationwide delivery
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Strong warranty coverage
Your Dodge deserves a second life — and we build engines ready for it.



