January 15, 2003

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Test Drive:
2003 Dodge SX 2.0 R/T
Story and photos by Mathieu Yuill

Competition in the compact economy car class can be tight. Manufacturers are faced with providing an automobile for (usually) under $20,000 with decent fuel economy, acceptable features and an engine that will satisfy. With the 2003 Dodge SX 2.0, Chrysler seems to have accomplished all of that and added some good looks and a bit of refinement to boot.

On first glance, some might be confused. Several times during the week-long test I was asked, "Isn't that just a Neon?" The answer wasn't too simple, because while there are several similarities, they are different automobiles. Yes, it's true the Dodge SX and the old Chrysler Neon share the same chassis. And the car we'll come to know in Canada as the Dodge SX will still carry the Neon badge in the United States.

However, when you think of a Neon in Canada, you think cute. You think of a white car with matching hubcaps and a bright teal line decal along the side that says "Espresso." You don't think of cruising down the highway with the sunroof open, tunes blasting from the six-CD changer, all comfy in leather seats with an attractiveness of real metal on the dash.

You don't because the Neon didn't have that – the SX does.

SX 2.0 models are offered in three trim levels: base ($14,995), Sport ($17,895) and R/T ($20,795). I tested the top of the line R/T. That included the 150 horsepower motor, 5 speed manual transmission, 16-inch aluminum wheels, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, AM/FM radio with cassette and six-disc in dash CD-player, and power everything with remote entry. R/T models are available only with a manual transmission - a four-speed automatic is optional on the base and Sport models.

Options on my R/T test car included leather faced seats ($795) and a power moonroof ($575), plus $790 Freight, and $100 A/C tax. The as-tested price of my R/T test car came to $23,055. Side airbags are also available for an extra $390.

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Exterior Changes

To give the car a more aggressive look, the SX has entirely new headlamps, cross-pattern grille treatment that looks like the armies of England are charging towards you and front fenders with fog lights. The rear also features a large basket handle style spoiler and the SX comes in a variety of hot colours to choose from. My tester also came with standard 195/50VR-16 inch tires and nice shiny wheels to go with them.

Under The Hood

The R/T steps the engine up to 150 horsepower from the 132 horsepower version found in the base and sport models. Acceleration was impressive to say the least and when the need arose to pass cars in the 80 km/h to 100 km/h range, the SX sprung to life giving the driver confidence. Of note, if you just plan on cruising along the 401, keep it in fifth gear and enjoy the fuel economy. However, if you're like me – and you enjoy shifting, keep the RPMs above 3500 — that's where the R/T really performs well. It was a true joy to pop the shifter into third gear when entering the highway and getting thrown back in your seat at 60 km/h and faster.

In addition, Chrysler developed a new mounting system for the 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine that reduces noise, vibration and harshness.

Driving Experience

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The five-speed manual gearbox was smooth and a defined notch lets you know you've put the shifter into gear. The 150 horsepower 2.0 litre engine zooms along the highway at a brisk pace and city driving is conquered with some good low-end torque. The SX handles well and feels quite firm, but the suspension is quite bouncy, this was especially noticed while driving over a particular stretch littered with potholes.

There is ample room inside for four adults – I'm not sure if anyone over 150 lbs. would be too excited about sitting in the middle seat but for yourself and four buddies it would be perfect. There is plenty of headroom for those even with frames that stretch beyond the six-foot barrier and legroom is ample in the rear. If you're thinking of taking your SX to the ski slopes, you'll have lots of room in the trunk (370 L of space) however, our tester's rear seats didn't fold flat with the trunk.

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In the auto industry you get what you pay for and this is true for the SX. The R/T provides suitable horsepower and is peppy because the body isn't that heavy, but you're still going to get passed by cars in a slightly higher price bracket. Also, while the base and sport models have some great features, the smaller engine will perform like the old Neons did – economical with little flare.

To be honest, the biggest beef I had with the SX didn't have anything to do with drivability. The CD player is positioned at the very bottom of the centre console and is sunk in a little bit making changing CD's on the fly impossible without taking your eyes off the road for a considerable amount of time and still quite akward when you're not moving at all.

Final Impressions

What's interesting to note is the Dodge brand hasn't had a passenger vehicle in its lineup for quite some time. Dodge is associated with aggressive, sturdy, workhorse vehicles – it almost has an attitude separate from the rest of Chrysler's brands. The SX won't be replicated with a Chrysler or Plymouth nameplate, which should keep confusion to a minimum. This is important because the SX has a personality to it that will speak to those who are caught up in the import tuner scene. With a top price of $20,795 and an entry price of just under $15,000 even new grads with student loans to pay off can get into a new car. Some Ontario dealers are currently selling the base model for $13,998, not bad if you're looking to get into a new car.

Technical Data: 2003 Dodge SX 2.0 R/T

Base price (base)	$14,995
Base price (R/T)	$20,795
Options	$1,370 (Leather, sunroof)
Freight	$790
A/C tax	$100
Price as tested	$23,055
Type	4-door, 5 passenger compact sedan
Layout	transverse front engine/front-wheel-drive
Engine	2.0 litre 4 cylinder, SOHC, 16 valves
Horsepower	150 @ 6500 rpm
Torque	135 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
Transmission	5 speed manual
Tires
Curb weight	1164 kg (2567 lb.)
Wheelbase	2667 mm (105.0 in.)
Length	4430 mm (174.4 in.)
Width	1712 mm (67.4 in.)
Height	1422 mm (56.0 in.)
Trunk space	371 litres (13.1 cu. ft.)
Fuel consumption	City: 8.8 l/100 km (32 mpg)
	Hwy: 6.7 l/100 km (42 mpg)
Warranty	3 yrs/60,000 km
Powertrain warranty	5 yrs/100,000 km

More Test Drives....

Mathieu Yuill is Publications Editor for the Centennial College Student Association Inc.