You are trying to guess the scanword where it is encrypted American automobile manufacturing company with model names Neon and Stratus? The clue says that in the title 8 lettersand it's not Ford or Chevrolet. The answer lies in the history of one of the giants of the US auto industry, whose models were once popular on the Russian market, but today the brand is almost forgotten.
This article will not only help you solve the crossword puzzle, but will also tell you about legendary models, their technical features and why the company left the market. You will find out what cars were produced under this brand, how they were positioned and what is happening to them today. And if you're considering buying a used one Neon or Stratus, we will give practical advice on selection and operation.
Spoiler: the answer to the scanword is the name of a company that in 2026 no longer exists as an independent brand, but its models still drive on the roads of Russia. Next - details!
Why exactly 8 letters: analysis of the company name
Let's start with the main thing: which American car company has an 8 letter name? and released Dodge Neon and Chrysler Stratus? Answer - Chrysler. Yes, this word consists of exactly 8 letters: C-H-R-Y-S-L-E-R.
But there is a nuance here: Neon officially sold under the brand name Dodge, and Stratus - under Chrysler and Dodge (depending on generation and market). Both brands belonged to the same concern - Stellantis (formerly Fiat Chrysler Automobiles), but historically Chrysler was the group's flagship brand.
Here's how it worked:
- Dodge Neon (1994–2005) - compact sedan developed on the platform Chrysler PL.
- Chrysler Stratus (1995–2006) - middle class sedan, close "relative" Dodge Stratus (same platform, different design).
- Plymouth Neon - the same Neon, but under a different brand (brand Plymouth was abolished in 2001).
Thus, Chrysler - this is not only the answer to the crossword puzzle, but also the key to understanding how one corporation managed several brands that produced similar models.
History of the Chrysler brand: from heyday to decline
Company Chrysler Corporation was founded in 1925 Walter Chrysler and quickly became one of the "Big Three" American automakers (along with General Motors and Ford). It included brands:
- Chrysler (premium models),
- Dodge (mass segment),
- Plymouth (budget cars),
- Jeep (SUVs).
B 1998 Chrysler merged with a German concern Daimler-Benz, forming DaimlerChrysler, but the merger was unsuccessful. B 2007 the company was sold to the fund Cerberus Capital Management, and in 2009 - entered into an alliance with Fiat, having formed Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA). Today the brand Chrysler exists formally, but its model range is reduced to a minimum (for example, Chrysler Pacifica — the only minivan in the line).
Regarding Neon and Stratus, their production was curtailed in the mid-2000s due to:
- Fierce competition with Japanese and Korean brands (Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic).
- Low reliability of some components (especially automatic transmissions).
- Change of the concern's strategy in favor of crossovers and SUVs.
If you are looking for spare parts for Dodge Neon or Chrysler Stratus, pay attention to the interchangeability of parts with models Plymouth and Mitsubishi (some engines and gearboxes were joint development).
Dodge Neon: a compact sedan with character
Dodge Neon (in some countries - Plymouth Neon) debuted in 1994 as the American auto industry's answer to Japanese compact sedans. Its key features:🔹 Design: Aggressive front end with a cross-shaped radiator grille, round headlights (in the first generation). The body was offered in sedan and coupe versions.
🔹 Engines:
- 2.0L SOHC (132 hp) - the base engine, known for the problem of “oil starvation” at high speeds.
- 2.0L DOHC (150 hp) - sports version for the model Neon SRT-4 (2003–2005), accelerating to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds!
- 2.4L (in some markets) - borrowed from Mitsubishi.
🔹 Transmission:
- 5-speed manual transmission (reliable, but with hard shifting).
- 3- and 4-speed automatic transmissions (the weak point is the torque converter and solenoids).
🔹 Features:
- One of the first American cars with multi-link rear suspension in class.
- In Russia Neon It was sold in limited quantities, but was popular as a budget "tuning" project.
- 🚗 Pros: Light weight (about 1 ton), cheap maintenance, spacious interior for the class.
- ⚠️ Cons: Body corrosion, weak automatic transmissions, problems with electronics (especially the crankshaft position sensor).
Why the Neon SRT-4 was called the "Civic killer"
The SRT-4 modification (2003–2005) was equipped with a 2.4L turbo engine producing 230 hp, which made it possible to overtake many sports cars of that time. However, the price was lower than Honda Civic Si or Subaru WRX.
Chrysler Stratus: sedan for family and taxi
Chrysler Stratus (and his twin Dodge Stratus) was positioned as middle class family sedan. Produced in 1995–2006 in two generations:📌 First generation (1995–2000):
- Body types: sedan and coupe (coupe was called Chrysler Sebring in some markets).
- Engines: 2.0L, 2.4L, 2.5L V6 (168 hp).
- Feature: front suspension type MacPherson, rear - multi-link.
📌 Second generation (2001–2006):
- The design has become more rounded, chrome elements have appeared.
- New motors: 2.4L EDZ (150 hp) and 2.7L V6 (200 hp) - the latter is known for problems with oil burn.
- In Russia Stratus was rare, but was used in taxi companies in the United States and Canada.
🔧 Typical problems Stratus:
- 2.7L V6: Oil consumption (up to 1 liter per 1000 km), wear of valve guides.
- Automatic transmission: 4-speed gearbox 41TE often required repairs after 150,000 km.
- Electrics: Problems with the engine control unit (PCM) and oxygen sensors.
⚠️ Attention: When purchasing a used Chrysler Stratus with a 2.7L V6 engine, be sure to check the compression in the cylinders and the condition of the valve stem seals. Repairing this engine is more expensive than replacing it with a contract one.
| Model | Years of production | Engines | Average price on the secondary market (2026, Russia) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dodge Neon (1st generation) | 1994–1999 | 2.0L SOHC/DOHC | 80 000 – 150 000 ₽ |
| Dodge Neon (2nd generation) | 2000–2005 | 2.0L, 2.4L (SRT-4) | 120 000 – 250 000 ₽ |
| Chrysler Stratus (sedan, 1st generation) | 1995–2000 | 2.0L, 2.4L, 2.5L V6 | 100 000 – 180 000 ₽ |
| Chrysler Stratus (2nd generation) | 2001–2006 | 2.4L, 2.7L V6 | 150 000 – 300 000 ₽ |
Should you buy a Dodge Neon or Chrysler Stratus today?
If you consider these models as budget option, here's what you need to consider:
✅ Pros of purchasing:
- Low cost of the car and spare parts (compared to Japanese analogues).
- Ease of repair (many components are unified with Mitsubishi).
- Neon SRT-4 - a rare item for collectors.
❌ Cons and risks:
- Corrosion: Body Neon and Stratus rust faster than Toyota or Honda.
- Reliability: Automatic transmissions and 2.7L V6 engines require careful attention.
- Fuel consumption: Even 2.0L engines consume 10–12 l/100 km in the city.
🔧 Checklist before purchasing:
☑️ Checking Dodge Neon / Chrysler Stratus
⚠️ Attention: If the seller claims that Chrysler Stratus 2.7L V6 “doesn’t eat butter” is a reason to doubt his honesty. Even a serviceable engine of this size consumes about 300–500 ml of oil per 10,000 km. Lack of flow may indicate a recent replacement or hidden problems.
Alternatives: which cars to consider instead of Neon and Stratus
If you need reliable alternative in the same price segment (up to RUB 300,000), pay attention to:
- 🚘 Toyota Corolla (E120/E140, 1997–2006) - easier to maintain, but more expensive to purchase.
- 🚘 Honda Civic (6th–7th generation, 1996–2005) - reliable motors of the series
D16, but the high price of spare parts. - 🚘 Mazda 323/Familia (BJ, 1998–2003) - close analogue Ford Focus first generation.
- 🚘 Mitsubishi Lancer (9th generation, 2000–2007) - some nodes are compatible with Neon.
💡 Advice: If you like the design Chrysler Stratus, but reliability problems are scary, consider Mitsubishi Galant (2000–2006) - it is built on the same platform and has similar dimensions, but with a better reputation.
The main difference between American sedans of the 1990s and 2000s from Japanese ones is a softer suspension and a spacious interior, but a shorter service life of engines and gearboxes. If reliability is important to you, it is better to overpay for Toyota or Honda.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the Dodge Neon and Chrysler Stratus
❓ Is it possible to install a Mitsubishi engine on a Dodge Neon?
Yes, some versions Neon (for example, for the Mexican market) were equipped with motors Mitsubishi 4G63 (2.0L). However, replacement will require modifications to the mountings and electrical components. Popular swap - installation 4G63T (turbo, 200+ hp) from Mitsubishi Eclipse.
❓ Why is the Chrysler Stratus 2.7L V6 called an “oil-guzzling engine”?
Engine Chrysler LH 2.7L V6 known for a design defect: piston rings wear out quickly and oil seals become dull. This results in oil consumption up to 1 liter per 1000 km. The solution is to replace the rings and caps, but repairs cost 50,000–80,000 rubles.
❓ Where can I find spare parts for these models in 2026?
Main sources:
- 🛒 eBay - for original parts from the USA.
- 🛒 Exist.ru or Autodoc - for analogues (for example,
Febi,Meyle). - 🛒 Showdown - search by model Dodge, Chrysler and Plymouth.
- 🛒 Aliexpress - for small plastic parts (for example, door handles).
⚠️ Be careful with fakes! For example, crankshaft sensors for Neon often counterfeited - take only from trusted warehouses.
❓ Is it possible to tune the Dodge Neon SRT-4 for street racing?
Yes, Neon SRT-4 - a popular base for tuning. Typical improvements:
- 🔧 Installation of a larger turbine (for example,
Garrett GT28). - 🔧 Replacing the intercooler and exhaust system with a silent one.
- 🔧 Chip tuning (firmware
ECUfor 95 gasoline).
However, please note: after 300 hp. you will have to strengthen the box (standard manual transmission cannot withstand more than 350 Nm).
❓ Why did these models disappear from the market?
Main reasons:
- Competition: Japanese and Korean brands offered more reliable and economical cars.
- Quality: Problems with corrosion, transmissions and electronics have damaged its reputation.
- Change of strategy: Concern FCA focused on jeeps (Jeep) and crossovers (Dodge Journey).