I'm new to the Neon forum and I see that the 2nd generation Neon is from 00-05. Other than the years of production, what differentiates the generations?

Body style changed, 1st gens (95-99) had the option of the 150HP DOHC engine. The 2nd gen RT's and ACRs have the 150 SOHC engine. The 01+ manual transmissions are hydraulic and not cable. There are a few more minor differences but those are the biggest ones.