There really is no *ideal* neon.
Your Neon is what you make of it, and nothing more.
Some people trip it out with rims, paint, body kits, etc...
Others are all about speed (such as myself).
If you're into looks and not speed, I suggest a body kit (preferrably one that doesn't require too much body modification to the fenders and such so that you can put the stock bumper back on in the winter.
Also, a nice set of rims will do some good...17's are good for showing, 16's are great for a happy medium between weight and speed, 15's if you're serious about weight redux.
Tint the windows and add some clear markers...
There's a list of things you can do to the Neon, it's really all up to your taste buds.
Performance wise...you should start with the air intake...the stock one is terrible! Since you own a 1st gen, I'd reccomend the Iceman CAI, though recently one of their warehouses burnt...so the shipping has been a bit slow.
I believe a Sport is a DOHC, so your exhaust system should be fine (unless you want a louder exhaust system)
Then replace the heavy stock crankshaft pulley with a lighter UDP (Might I suggest TTI Racing's pulley? Dyno'd to give the greatest percentage of return to the engine, 33%)
Next, replace your stock ECU with a Mopar Performance PCM.
Then a bigger throttle body (52mm bored to 56mm work well)
and have the intake manifold port & polished to match.
Replace your header with Pacesetter or Chikara headers if you want to stay emissions legal...Blackdog if you want the biggest gains.
If you follow in this order, you should be fine and notice some serious gains.
This will produce a Neon that runs 14's on a 1/4 mile track and be a decent threat on the streets.
Hope this helps.
-Steve