Neon gets replaced

[Miguel M.]

Originally Posted by dtjackten

migual, can i just ask one think, why would dodge make a car the same size and even same stile as the PT cruizer, the sedan that all of the people that bought the newer neons like the sedan type car, i really am not crazy about the new extior body style of the caliber but i love the interior, but my dislike for the extior is why i would never testdrive one, but if they made a SRT style two door in the caliber, then forsure i would go test drive one and i think most people would, i saw one at the dealer next to me and thought that dodge lost the sleek look of the SRT 4 neon, but i think if they made an AWD sedan like the EVO or STI then you are talking some big sales and all i ask if dodge would make a four cylnder that will make the evo and sti wish they drove dodge products,



thanks for listening
dave

Hello Dave and thank you for the feedback.

Although the Chrysler PT Cruiser and the all-new 2007 Dodge Caliber from an overall-size point of view resemble each other, they are completely different as far as performance and styling are concerned. At this point, to get a true feel for the vehicle, my best suggestion would be to get in contact with one of your local Dodge dealerships and perhaps arrange for a test drive of the new 2007 Dodge Caliber. In doing so, this will ensure that you get an objective feel for the vehicle. As a car enthusiast, I feel that there is no better way to assess a vehicle than to physically explore all that the vehicle has to offer. Again, thank you for the communication. It is greatly appreciated.

Regards,

Miguel M.

[Miguel M.]

Again, I would like to make myself available to anyone interested in additional information regarding the all-new 2007 Dodge Caliber. I would be more than happy to be of assistance.

Talk to you soon,

Miguel M.

[das2123]

Originally Posted by Miguel M.

Again, I would like to make myself available to anyone interested in information regarding the all-new 2007 Dodge Caliber. I would be more than happy to be of assistance.

Talk to you soon,

Miguel M.

Neon owners are not interested, move on!

[dtjackten]

lol for sure on that one bro!!!!!!!!!!!

[maykelcj]

this guy is p!#$ me off!!!!!!!!!
get the f@#$ out of this forum.!!!!!!!!!!

[sheetmagnet]

Originally Posted by Miguel M.

Well, if you guys happen to have any additional comments/questions regarding the all-new 2007 Dodge Caliber, feel free to post. I would be more than happy to be of assistance.

Regards,

Miguel M.

Okay, I WILL PROVIDE SOME ASSISTANCE! I used to work for a Tier 1 supplier to Chrysler (we built all the ignition coils for the Neon, PT Cruiser, Caravans, Vipers, and Jeep 4.0L-I6).

When we asked why at the end of last year our 36-02T coil (Neon, PT) was going to significantly drop in production, we got the same exact answer from DCX that they gave to the public the same week that the last Neon rolled off the line.

Basically, in regards to the Neon, DCX does not care a whole lot about any Neon enthusiast. Not me, you, or anyone else. Why? Because even though there are a lot of us who like the car for it's mod potential, etc., the simple fact is that most of the people that bought the Neon were:

1. Mid-income drivers looking for a cheap commute on a long way to work.
2. College students and grads looking for an inexpensive 1st-time new purchase.
3. Single parents that couldn't afford much else (like myself, although I am an enthusiast too).
4. Parents looking to save money and avoid hassle as a first-time car for the 16-yr-old kid.
5. Strippers that wanted a "cute" car, but needed a back seat!
6. LOTS and LOTS of Europeans, including their police/policia.

As a percentage ratio, unfortunately, very few of us are actually performance enthusiasts when it came to total sales of the Neon. Not to mention that the 1st-gens got some bad press, that made the average buyer shy away from them. Although DCX had decent sale volumes each year of the 2nd-gens, the volume was slowly starting to slide.

And unfortunately, the decision to cut the Neon came before the big gas price increases last year. I think that if DCX would have held off and marketed it a little better, you would have seen high-mpg Neon sales skyrocket last fall when gas hit $3 a gallon.

SO WHAT WAS DCX's answer that sums up everything I just wrote? Simple. $$$$. DCX wasn't making a BIG enough profit-margin on the Neon to justify extending it's life. They figure introducing a newer car, with "newer" technology, and a "newer" sticker-price will make more profit-$ made per unit, period. And that answer came officially from DCX... not enough profit made per Neon sold. Hell, I understand... I only paid $10k for mine new. And a Viper stickers for NINE times that much, but is made in Mexico... HUGE profit margin (just a loose example, I know they only make like 200 a month). Sound accurate, Miguel?

So that was the reason. From the smallest bolt to the highest-compensated union-worker, DCX couldn't justify gambling the Neon any longer since it had one of the smallest profit-margins on it as far as sales. Now you know why Ford's stock is all but junk, and GM lost $10.6 billion last year, but DCX were the only ones who kept their heads above water. They basically cut off what they considered another weak link, and that's how the rest of their product lines are surviving, like the 300C. $ talks.

So, us Neon enthusiasts will be forced to hit the junkyard from now on... I bet no one sitting in the DCX Boardroom when the meeting took place to axe the Neon, actually owned or drove one. DCX would have been better off just making the $ issue more public than they did, and also avoided calling the Caliber a "replacement" for the Neon... that would be like getting rid of the military-spec Hummer/Humvee and calling the new Ford Ranger it's replacement. Yeah, whatever. If it was up to me, I would have introduced an all-new car with only a 2- and 4-door option, using the new global 2.4 and 2.7-liter engines, and something attractive enough to make the new civic and eclipse look like a laughing stock. However, keep in mind that DCX does plan to re-estabilish a SRT-4 package into the Caliber... we'll see what blows.

[das2123]

Originally Posted by sheetmagnet

I only paid $10k for mine new. And a Viper stickers for NINE times that much, but is made in Mexico...

Some neons are Mexico built also.

[sheetmagnet]

True... I'm beginning to think that was mine was... lol j/k.

[Ford hater]

I think these calibers should be killed while its still young I bought one and I regret it!

[Ford hater]

Yeah I have a question miquel why does your caliber suck I like dodges and always thoght the dodge was one of the best along with chevy but this is a real let down. Dodge Hemis rule why dont you squeeze one in there maybe ypur sales would go up oh and try to find a way to make it more frickin fuel efficent!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Miguel M.]

Originally Posted by dtjackten

migual, can i just ask one think, why would dodge make a car the same size and even same stile as the PT cruizer, the sedan that all of the people that bought the newer neons like the sedan type car, i really am not crazy about the new extior body style of the caliber but i love the interior, but my dislike for the extior is why i would never testdrive one, but if they made a SRT style two door in the caliber, then forsure i would go test drive one and i think most people would, i saw one at the dealer next to me and thought that dodge lost the sleek look of the SRT 4 neon, but i think if they made an AWD sedan like the EVO or STI then you are talking some big sales and all i ask if dodge would make a four cylnder that will make the evo and sti wish they drove dodge products,



thanks for listening
dave

Hello Dave,

The main concept to remember when it comes to new vehicle sales is marketability. Regardless of how sleek a vehicle in its concept stages may be, wide scale marketability is ultimately the cornerstone of longevity of a new model and in the long haul, the corporation as a whole. By keeping in mind the essential components of the equation (R&D, stringent quality controls etc.), one (meaning DaimlerChrysler) must not divert from the ultimate goal of converging all of these in to highly marketable model that will appeal to a wide range of consumers. Sure, there's no denying that niche market vehicles will continue to create debates, enthusiasm and the incessant desire to modify or upgrade. However, as you well know, the niche market solely cannot drive sales. With that said, we can only speculate whether or not such models will ever come into fruition. If the market increases for these vehicles with enough feedback from interested consumers much like yourself, so too will the consideration for mass producing a vehicle to meet the range of elements for a desired model. Additionally, for the time being, my best suggestion would be to get in contact with the DaimlerChrysler Outside Suggestion Line at the number that I have provided below. The more people feed the spark, the better your odds.

DaimlerChrysler Outside Suggestion Line
1-248-576-3878
M-F (8:30AM-5:30AM ET)

Cheers,

Miguel M.

[Miguel M.]

Originally Posted by Ford hater

Yeah I have a question miquel why does your caliber suck I like dodges and always thoght the dodge was one of the best along with chevy but this is a real let down. Dodge Hemis rule why dont you squeeze one in there maybe ypur sales would go up oh and try to find a way to make it more frickin fuel efficent!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hello Ford hater,

Being that the vehicle is classified as Dodge's new compact car/SUV, reconciliation between our current HEMI engine and the highest level of fuel efficiency would be a very difficult endeavor. Although the HEMI engine does in fact provide respectable fuel economy for vehicles with platforms that can contain it, it would pale in comparison in the compact car segment through which exceptional fuel economy is an almost unspoken demand. If a good combination of fuel efficiency and power is what you're looking for, be sure to check out the all-new 2007 Dodge Caliber SRT-4 at the link that I have provided below.


2007 Dodge Caliber SRT-4

Regards,

Miguel M.

[das2123]

You know I read all that^^^, but all I get out of it is blah, blah, blah, blah. Bottom line is, if Dodge was expecting all of it's current neon owners to run out and buy the caliber, then they were badly mistaken. WE love our neons and probably always will...DCX should have read this before replacing the neon with the caliber!!!

The Tao of Neons*
written in the spirit of “The Tao Of Programming”
by Brian English
First edition: 7/3/99

I. Introduction

There are many automobiles on this planet. They are large and small, luxurious and bare, powerful and slow, cherished and neglected. They come off mighty Assembly Lines in great Assembly Plants. They travel by truck or boat to all corners of the globe. There are those that carry great Leaders, there are others that carry common children. Built in mass quantities, there are few that have individual Souls. Few that are Alive. There are a select few that have Tao. Many are Neons.

How are Neons Different? What is the Tao of Neons? How can it be identified? What can be learned from the Tao of Neons? Does it exist in the Driver, or the Neon itself? The answer is Yes. Listen well to these Lessons, for within their words shall you gain enlightenment.

II. Origin of the Tao

Some years ago, a mighty Automotive Assembler was looking to build a small car, built behind its own doors, to bring pride to the Empire. Its Wizards, Wise Men, Workers, and Bean Counters gathered in a circle to discuss their plans.

“It should be inexpensive to produce!” clamored the Bean Counters.

“It must be affordable, but not cheap!” demanded the Marketing Drone.

“It must have advanced features!” exclaimed the Wizards.

“It must sell many, many units!” exclaimed the Stuffed Suits.

“It should be built by our hands, and our hands only!” contributed the Workers.

With that, the Stylist pulled the tarpaulin from the prototype. “It will have round headlights,” he stated.

All present looked upon the prototype and smiled.

“It will have Tao,” stated the Patriarch.

III. The Tao Of Production

It had been ordained by the Patriarch that the Neon was to be built. To that end, a new Assembly Plant was constructed. Modern and sophisticated, it still required Workers to operate its wondrous machines of Creation. It required a special kind of Worker; one who could understand Tao. The Plant Master stood outside the Plant door to meet those who would insert Tao into the new little cars. The first candidate drove up in a Toyota Camry and was dressed in a dark blue business suit, his appearance unruffled and precise. He approached the Master.

“Hello, I would like to be a Worker in your new Assembly Plant. Is there a position for me?”

Before the Master could answer, a second candidate drove up. He arrived in a restored Volkswagen Beetle from years past. It gleamed in the sunlight despite its age, and was parked in the middle of three empty parking spaces. The candidate was dressed in a more casual attire. As he climbed out, he frowned and gently brushed a piece of plant matter from the sparkling finish. He approached the Master and the first candidate.

“Is this where to apply for the position of Worker for this assembly plant?”

The Master studied him for a long minute. He turned to the first candidate. “I fear you have gotten lost.”

The second was shown his locker and workspace that morning.

Some time later, the novices were learning at the feet of the Master; learning the ways they were to build the Neon. “But Master, “ one queried. “I have no knowledge of what Tao is, and where to find it. Where shall we find what is to be put in this car?”

The Master smiled patiently at the novice. “The Tao is not a thing. It is something that is. It cannot be consciously added, yet must be present in every car that leaves this Plant."

The novice was still confused. "Where can I search to find this Tao?"

With that, the Master threw a cloth at the novice. It struck him in the chest. From that point, the novice was on his journey towards Enlightenment.

IV. The Tao of Selling

A man walked into a Dealership where Neons could be acquired. He said to the Seller; "I am looking to buy a small car. It need not be fancy or extravagant; instead, it should serve as daily transportation, requiring little attention from me, for I do not wish to spend my time continually taking care of it, since I am often engaged in more important matters."

Some weeks later the Seller saw the man drive by in a Honda Civic. He sighed in relief.

If the Tao were obvious to all, it would be diluted by some.

A Seller looked up to see a young family looking at a Neon. The father peered at the window sticker and the mother opened the trunk while the child climbed into the driver's seat and played with the steering wheel, making engine noises with her lips. "Would it be the child were older," murmured the Seller to himself. "but she looks like she will be taking her driving test in a few months."

The Tao speaks not to the mind, but to the soul. It cares little for numbers or measurements; in fact, to fixate on arbitrary numbers is to deny the Tao.

A young man proudly strode into the Delivery Bay of the Dealership where he was to receive his new Neon. The Seller stood waiting for him near the front of the car. "My name is John Smith"; he stated.

The Seller, in his sable robes, was slightly confused. "I believe we have already met, Mr. Smith. It was I who sold you this Neon."

The man named Smith looked startled. "Forgive me; I did not see you standing there."

The Tao of Neons is not obvious to sight, but it attracts those who are Receptive. The Tao does not reach all Neon owners, but it is unconcerned. It resides not in a single car, but instead, finds its roots in all Neons; ready if a new owner appears who can be attracted.

A man was searching for a small car to buy. With many to choose from, he was undecided. He made a list of makes and models he was interested in, and presented it to the Master for his advice.

"What of this Toyota Corolla," he asked the Master. "It rides much quieter than a Neon."

"The Master smiled slightly. "A silent man may lack the ability to communicate with those around him. A Neon is louder because it communicates with it's driver."

"What of this BMW?" he asked, pointing to the small sports sedan. "It is stylish, and makes a bold statement of performance and status!"

"Are you buying this car to drive, or to impress the Emperor?" asked the Master.

The man turned next to a Honda Civic Si. "This car has an engine that sings a high-pitched song when in the upper ranges!"

The Master snorted slightly. "In the lower ranges, it has nothing to say. Remember that when you are in stop-and-go traffic."

"What of this Saturn?" the man inquired. "The price is something that does not need to be haggled over."

"The price of a plow does not need to be haggled over, either," answered the Master.

Next on the man's list was a Daewoo. "Truly, this car is an excellent value for it's low price!"

"Agreed," answered the Master. "I think 'inexpensive' each time I see one."

The man considered the Neon again. "I will confess, the Neon does appeal to me. Is it possible I may be on my way to understanding the Tao you speak of?"

The Master templed his hands and bowed slightly. "We will not know that until we see if you appeal to the Neon."

V. The Tao of Ownership

Two Neon owners met at a Gathering, near the village square. "Look at my R/T," the first boasted. "It has an Iceman intake, Eibach springs, AF/X computer, underdrive pulley, and V-TECH taillight covers! No one beats me in the quarter mile!"

The second replied; "Look at my Expresso. It has the Camel interior, anti-lock brakes, and practically all the factory options. I love it as it is, and have no plans to modify it."

Both looked at the other's car and nodded in appreciation and Enlightenment.

The Tao speaks differently to different owners. It speaks, but also listens. For if the Tao were inflexible, it would not endure. A hammer that can shatter a stone cannot shatter a rubber ball.

A man stood in his driveway, washing his Neon. His older sibling came up to him and chastised him for it. "Why are you continually washing this car? You have washed your Neon more in the four months you have had it than I have ever washed my car!"

The man did not look up from washing his Neon. "You do not understand the Tao. It speaks to me and listens to me with greater clarity if the surface is not smudged with dirt. To allow dirt to stay for extended periods would imply a loss of faith in the Tao. I doubt the Tao could communicate with you through the rust on your hood."

Two novices were gathered at the foot of the Master in the Master's garden. "Master, how can we tell if we have received Enlightenment? We believe we may have become Enlightened, but are not sure."

The Master posed them a question. "What do the taillights of a Chevrolet Camaro Z28 look like?"

The first novice took a stick of bamboo and proceeded to etch a credible representation in the dirt of the taillights. The second thought for a moment, and shrugged. "Master, I have forgotten."

The Master turned to the first. "I fear you have more to learn."

A young man sat at a red light in his Neon. In the lane next to him, a Ford Mustang 5.0 pulled up. Its driver looked over the little Neon and scowled. When the light changed to green, he left in a loud mixture of rubber smoke and fury.

The Neon owner smiled, and mentally recorded another victory. He was filled with Tao.

A young man was driving down the road towards a nearby village. Halfway to his destination, he became tense, and a frown appeared on his face. His passenger saw this and remarked "What is the matter? What has upset you so suddenly?"

The driver did not answer. At the next traffic light, he picked a small piece of fluff out of the center console, opened the Neon's window, and cast the fluff outside. He and the Tao both relaxed.

A Neon owner greeted his sister as she drove up in her recently acquired Ford Escort ZX2. She laughed at him, saying "My car has a manual transmission; which I have learned to shift. It should easily defeat your automatic Neon in a contest!"

The man posed her a single question. "Why is that so important to you?"

His sister had no reply.

Several novices were gathered at the foot of the Master in the Plant's temple. They posed him their questions;

"Master, is the Tao present in all Neons?" asked the first.

"It is," replied the Master.

"Master, is the Tao present in a Neon with an automatic transmission?" queried a second.

"It is," answered the Master. "Some people are in a position to desire or require an automatic. The Tao welcomes them, for it is Receptive to all types of drivers. The Tao forces no one to choose."

"Master, is the Tao present in a Neon fitted with an Iceman intake, AF/X computer, underdrive pulley, and racing wheels and tires?" inquired the third.

"It is," confirmed the Master. "The Tao also attracts those who wish to make their Neons the fastest they can, for Tao recognizes the human need to strive for excellence amongst their peers."

"Master, is the Tao present in an unmodified Neon?" posed the fourth.

"It is," stated the Master. "The Tao also attracts those who are happy with their Neons for what they are, not what they can turn them into."

"Master, is the Tao present in a Neon outfitted with a body kit, aftermarket wheels and tires, and headlight covers?" questioned the fifth.

"It is," replied the Master. "A Neon is a canvas to some, who seek to express their individuality in a readily manifest fashion. The Tao speaks to them as it speaks to you and I."

"Master, is the Tao present in a Neon fitted with lowered springs, axle extenders, 13-inch go-cart wheels, 5% tinted windows and a single wiper modification?" inquired the last.

At that point the Plant whistle blew. "It is time to return to work," the Master said as he rose to a standing position.

A young man was driving his female companion around in his brand-new ACR. She looked around the interior with distaste. "Why did you purchase this car? The day is sweltering, but there is no air conditioning to keep me from perspiring, no radio for me to listen to gentle music. The ride is harsh; I can feel each pavement jolt in my backside, and there is no lighted vanity mirror for me to maintain my makeup and hair. What is the appeal of this car?"

The man smiled with anticipation. His favorite corner was coming up.

One of the village elders was walking through the province's capital city. Lost in his own thoughts, he paid no attention to the sound of argument coming from the Temple of Justice. He only took notice when a man's voice said;

"But my lord, in all our years of marriage, I could not get her to close the door by pushing on the door, rather than the glass!"

Some minutes later, the man walked out of the temple holding two sacks of gold. His former wife left in another direction, scowling and holding half a bag of gold.

VI. Conclusion

The Tao of Neons is present in both Neons and Owners, for indeed it is created and nourished by their Union. Both must be present for either to exist. This is the reality of the Tao.

The Tao exists in the feeling of completion a Neon owner gets when the steering wheel fits perfectly into his hand, the vibration from the running engine awakening his very soul.

The Tao exists in the slight feeling of remorse one gets when he closes its door behind him at his workplace. It exists also in the reassurance he feels knowing he only has to wait nine hours before driving it again.

The Tao exists in the smile of a new Neon owner who decides that every car he owns will have a power sunroof.

The Tao exists in the mind of a Neon owner where no concern with resale value can be found. To him, it resembles calculating the resale value of his children.

The Tao exists in the soul of a man who cannot sleep easily because melted snow has soiled his floor mats. It is strengthened when he spends an hour removing all traces of it.

The Tao exists in the perception of a man who never has to search for his Neon in a parking lot, for it will draw him unerringly to its side.

The Tao exists in the imagination of a man who thinks it would be worthwhile to have "Expresso" stitched into his door panels.

The Tao exists in a Neon that gathers miles while the family minivan gathers dust.

There are those who do not see the Tao, and others who struggle to understand it. The Tao is patient, and is content to wait for a favorable wind.

[sheetmagnet]

[quote=das2123]...The Tao is patient, and is content to wait for a favorable wind...QUOTE]

Um, what he said.

[85crxzc]

just looks like a sporty durango why take the srt-4 away and replace it with another durango??