Dodge Neon vs Ford Contour
The Dodge Neon is more fuel-efficient at 28 MPG combined, against 25 MPG for the Ford Contour. At EPA assumptions that is about $300 less in fuel per year. (Comparison uses each model's most efficient version.)
Side by side
| Dodge Neon | Ford Contour | |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints (NHTSA) | 1,415 | 1,323 |
| Most reported problem | Engine | Electrical system |
| Crashes and fires | 174 and 72 | 48 and 82 |
| Typical mileage at complaint | 83,000 miles | 89,000 miles |
| Recalls | 6 | 8 |
| Fuel economy, combined | 28 MPG | 25 MPG |
| City and highway | 25 and 34 | 21 and 31 |
| Yearly fuel cost (EPA) | $2,400 | $2,700 |
What the numbers say
NHTSA has 1,415 complaints for the Dodge Neon and 1,323 for the Ford Contour. Complaint counts depend heavily on how many of each vehicle were sold, so a higher count does not by itself mean a less reliable car.
Safety recalls on file: 6 for the Dodge Neon, 8 for the Ford Contour.