Plymouth Neon
25 MPG The 2001 Plymouth Neon is EPA-rated at 25 MPG combined (22.5 city / 29 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 600 gallons, $1920 a year in fuel, or $0.128 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1995–2001 run it averages 26.2 MPG, falling by 2 MPG over 7 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.100 | $1000 | $1500 | $2000 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.120 | $1200 | $1800 | $2400 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.128 | $1280 | $1920 | $2560 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.140 | $1400 | $2100 | $2800 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.160 | $1600 | $2400 | $3200 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.180 | $1800 | $2700 | $3600 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.200 | $2000 | $3000 | $4000 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 25 MPG | 22.5 | 29 | $2500 | 356 | 2 |
| 2000 | 25.5 MPG | 23 | 29.5 | $2450 | 350 | 2 |
| 1999 | 26 MPG | 22.5 | 32.5 | $2400 | 344 | 2 |
| 1998 | 26.5 MPG | 23 | 33.5 | $2375 | 338 | 2 |
| 1997 | 27 MPG | 23.5 | 33 | $2325 | 331 | 2 |
| 1996 | 26.5 MPG | 23 | 32.5 | $2350 | 336 | 2 |
| 1995 | 27 MPG | 24 | 32 | $2300 | 330 | 2 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 227 compact cars models tracked here, the Plymouth Neon ranks 92 on current figures, against a class average of 26.6 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Mazda Protege (25.3), Buick Skyhawk (25.5), Cadillac CT4 (25.5), Chevrolet Cavalier (25.5), Dodge Neon (25.5).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 356 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 5.3 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Plymouth Neon get?
The 2001 Plymouth Neon is rated at 25 MPG combined by the EPA — 22.5 city and 29 highway. Across all 7 model years in the database it averages 26.2 MPG, ranging from 24 to 29 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Plymouth Neon cost in fuel per year?
At 25 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 600 gallons — roughly $1920 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.128 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2001 model is $2500.
Has the Plymouth Neon become more efficient over time?
No — it has actually gone backwards, from 27 MPG in 1995 to 25 in 2001. That usually reflects the model growing heavier, more powerful, or moving upmarket rather than the engineering getting worse.
Is the Plymouth Neon efficient for its class?
It ranks 92 of 227 in the Compact Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 26.6 MPG. That is 1.6 worse than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.