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Legend has it that April 1513 Ponce de Leon landed in Florida searching for the Fountain of Youth. Had he been born 491 years later, he might have just settled for a 2004 Dodge SRT-4 to rejuvenate his youth. While no car can promise eternal youth, this machine will make you feel younger in about 5.8 seconds, approximately the time necessary to go from zero to sixty. For under $21,000 it may be the best performance bargain around. The 2004 Dodge SRT-4 is based on a Neon platform, but no one will ever confuse it with a Neon. Instead it is the second fastest Dodge car in production behind the mind blowing Viper. A 230 horsepower, 250 lb-ft of torque boisterous machine with an MSRP under $21,000, it has the look, the gratifying sound and feel to make even the most demanding driver smile like a kid in a candy store. During the height of the muscle car era, Hemi's and 440 six packs were stuffed into ordinary economical cars like the Barracuda and Chargers. And while the history of packing extraordinary performance into affordable cars may be repeating itself in the current "tuner" trend, these are much more sophisticated machines. Muscle cars of 35 years ago were designed to go very fast in a straight line and nobody worried about stopping. Unlike cars of that era, the 2004 Dodge SRT-4 can stop on a dime and corner like a roller skate. Still an economical four-cylinder vehicle this car is a complete package. Power starts with the 2.4 Liter DOHC 4cyl engine enhanced by a reliable Mitsubishi TD04 turbocharger and exposed intercooler. Accelerating through second gear is when the turbo boost really kicks in without looking back. Exhaust sound is a sweetly tuned rumble announcing this is something very different than a typical four-cylinder econo-box. Driving the Dodge SRT-4 is a pure joy. For not only do the 0-60 and quarter mile results compete with the Porsche Boxter S costing twice as much, but this car handles exceptionally well. Specially tuned strut, spring assemblies and sway bars provide outstanding handling. It is comfortable, roomy and quiet as well as exciting. Power and control were harmonized by the same Street Racing Technology (SRT) group that produced the Viper, the 500 hp ten-cylinder RAM truck and soon to be introduced 330hp Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6. Oversized rear spoilers, chrome dual exhaust tips, ground effects, hood scoops and extremely handsome 17-inch aluminum wheels demand attention. Just don't expect the sticky 205/50R series tires to last very long. The interior is a basic straightforward interior. Large aluminum backed gauges are clear and functional. Only three options are available from the factory, power sunroof, supplemental side air bags and a special kicker/SRT livin' Loud Audio System. Selecting the supplemental side air bag option will deselect the special Viper inspired high back bucket seats with exceptional wrap around lateral support in favor of adequate but regular seats. The 2004 Dodge SRT-4 is a fantastic performance value. It packs a tremendous punch for a lot less than comparable cars. Long gone are the reliability issues of the first generation Neon and what is presented in this package is a well-designed performance car that's easy on the pocketbook. Will it provide eternal youth? Maybe not, but if Ponce de Leon were alive today he could cover a lot more ground in a shorter time than with almost any other car. He would feel young again as well.
2004 Dodge SRT-4 $20,450 Base MSRP
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©2003 - Stan Risener