I guess it depends on how you look at them. Automatic Neons = crap, especially in an accident. Manual Neons are somewhat sporty and fun to drive but just as much a death trap. Also the Neon came out when most of it's competitors were struggling to make 110 HP (exceptions include the Chevrolet Cavalier, Pontiac Sunfire, Oldsmobile Achieva, Buick Skylark, and Pontiac Grand Am, which were available with either a V6 or Oldsmobile's Quad 4), while the Neon came standard with 130 and not long after that a twin cam 150 HP version.
I'm not defending Neons, just saying they have their place.