Neons are very fun to drive...but according to consumer reports, their reliability isn't all that wonderful.
Also, you don't want to be driving in one of those on a long trip.
When I started looking for a car I had my heart set on a neon, but ended up getting a Chevy Prizm for several reasons: more trunk space (I moved halfway across the country), also fun to drive, and high reliability ratings from consumer reports (plus, the Prizm is actually a Toyota Corolla, only cheaper)