Do not recommend
The vehicle's brakes make a lot of noise and have replaced them four times in the last ten months that I have owned the car. The gear shift broke and I had it replaced. The stereo burned out. The paint finish is in bad shape. The heater gave out and A/C.
The Vehicle handles well and it has very good gas mileage.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 20th January, 2005
Not great stock, but can be made into one of the best Sport Compact cars
Transmission hose split causing it to leak, rear struts went bad, and the fuel pump died.
This car has some get-go to it and is quick, although it has slow acceleration. I have won quite a few races with it.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 15th December, 2004
Excellent handling, speed, and comfort in one small package
Nothing has really gone wrong with it, the recalled issues were taken care of by the dealer of the used car lot, NOT Dodge. They were very condescending, so I took my business back to where I bought the car. The only things that are "wrong" with the car are:
The brakes squeak upon compression. (However, the brakes are absolutely fine.)
The windows are frameless, so you get a wind sound. This can be fixed very very easily by a professional, or even yourself if you have a simple screwdriver.
The paint will almost definitely wash off in a pressure washing, but some gentle soap and water will make it look very, VERY nice. :)
This car is EXCELLENT on gas mileage. On the highway you can get about 30 miles to the gallon, 25-27 miles in a city. :)
The backseat is huge for a sports coupe. Although the car itself has two doors, the backseat is barely a tight squeeze. :)
The handling is great. Absolutely great. The speed and acceleration are to die for. :)
The car is relatively small, making this a CHOICE car for anybody you know who is just learning how to drive. Great for parallel parking, three point turns, and parking really close to curbs. :)
It has a cute rear-wing spoiler on it's trunk hatch. Makes a rather unisex looking car instead of a feminine look, as the Neon is known for possessing. :)
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 23rd September, 2004
If you find a good one with low kms, keep it!
I had to replace the head gasket shortly after I bought it, (64,000 kms) due to a minor oil leak. (Don't get a backyard mechanic to do it, He messed it up and I had to go to the dealer to re-do it)
Check engine light came on, once for a frayed wire, another for the power steering switch to be replaced.
Rear struts replaced at 160,000 kms.
Water pump replaced at 164,000 kms.
Other than the head gasket, it just needed minor repairs: Brakes, oil changes, Etc... Normal wear and tear.
After the big bill of getting the head gasket replaced, this car was awesome for repair bills. I just did the regular maintenance stuff and everything was cool. The car still starts up, no problem in the winter, just as long as you let it warm up, (temp. gauge starts to move) With regular 4000-5000 kms oil changes and a can of Engine Restorer with every change (recommended by a good mechanic) I'm really impressed with it's performance, even after 165,000 kms! Other Neon owners (1996-1997) have complained to me about having to replace their alternators twice in three years, but I never have for my 95 and just replaced the factory battery in Sept./04. From reading the other comments on this site, obviously there are some real lemons out there, but I've detailed everything in my owners manual an can honestly say this car rocks when you compare the good with the bad.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 16th September, 2004
I won't have another one
The freon in the A/C went out.
The rear main seal is leaking oil off the transmission.
The gas tank is splitting at the seams.
The oil pan is rusted out.
The brakes are bad.
Today the motor seized up in the car.
The radio is junk.
The seats have started to tear at the seams.
It's a fast car When it works, but there is way to much work to be done to it.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 16th September, 2004