1996 Dodge Neon Base 2.0 L4

Summary:

Testing Neons is something else

Faults:

I don't know it was just a test drive. Though the car made funny sounds on the door when opened and closed.

General Comments:

The Dodge Neon runs beautifully. It feels powerful and runs nicely. Though I did not like the part where there was no air conditioning beacause it was a very hot day that day.

The car had very strange seats that made my back feel all weird. It has an absolutely descent ride. The fuel economy is at the upper level.

The car has 130 HP I think, but has a disappointing 3-speed automatic gearbox.

The car though had a very bad stereo that was way too basic.

The car was over all a basic vehicle that ran nicely though I am not sure about the reliability.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 5th January, 2004

1996 Dodge Neon Highline Coupe 2.0 Ltr 4-cylinder

Summary:

A good buy for someone more concerned about price and reliability than comfort and luxury

Faults:

New tires when I bought the car. I had to replace them after 2,000 miles because of the alignment. This was caused by a traffic accident that was not disclosed to me when I purchased the car.

The head gasket blew around 30,000 miles.

Replaced brakes at 32,000 miles.

At around 37,000 miles the brake line developed a hole from rubbing against the firewall causing the fluid to leak out and resulting in no brakes. (I got lucky and was able to stop using the emergency brake)

No more major problems until about 69,000 miles when the instrument cluster stopped working. Speedometer, odometer, fuel and temperature gauges all stopped working. They would work for a few minutes after starting the car when it was cold.

Right now at 120,000 miles the struts are in desperate need of being replaced and it needs new brakes.

General Comments:

All in all this has been a pretty reliable car. It has had it's share of problems, but nothings perfect.

Windows do not seal correctly, causing wind and water leakage.

Rough ride (even with worn struts) enabling you to feel every little bump and crack in the road.

Handles well despite the rough ride.

Interior is cheap materials and not designed to withstand the normal abuse from the kids.

For a cheap car, you definitly get your moneys worth and then some. Low operating cost and for the most part, very reliable.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 2nd January, 2004

17th Jul 2005, 22:36

I just bought a 1996 Neon about a month ago from a friend. I had the problem with the instrument panel cutting out. This was caused by a loose connection on the back of the panel. This problem was fixed by spraying the contacts with WD-40 then tightening the connectors with automotive zip ties. And I have not had a problem with the panel again.

1996 Dodge Neon Highline 2.0

Summary:

For the money, about the best you can expect

Faults:

The only problems I've had:

1. A bad rear brake cylinder that cost $600 to replace, but cured a spongy-brake problem that the previous owner had always dealt with.

2. A SERVICE ENGINE SOON light that nobody can get to turn off.

General Comments:

For what I paid for it, it's been decent. The seats aren't very comfortable and everything in the interior vibrates (or so it seems), but the thing gets an honest 32 MPG, it gets me where I'm going, and the AM radio reception is killer.

I wish it had cruise control. I'd probably like it a lot better if it did, since there's not a comfortable place to rest your foot.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th December, 2003

3rd Nov 2005, 20:41

You may have cruise control. Especially if the controls for it are already on your steering wheel. Check the front vacuum tubes to the vacuum resevoir. They run by the battery case and get very worn and break. Put them back together...voila! Cruise Control.

1996 Dodge Neon

Summary:

This is absolutely the most abysmal experience I have ever had with a vehicle.

Faults:

The paint started peeling off shortly after purchase.

The brakes needed replacing 1 year after purchase.

The windows do not provide a secure seal.

The horn does not work.

The head gasket blew resulting in a blown engine.

General Comments:

I rather enjoyed the handling of the car for the first few months of ownership.

And then the nightmares began.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 4th December, 2003

25th Dec 2003, 03:31

Here in Australia, Chrysler tried unsuccessfully to foist this monstrosity on our motoring public.

American cars don't do well here, but that's probably because the importers think we want to buy all the boring, superficial Chrysler vehicles.

Why, oh why, couldn't we ever have walked into a Chrysler showroom and bought a Challenger, Super-Bee or 'Cuda?