1996 Dodge Neon Base 4-Door 2.0L

Summary:

Cheap, yet dependable

Faults:

The trunk leaks water.

The headlights are horrible, but I bought fog lights for $20 that are much brighter than the headlights.

The car leaks small amounts of oil.

Despite replacing brake pads, the brakes squeak very badly.

General Comments:

Overall this has been a very good car.

This car has never left me stranded.

I have no problems passing cars on the interstate.

I am a college student, and I would recommend this car to students who need cheap, reliable transportation.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th July, 2003

1996 Dodge Neon 2.0

Summary:

A heart-breaking wallet-eater

Faults:

I was so in love with Dodge after owning the Dodge Power Ram since nearly new. This truck wouldn't die. It was amazing.

I made the biggest mistake of my life when I "up-graded" to a '97 Neon. Which I later found out was a '96 so I couldn't have ANYTHING fixed under the '97 recalls.

Relays needed replaced... sensors, transmission, regulators, entire exhaust system has been replaced at least twice.

Stereo sucked, windows are a pain.

Not good on gas at all. Speedometer is possessed.

I'm waiting for my head gasket to blow.

I could have my University tuition paid off if it wasn't for this car.

General Comments:

When this car is running, it's awesome.

If you have money to burn in repair costs and like dealing with moran's from Chrysler, I would recommend this car. If you want something reliable, buy a Ram.

The only thing good about my neon is that on the RARE occasion it's running good, I can smoke a civic.

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

Review Date: 28th July, 2003

1996 Dodge Neon 4 door Highline Coupe 4 cylinder.

Summary:

A cheap car with many problems

Faults:

When I bought the car, the speedometer/odometer/all other guages would stick 95% of the time that the car was in use. I bought a new complete panel and, although it works the majority of the time, there are occasions when I have to hit it to make it work.

The steering wheel doesn't like to make sharp turns. It makes a horrifying screeching noise when I am backing up and cutting the wheel.

Brakes constantly squeal, and in the rain and/or when I'm at the bottom of a hill, they grind.

The whole car shakes when I go above 65 mph.

The trunk latch doesn't work unless one person is pulling it up while another person is opening the trunk.

Sometimes the interior light doesn't work when the doors are opened.

Headlights aren't very bright. Even with high beams on, it's difficult to see at night in areas where there are no street lights.

Doesn't like to start up in the winter and is TERRIBLE when driving in winter weather.

Head gasket blew at 155,000 miles.

The seats are pretty comfortable and the car is very roomy. I love the 40/60 split backseat, and the trunk is spacious as well.

It's a cute car and, as the first car for a high school student, it wasn't the worst. However, I didn't feel very safe in the car and probably would have been better off had I ended up with something else.

General Comments:

I always felt like something was going wrong with the car, and there were a lot of little things about it that, although not serious, were very annoying. It did it's job and took me from Point A to Point B, but I felt like it should have done so more efficiently, and it should have lasted longer. These cars are pretty cheap, but I guess you get what you pay for.

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

Review Date: 13th July, 2003

1996 Dodge Neon sedan 2.0 SOHC

Summary:

A lemon, plain and simple

Faults:

Head gasket blew, 2 new gaskets required to correct problem.

Alternator blew.

2 Timing Belts.

Limited Transmission Rebuild.

CV Axles & Joints.

Rear Seal Blew.

Speedometer works intermittently.

Water leaks onto the floor of the back seat when it rains.

Brakes squeal constantly.

Back up lights shot.

Auto S/Down Relay ticked and had to be replaced.

Belts kept blowing.

Other little problems too numerous to mention.

General Comments:

I love this car. I wish I didn't, but I do. When it's running in peak condition, it's a fine little machine. I keep putting ridiculous money in it to try to keep it on the road. The repairs are costly and frequent.

I wish Dodge would recall them and fix whatever problems they have.

Since my speedometer only works when it feels like it, the odometer doesn't work. I have 121,000 known miles on it. I estimate its actual mileage to be near 160,000. I still have another year to pay on the car and just pray it lasts that long.

I will never buy another car from Dodge.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 12th July, 2003

22nd Sep 2004, 12:53

I also have a 1996 Dodge Neon with the brakes that squeal not constantly, but on all flat surfaces. (??!!) This is embarassing because the squeal is so unbearably loud. It is often hard to convince passengers that this is just a glitch and that the brakes are new or in good condition. I also have a service engine light that goes on for no reason, sending me to Auto Zone many times a week "just in case" there is really something wrong with it.