1996 Dodge Neon Expresso 2.0

Summary:

You get what you pay for

Faults:

Engine ping since purchase car. Dealer claimed no problem.

Front end suspension noise at 40,400. Dealer unable to rectify.

Front end suspension still makes noise at 42,700.

Door molding came off at 46,400 miles and front end shimmy at high speeds.

Replaced front strut assembly at 47,350.

Cooling relay fan went at 48,700 miles.

Leaking oil - replaced oil sending unit at 55,380.

Turn signal switch malfunctioned at 59,100. Dealer tried to repair 3 times and finally said it was an unwarranted part. No resolution.

Exterior paint began peeling (White) at 63,000.

General Comments:

Very happy to have purchased the extended warranty.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 1st March, 2003

28th Apr 2003, 06:20

Have a '96 Lapis Blue Expresso, well Blue and Grey if you count the areas where the Blue has come off. My front end problem was a clunking sound on left turns from a stop or off of curbed driveways. Ended up getting the both drive axles replaced at about 30K miles. The Head Gaskets and oil seals were replaced at 86K miles, but Chrysler would not foot the bill. At least it doesn't leave a brown puddle in the garage now at 130K miles. A/C went out 3 times. At about 100K miles. Took it to 1 place twice, fixed and then repaired under their warranty. It still leaked. I had the O-Rings replaced, still small leak. I loose about one small can of R-134a a year, cheaper for me to refill it once a year after buying gauge kit. Ice cold for the summer!

The paint has caused me the most frustration. I had it looked at by the dealer and regional rep when it first started peeling (delaminating) on the roof. They claimed acid rain and the mileage (88K miles) did it, but it was always garage kept. I called PPG (who manufactures the paint) and they said their paint is guaranteed to last at least 10 years, but once it leaves their doors, the auto maker can slap anything on it. Found out the "process" was the problem and had been a problem since 1988. I've exhausted all my calls to Chrysler and the Dealer.

I've owned Chrysler products for 20 years and this is my first experience with "lack" of customer loyalty. Told Chrysler this is why they're #3 domestically and how they will lose customers. I've begun looking at GM's. At least they have better relations when it comes to paint, huh?

I just have to wait a bit for my 2000 Neon to start acting up...

1996 Dodge Neon Highline Coupe 2.0 Liter

Summary:

A very poorly manufactured vehicle

Faults:

The head gasket blew at 65,000 miles.

The trunk and windows leak.

Has had a lot of transmission problems.

The trunk latch broke.

Then ignition switch had to be replaced.

The speed odometer cable broke.

The heater and Air conditioning systems has a musty odor.

Seats have started to wear very badly.

General Comments:

This vehicle is very poorly manufactured.

The heater and air conditioner had a musty smell when turned on. Two years later I found out it was due to the rain water that was in the spare tire holder. I cannot keep any thing in the trunk without it getting wet.

We have had a lot of transmission problems with this vehicle.

A co-worker had a 2001 Neon. She purchased it five months ago. Her vehicle leaked from the dash. Her whole electrical system had to be replaced.

She received a 2003 Neon for a rental car while hers was being repaired. The 2003 model had the same problems as hers.

She recently videotaped the leaking while her husband sprayed the hood with a water hose. Chrysler purchased the vehicle back from her stating that the reason her vehicle was leaking come from her driveway being at a 13 degree slant.

This was the first new vehicle I have ever purchased, and after the problem I have encountered it will be the last.

I purchased a new vehicle expecting it to be dependable, safe, and affordable. What I received is a always broke down, high priced piece of junk.

I will never purchase or recommend a Chrysler product to anyone.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 26th January, 2003