1997 Dodge Neon Highline 2.0L DOHC

Summary:

Good bargain if you're willing to spend money on upkeep.

Faults:

Head gasket was replaced under my extended warranty at 90000 km.

Replaced the water pump at 85000 km.

Has occasional rear brake noise.. quite embarrassing occasionally.

Otherwise just normal maintenance keeps the car running just fine.

Getting some rust spots at top of driver's side door.

Scratch on driver's side window... is a manufacturer's defect.

Have had work done twice to the air conditioning.. seals were going, and lost the refrigerant, plus the compressor went at 95000 km.

General Comments:

Overall, not a bad car (for a Dodge). Have driven Dodge vehicles in the past, and this one has performed better than those.

Has good pick-up on the highway.

Is relatively good on gas (30 mpg city, up to 40 mpg on the highway).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd April, 2003

1997 Dodge Neon SE

Summary:

I will never buy another Dodge Neon nor would I recommend one to anyone

Faults:

Two weeks after I got it I had to put a new battery into it.

Two months after I got it the starter went out. That was a $500 repair.

The speedometer only works sometimes.

The left turn signal got jammed and lights up when I step on the brakes.

The car lighter has never worked.

The transmission is going out, it kind of stalls while I'm driving and it's automatic!

I've had the car for almost 2 years and I've already put over $2,000.00 worth of repairs into it.

General Comments:

The material of the seats seems to be holding up pretty well.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 18th April, 2003

29th Apr 2004, 14:39

Blinker jam may have been a trick played by someone in the dealerships or audio center. They rewire your car to mess with you.

1997 Dodge Neon

Summary:

Piece of garbage, which should be recalled

Faults:

I do not know where to begin, as this car has had so many problems:

Truck leaks excessively.

Speedometer has a mind of its own (when it decides to work)

Oil leaks at a rate of a quart a week.

Burning oil smell that never leaves.

Light smoke coming from the engine.

Excessive emission problems, as it never passes without more money spent fixing something wrong with the emissions.

Check engine light has a mind of its own.

Muffler sounds as though it will explode (but only when Idling)

Replaced items for Vehicle: Battery ($60), Starter ($300), Numerous sensors ($500)...the list goes on.

From reading other posts, I have the same problems that other people have... so I know it is not just me, which lightens my load a little bit.

General Comments:

I cannot think of anything that is good about this car, in my honest opinion. I have only listed the major problems, and I haven't even mentioned the minor problems (rear passenger windows not sealed well, cigarette lighter broke, etc.)

The only good thing about this car is the seats, which seem to be made with strong durable fabric. I cannot think of anything else.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 24th February, 2003

21st Jun 2003, 15:10

I own a 97 neon and it's been in more than 5 accidents, but still runs perfect. One of the best small cars.

16th May 2007, 08:34

I have the EXACT same problems speedometer, check engine, oil and 1 better the trany leaks and slips. Money, money, and more money this car keeps costing me money. Dodge should investigate these problems.

1997 Dodge Neon Highline 2.0 SOHC

Summary:

Good for the first 60000Km, then it all goes downhill

Faults:

Everything.

Head gasket at 70000KM.

Cam seal at 107000.

Thermostat.

Turn signal stick got jammmed.

Left turn signal comes on when I press the brakes.

Brakes screech.

Passenger door windows leak badly.

Very loud wind noise on the highway.

General Comments:

Poor gas mileage for a small engine, I've gotten as bad as 17mpg highway.

Good power, automatic is not well suited to the engine ie. bad gear ratios (no overdrive).

The interior seems well put together, poor materials, but no squeaks or rattles.

I wouldn't recommend it to anybody for whom money is tight. Get a Sunfire or Cavalier if you want a good car.

The dealer service was not very good.

It does corner very very good.

DON'T BUY ONE.

I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER CHRYSLER!!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 10th February, 2003