1997 Dodge Neon Highline Sedan

Summary:

Cheap to buy, expensive to keep

Faults:

Replaced the steering knuckles after only 5,000 miles (and have just started having problems again).

Head gasket has blown twice, the first time at about 25,000 miles and the second just recently.

The windows no longer seal tightly around the door frame, so driving is extremely loud.

In the winter it squeaks every time you go over a bump, extremely annoying.

Had to replace the radiator after it started leaking badly at about 43,000 miles.

Transmission shifted very hard after the first 2,000 miles.

Replaced two of the speakers and another one needs to be replaced.

General Comments:

Will never buy another Dodge. Though it is decent on the freeway (pretty fuel efficient), having it in the shop all the time negates any positives.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 16th August, 2001

29th Apr 2003, 08:43

Almost all of the above comments, were covered by Chrysler TSB, documenting how to fix the problems. Most headgaskets were fixed for under 150.00 dollars, (mine was free). I have 175,000 miles, and still get 39 mpg. on the highway and 31 mpg. city. It's an economy car, not a Mercedes, so I expected it to be squeaky. When you pay 10,000 dollars, new, for a car, you get ten thousand dollars of car. Other than poor quality brake rotors, and paint peeling in black door trim around the doors, I love my 1995 ACR.

1997 Dodge Neon 2.0 SOHC

Summary:

About two or three steps above the Metro

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong with the car yet.

I have changed the oil on a regular basis.

I have changed the tires and brakes.

I have upgraded the stock stereo to an after market one.

General Comments:

I have driven this car hard.

My commute is long and stressfull with stop and go traffic, yet the car still has not let me down.

However, the ride of the car is somewhat rough and the interior has road noise rumble, I still like to drive it.

It is lacking in bottom end power with the automatic transmission, however, it is spunky above forty miles per hour.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th July, 2001

12th Jul 2001, 17:47

You're lucky -- 75K miles and not even the blown head gasket. If I were you, every 6 months, in addition to the oil change, I'd get a pressure test on the cooling system to ensure the head gasket isn't going yet, and if so, get it done before it gets more serious and expensive.

19th Apr 2004, 17:56

You need to get rid of this car now, while its still running. Very soon, head gasket, and transmission will need work!!!

1997 Dodge Neon Highline 2.0 SOHC

Summary:

My favorite car

Faults:

After the first two months of having the car I had the steering column replaced. There was internal clicking.

At about 30,000 miles I had the head gasket and head replaced. I also had leaky tail lights.

After 4 years I had to replace the alternator. Believe or not this car has actually been very reliable, and I continue to love the NEON.

General Comments:

I love my Neon. I have upgraded the exhaust and added a cone air filter. Both have increased the power and performance tremendously. I have also lowered my car which makes the handling awesome.

It can definitely be a very fun, sporty car for cheap. Two thumbs up to NEON!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th June, 2001

1997 Dodge Neon

Summary:

I will never buy this brand again

Faults:

Blown head gasket at 53,000 miles, constant rattling noise from the front end at 56,000 miles.

General Comments:

Great on gas, but has had problems that should not be occurring. I have heard this brand of car has problems with the head gasket and burns oil.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 20th May, 2001

1st Jun 2001, 14:28

This car has many KNOWN issues - don't forget to check with the national highway traffic safety administration... You can't forget about the leaking trunk, rattling hub caps, "Popping" front suspension and tendency to exhaust leaks.

I would really like to see people band together to get something done about the problems with these cars - maybe there wouldn't be so many people out there shelling out hundreds of dollars for MANUFACTURERS DEFECTS!

15th Jun 2001, 06:20

Have had trouble with my Neon from the beginning. Brakes squeal, had to have transmission replaced at 27,000 miles, have had really bad oil leak (changes its own oil, if you know what I mean). Would not recommend this to ANYONE!!!