1998 Dodge Neon

Summary:

Your getting what you pay for

Faults:

I haven't had any serious problems with my car. Every once in a while I have to add oil because my head gasket leaks; it hasn't blown yet... and when it rains the floor in the back of my car fills with water. I think it gets in through the trunk. My brakes also squeak and the mechanic claims that their in decent shape. For now it gets me where I have to go. I know you basically get what you pay for. I love my car, but I also don't have much to compare it to.

General Comments:

This is a great first car. I paid $3,500.00 for it and it seems to be reliable.

I really think that the head gaskets should have been recalled, other that that the car is great!

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

Review Date: 25th October, 2003

1998 Dodge Neon Highline 2.0

Summary:

Not worth the money you pay for it

Faults:

I purchased my 1998 Dodge Neon with only 2 miles on it. I thought buying a new car I would not need to have the extended warranty so I went with the standard warranty. After one year of owning the car the air conditioning went out. Lucky for me the warranty was still on the car and the repairs, at that time, cost nothing. Two years later the head gasket blew, with roughly 32,ooo miles, again still under warranty. Now it is 2003, the warranty is long since expired.

General Comments:

My "check engine light" came on about a month ago. I called the dealer and took the car in. The rear main oil seal was leaking and needed to be replaced. That was nearly $500.00, but the car was not done giving me trouble. I picked the car up, drove home, and again the "check engine light" came on. I had noticed prior to the oil leak that the transmission was not acting right either. I called a transmission shop and again took the car in. This time I was not lucky enough to only spend $500, I needed to have the transmission rebuilt. After spending nearly $2000.00 on this car in one week the "check engine light" is still on and I am at a loss. The only advice I have is if you are the misfortunate owner of one of these cars just sell it, if you are thinking about buying one, don't. I will never buy a Dodge/Chrysler product again.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 11th October, 2003

1998 Dodge Neon R/T 2.0 DOHC

Summary:

The best bang for your buck hands down

Faults:

10,503 miles: EGR Valve replaced

21,240 miles: Cannister purge solenoid replaced.

27,129 miles: Front motor mount replaced

39,758 miles: New plug wires and spark plugs needed

51,823 miles: EGR Valve replaced again

Camshaft position sensor replaced

61.050 miles: Head gasket replaced

Timing belt replaced

Timing tensioner replaced

68,355 miles: New struts, new stabilizer bushings

70,109 miles: New rotors/pads rear/front.

General Comments:

The Neon R/T model is fun to drive daily. The most bang for buck among all the small compact cars in this field.

The R/T handles great and the 4 wheel disc brakes provide excellent braking.

For what you pay new or used, you simply can't beat a Neon.

The most logical complaints would be the windows that rattle after a few thousand miles.

Poorly placed headlight switch, power window switches, and poorly placed cup holders.

These Neon's may have gotten a bad rap early on, but I highly recommend any Neon. Easy to work on and ton's of aftermarket parts available for the budget minded to hop these vehicles up.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th August, 2003

1998 Dodge Neon

Faults:

Main seal and pan gasket leaked oil.

Head gasket needed to be replaced.

Fuel pump went out.

General Comments:

This car may be cute and comfortable, but it's not worth the money put into it for repairs. It's unreliable!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 26th July, 2003

1998 Dodge Neon Sport

Summary:

Good first car, would be great in flat areas

Faults:

The head gasket blew, but the car was still under warranty (less than 3 years old). The dealer repaired the car and gave me a loaner, but this took more than a week to complete.

The design of the car has vents near the trunk and would allow water in the car. After several trips and repair attempts, the dealer repaired this.

The motor in the sunroof also wore out and needed to be replaced before the 3 yr warranty was up.

General Comments:

Overall, it is a pretty decent car. It held up very well and protected me in a head on collision. I slid on an icy road and struck a Jeep pickup. I was shaken up, but walked away unharmed.

I live in the Appalachian Mountains and have difficulty accelerating up hills and passing other vehicles.

This is a good car, gets good mileage. It would be a great first car for someone... it is great for me!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th June, 2003

28th Jan 2007, 08:36

The Sunroof in my 98 Neon stopped working as well, it will tilt up and down, but will not slide back? Do you think this is the motor not working properly? Also how much did it cost you to repace the motor for you sunroof?