2003 Dodge Neon SXT 2.0

Summary:

Overall, not a bad buy

Faults:

The Engine Computer (ECU) went out recently. It was telling the #4 fuel injector to stay open all the time, so it was flooding the engine with fuel. I understand I am not the only one who has had this problem with the Neon SXT. Fuel actually got into the oil, so that needed to be changed also.

The headlights blink badly when the AC kicks in. Very bothersome at night.

The Brakes squeal like somebody stepped on a cat.

General Comments:

Other than the ECU acting up and costing me $700.00 to fix, which I think should be a dealer recall, the car has been reliable from day one. I truly had few complaints about the car that I cannot live with. Its great on gas and handles quite well for a small sedan.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th October, 2008

18th Oct 2008, 20:29

Well, if your Neon lasts as long as my last Dodge, you should have it for a VERY long time yet. In 1999 I sold my 1990 Dodge Omni (forerunner to the Neon) with a whopping 240,000 miles on it. The car had made many very long trips and was a daily driver that was not handled with kid gloves by any means. During the time I had the car it had two timing belts, two brake jobs, one hose and nothing else other than tires and batteries. We've only had one car that we ever drove further (it was a Ford that was sold at 325,000 miles).

I have a handicapped friend who is on a very limited income and has to have a dependable car. I recommended a Neon to him in 2001 and he is still driving it at 100,000+ miles. All he has ever done was have the oil changed, put a set of tires on and a couple of batteries. These cars are very reliable, inexpensive cars that are great for today's high fuel costs.

19th Oct 2008, 23:28

I agree with you totally. I purchased my 2002 Neon earlier this year and traded in a 97 Neon. I had originally wanted something a little nicer with more bells and whistles, but with the way gas prices are, I opted for anther Neon. I have not had any issues yet, but my other Neon had 175000 miles on it when I traded it in, and was still running great, so I can't imagine I'll have too many problems. Love this little car!

2003 Dodge Neon SXT

Summary:

LEMON!

Faults:

Starting below 10,000 miles I had premature brake problems and the dealer kept telling me there was nothing wrong, just waiting for the warranty to expire.

Starting at about 15,000 miles the Solenoid transmission pack cracked and leaked causing horrible shifting and accelerating problems. Replaced 7 times and transmission replaced completely. Solenoid recently cracked again causing leaking and transmission itself also leaking again.

I have had electrical problems and other misc. problems.

General Comments:

If you have thousands of dollars you don't want, love horrible customer service and don't need a means of transportation, this is the perfect car for you!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 1st September, 2008

1st Sep 2008, 22:48

WOW!! You have had a rotten time with your Neon!! I'm sorry to hear of your problems. I'm not remotely surprised that your dealer has been un-cooperative. I've had horrible warranty service on one Dodge (a 1988 Shelby Daytona) and after months of trying to get the warped rotors replaced, I gave up and replaced them myself. My brother had a similar problem with a '94 Dodge and ended up trading it for a Chevy.

With that said, my overall experience with Chrysler has been good. The 1988 Daytona went 100,000+ trouble-free miles (zero repairs of any kind) after the rotors were replaced, and my next Dodge went 240,000+ miles with only routine maintenance.

In 2001 I recommended a Neon to a good friend of mine who is handicapped and must have a reliable car. He still has the car, and at close to 100,000 it has never let him down. Hopefully you have better experience with your next car.