1997 Plymouth Neon Highline 2.0

Summary:

I will never own another Chrysler!

Faults:

Head gasket replaced at 30000 miles

Transmission replaced at 30000 miles

Rear window leak fixed at 30000 miles

Engine mount replaced at 45000 miles

Turn signal replaces at 30000, 45000 and 60000 miles

Temperature sending unit and oil pressure gauge replaces because they were leaking oil at 45000 miles

Rear brakes constantly squeak!!

General Comments:

Turn signal needs to be replaced again and transmission is starting to shift badly again.

Anyone who dares buy a neon should get the best extended warranty they can afford. The repair bills for this car have now exceeded $4,000 dollars an there is only 85000 miles on the car

Luckily I have an extended warranty.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 11th June, 2002

13th Dec 2002, 10:06

I am a proud owner of a '97 Neon expresso and I have had only one problem and that is the thermostat. I have abused this car and it just keeps taking more and more.

I bought it used in '99 with 12,000 miles and have had it now for 3 years and it has over 106,000 miles. After reading some of the reviews, I think the SOHC engine are more likely to blow their head gasket because the one I own is a DOHC.

31st Mar 2003, 16:05

I bought a second hand, 5 speed, 1997 Dodge Neon Expresso with 74,000 klms in the fall of 2001. It now has 120,000 klms on it. I have kept up with regular maintenance.

Last night, at the end of a road trip home, my car seized up. I had it towed to a garage and I was told today, that the transmission is "toast". Apparently, the differential broke and irreparably damaged the transmission.

The mechanic told me that this "just happens" to Dodge Neons. I am thoroughly disappointed with product and as a result, I will NOT even consider buying another Dodge product.

6th Feb 2006, 12:43

LOL!!! All those repairs and you were only at 45,000 miles!!!??? I am sorry as I should not laugh, but it says a lot about the manufacturer if their cars have that many problems when you have not even broken in the engine yet. Do yourself a favour and avoid Chrysler at all costs in the future. There is a reason why the company has almost gone belly up several times. They build nothing, but crap and expect the American public to buy their hunks of junk because it is the patriotic thing to do.

6th Feb 2006, 16:07

Yes, American cars (with a few exceptions) are sold on price alone. The manufacturers could care less about quality, and the dealerships follow suit.

It's always a crapshoot to buy one, something I would never stand for.

I'd like to think the new Pontiac Solstice and/or Dodge Caliber (Neon replacement) would break this trend, but you know they won't.

1997 Plymouth Neon Highline 2.0 SOHC

Summary:

Bargain car, now aimed at teen-modsters

Faults:

I also had to have the head gasket replaced at about 25,000mi. I thought of the earlier versions of the Ford Escort all over again. Never had one, but they had head gasket issues from the start. I didn't have to pay at all for the gasket replacement, came under warranty, and have had no issues since with the car.

General Comments:

The comfort of the interior is great, which helps with the stiff ride of the suspension. The car seats are much more comfortable then my wifes 96 Civic. The engine isn't that bad with taking off, helped mostly by it having a 5-speed Stick. If it was an automatic, I would not have bought the car probably. The headlights are bad. Design, they get a yellow tint to them: they just need to change them totally. All around I like the car and would look at having another one if they improved on it a little.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th May, 2002