1998 Plymouth Neon 2.2

Summary:

Not really a bargain at all

Faults:

If I could fix the few complaints with my Neon, then it would be an excellent car.

The paint on my car is chipping something terrible. The most of the paint problem is on the trunk area.

The trunk also leaks. This is a pain in the neck!

As for the engine, it does not sound as smooth as it should. I do regular maintenance and still sounds rough.

When making turns the wheels (suspension) make a popping noise. Also makes a popping noise when going over bumps.

General Comments:

I would definitely not buy another Plymouth Neon. I really love the body style, but it's not worth the hassles!

I say spend the extra money to buy a better made car!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 26th October, 2002

28th Oct 2002, 00:12

That "popping noise" when turning is probably your CV Joint... get it checked out.

1998 Plymouth Neon EX 4DR 2.0

Summary:

Never Ever Own a Neon!!!

Faults:

Wipers stopped the first night I got it.

Sun roof motor quit.

Rear bushings needed replacement.

Air leaks from heating system.

Trunk leaked badly.

The car is extremely uncomfortable to drive. It shakes and rattles every time I go over a bump. Long drives are painful on my back.

Window seals leak air and the noise inside the car is excessive.

Fan extremely noisy.

Gas mileage very bad.

Transmission very slow to pick up in lower gears.

Interior easily scratched.

General Comments:

I bought supreme warranty along with the car, but the dealership mechanics were rude and unfriendly. I had to argue and visit them several times to agree on the repairs needed.

What a waste of time, energy, money, and good summer days with the neon!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 23rd August, 2002

24th Mar 2003, 16:19

I don't know what planet you bought you neon on, but it must not have been earth. I still own a 1995 model and it had over 100K miles (160000km) on it and has given me little trouble. NONE of the things you described ever happened to me and I am very abusive to my car. I drive it as if it were a Formula 1 car wherever I go and it gives me reliable service day in day out. Slow? how is 0-60mph (100kmh) in 7.2 seconds? That's as quick as an Integra GSR! You obviously got a car someone must have totaled and had repaired, because NO ONE I have ever met with a Dodge Neon has had anywhere NEAR the amount of problems you claim to have had. How do you scratch the interior? I never have. Also, how big are you? I am 6 feet 6 inches (200cm) tall and weigh 300 pounds (125Kg), and my neon is far more comfortable than all but full size cars. I have also driven it on several 1000-mile (1600km) trips and have no complaints about its long-distance comfort. I assume that since your review contained metric units, you are either from Canada (I am not bigoted against Canadians I have several Canadian friends) or you are from another country. If you are indeed from another country, I hear that the 1.8 Liter SOHC engine is reliable, but MUCH less powerful than the 2.0L DOHC or SOHC engines in the American Neons. It sounds to me like you got a very bad example of what is usually a good, reliable, and fast (for a small car) vehicle. As I said before, it was probably damaged considerably in a traffic accident and repaired to appear in good condition.

11th Apr 2003, 21:38

Thank you for your comment.

Actually I am from Canada and that is why the metric system. I bought my neon from a Chrysler dealer in Edmonton, Alberta, with 35,000 Ks on it. I checked titles and history, it looked clean. It is close to the 60,000 Ks now, but I am afraid things with it are getting worse and worse. I changed the struts and shocks to be able to drive it, but I don't' dare drive it very far any more. The steering is very unstable, the engine noise is deafening, and the gas mileage is a total pocket drain. In January, 2002 I paid $15,000 for car and warranty, it is difficult to get even $6,000 for it a year after. Trade-in value less than $5,000.

It is just not worth the trouble.

As for your experience, I am happy for you, count your lucky stars, there are a lot of neon owners out there who have huge troubles with their neons. One thing is sure, there should be some protection for lemons in Alberta, so, us, consumers don't have to pay the price for the junk car dealers throw into the market.

I am shopping for a new car these days, and trust me, it will never be a Chrysler one again. With Toyota going for $16,000 (brand new), I cannot see why someone would buy a neon. Myself, I definitely don't like to drive a lumber-jack to work!