1997 Chrysler Neon LX 2.0 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

The Neon is a great car, a good run around for the kids

Faults:

I've only had this car 2 months as of today, the car has just been serviced. It was sat on the previous owners lot, I'm not sure for how long.. Here is a list of things that were just fixed...

This is my service report, some items have not yet been fixed.

Oil leaking from Cam Sensor (repaired)

Exhaust blowing from cracked exhaust manifold (repaired)

Front disc's brake & pads replaced 70% worn (repaired)

Disc's corroded & pitted on inner face (repaired)

Front wish bone bushes split (not done)

Front anti-roll bar support & end bushes split (not done)

Front to rear brake pipes corroded (not done)

Sometimes I get a "bubbling" noise when I switch my engine of!!

My service bill was quite high, but it was serviced at a Chrysler/Jeep dealership... most was labor costs.

General Comments:

Since we moved back to the UK from Canada I had to buy another Chrysler.

It's a real head turner.

It's very nippy.

The upholstery is in immaculate condition (cloth)

No problems with gearbox.

Steering fine.

Brakes can seem a bit "squishy"

It's a drivers car...

Suspension quite stiff.

Handles well.

Car had a single CD/radio in it when purchased, speaker system great sounding.

Overall this car is fantastic value for money.

Neighbor's seem to gloat over it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th April, 2003

1997 Chrysler Neon Expresso 2.0L DOHC from North America

Summary:

Do not buy 95-98 used Neons

Faults:

Misfires in cylinder 4 at 18,000 miles, dealer mechanic could not explain.

Breaks needed replacing at 25,000 miles (75% hi-way driving)

Break system failed while driving at 35,000 miles, reason never found.

Ignition coils worn at 40,000 miles.

Engine runs very rough after start sometimes for 10 minutes, any weather conditions.

Cam gasket failure at 55,000 miles.

PCV valve failure at 55,000 miles.

Tape player does not work 60,000 miles.

Costly cylinder head gasket failure at 65,000 miles.

General Comments:

Chrysler has been no help at all to fixing these problems. They refused to determine any problems when the car was under warranty.

The car is nice to drive, which is the only good thing about it.

A scary moment in this car came when the disc brakes would not engage in city driving, forcing me to use the emergency brake to come to stops.

$1,000.00 CDN to fix defective head gasket. Chrysler refuses to cover any costs.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 7th January, 2003

14th Jan 2003, 17:56

Yup...100,000 KM and just today forked out $1,000 Canadian for a gasket job on a 97 Neon... this is definitely a problem for Chrysler.

29th Mar 2003, 17:28

1997 Neon is a piece of garbage. Cam seals, head gaskets, I even had a faulty radiator cap, this car is only 6 years old! Unfortunately, it is NOT Chrysler's problem, they should have recalled all of these cars because of the head gasket problem... but did not, so..it's the owner's problem. I will never buy another Chrysler product as long as I live. At every single opportunity I will let others know what a piece of garbage Chrysler's are.

4th Feb 2006, 21:41

It was love at first sight with my Neon, I basically bought it for its looks. What a BIG mistake. 1996 model and I've had nothing, but expensive, unsolvable, problems since. All power related - say cruising at 85-100kph & revs will suddenly drop to 500; often wants to stall on mild acceleration in city traffic also incipient stalling at take off - making like the Kangaroo at traffic lights! This occurs more frequently in the heat, if ambient temp greater than 25C I know to watch out. All potentially very hazardous and definitely embarrassing. Must have had every sensor replaced in the 5 years of my ownership, spent thousands of dollars!!!

It is so bad I cannot get any dealer even to make an offer for a trade-in. My mates call it the "Neo-Nazi"!