1995 Dodge Neon from North America

Summary:

A horrible investment

Faults:

Smoke pouring inside the car from my floorboard and my steering wheel.

Came close to catching on fire because of a recall the dealership didn't fix.

General Comments:

There was a recall on the 1995 Dodge Neon model. The recall was on the steering harness. I bought the car from a dodge dealership and wasn't informed about the recall and had no idea until the car became a fire hazard. The dealership did not fix the recall and when we called them about it they wanted us to pay for the car to be fixed.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 22nd January, 2003

1995 Dodge Neon Highline 2.0 from North America

Summary:

A Neon Light: RUN!

Faults:

Refill of air conditioning freon in 1999.

A substantial paint peeling problem starting in 1999. It started with the roof (top) of the car and it resembled the look of someone dripping acid because it started bubbling up. It then started on all other parts of the car (hood, trunk, all door panels), and one day while I was at work, the paint off the roof of the car came off in the wind. In the wind! I have seen paint problems with only other white Dodge Neons. And the manufacturer would only give me a paint job if I foot the bill for a $200 deductible and a rental car for 3 days. Why should I be punished for a paint defect?

Needed entire set of brakes in 2000.

Needed muffler replaced in 2001.

Refill in freon in 2001.

Needed a new condenser (for air conditioning system) and refill of freon in 2002.

Blown head gasket in 2003.

General Comments:

I only put 30,000 miles on my car in the 5 years I've had it. For what I do to my cars, things this catastrophic should not happen to them.

In my opinion, my Dodge Neon is nothing but a money pit. The manufacturer isn't making improvements on the new ones as they should. The brakes on the Neons are so loud that people look at you when you brake in parking lots. The loud noise the rotors make are not getting any better. Even someone who is currently leasing a 2002 Dodge Neon has the same problems as I have on my 95.

Well, my car is not worth fixing, as it needs a new engine and possibly new radiator.

Please, if you're looking in the market, do not buy this car unless you have the funds to fix the pricey problems.

Overall, it's a sporty little number than can maneuver corners well, but you also feel as though you're sitting on the ground while doing it. It doesn't handle freeways (motorways) well and shakes at high speeds. The seals on the window frames are in poor design which lets in a lot of drafts and wind noise, even at city driving.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 14th January, 2003

21st Mar 2003, 17:44

I have had nothing but problems with the 95 neon. As stated in someones prior comments I agree it is a "money pit"

I have recently had the brakes replaced along with the rotor and have had little in the way in imporovement.

The brakes are partucularly loud as well.

The timer belt has failed causing all 16 valves to bend; a costly repair.

I have had continued problems with the coolant system for 5 years. I am not confident driving this vehicle on long trips despite all the work and money spent on it.

Needless to say; my next car won't be a dodge.

20th Apr 2003, 03:40

I was also a victim of the head gasket at 74000 miles. Unfortunately, since I bought it from a private owner, I had to fork over the $2000 bucks out of my own pocket.

Other than that, the car seemed to handle great. But I would recommend that you never buy a Dodge without at least a year warranty.

9th Jun 2003, 09:37

I have been through two head gaskets with my neon, 500 miles apart. I was told by the garage that did the second replacement that the head was not reconditioned the first time it was replcaced. In addition I have had a leaking cam seal, a new transmission (which I needed at 600 miles - not 6000 or even 60000 but 600) that Chrysler balked at paying for even though the car was brand new. In addition I have needed two sets of shocks (and I am not a large person - I only weigh 130) and my engine has periodic misfires. These problems are all in addition to the needing to replace the radio, the perpetually blown bulbs in the rear lights due to excessive moisture leaking into them, and the need to replace the heat pump after less than 2 year, another repair that Chrysler claimed was my fault and refused to pay a dime.

Overall I think that this car was not well conceived and not well manufactured and I believe that the excessive problems are a result of that fact.

21st Sep 2004, 11:57

I just bought a 1995 dodge neon. it's a good car, but the brakes squeaky like a school bus. they squeak even if I'm not using the brakes. and also the check engine light is on all the time.