1998 Dodge Neon ES 2.0 DOHC from North America

Summary:

Cheap, all around

Faults:

The car has some kind of electrical fault which causes the motor to surge.

When the motor surges it feels like a tranny slip in an automatic. You can feel the car suddenly slow during acceleration.

The transmission makes strange grinding noises/vibrations at certain RPM (2nd gear - 20 - 30kph, 3rd gear - 60 - 75kph, 4th gear - 85 - 90kph and 5th gear - 100 - 105kph) regardless of what gear its in.

Engine is incredibly gutless unless on flat ground.

Suspension makes loud clunking noises when going over bumps, but not all the time.

Suspension makes noise when cornering left.

Electrical problem with door/interior light switch causes the relay or some other part in the fuse panel to buzz erratically.

Paint is really cheap and thin, small chips must be filled quick as rust starts within a day or two of exposure.

Like others I have complaints with the dealership personnel, any question asked was responded by "...it goes good"

General Comments:

The neon is cheap car to buy, and its just that. Like they say, you get what you pay for.

My advice would be to purchase a new model which may have a lot of the bugs worked out. At least if their not you have a new car warranty instead of having to purchase extended warranty (cheap two year mechanical only, $1650 CAD).

I have owned nothing but Chevy vehicles, it would have to be a real great car for me to buy anything else again.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 7th January, 2002

1998 Dodge Neon Highline Coupe 2.0 SOHC from North America

Summary:

A compact powerful machine

Faults:

My power window switch went bad, but it was replaced under warranty.

My rotors were warped under 8000 miles, pads and rotors were replaced under warranty.

Air conditioning leaked, all lines and valve were replaced under warranty.

No other problems.

General Comments:

This car is very fast and powerful.

Pulled a 15.6 in the quarter mile.

Great stock sound system.

All around great car.

Will never get rid of this car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th December, 2001

1998 Dodge Neon from North America

Summary:

This car is horrible!

Faults:

The brakes have squeaked since the day I bought the car, the dealership insisted it was because of the rain. They have squeaked every day since then.

I have had the brakes worked on twice and replaced once, it was still under warranty.

I had to replace the battery at 41000 miles.

I had to replace the blown head gasket at 41000 miles.

General Comments:

Purchasing my Dodge Neon is one of the worst mistakes that I have made. I would highly recommend shopping around before buying a cheap car.

The individuals at my Dodge dealership are not friendly, and I feel like they, along with the Dodge manufacturers, are knowingly screwing me over.

I will never buy an American made car again, and am trying to spread the word about how horrible Dodge Neons are.

Every person I know who owns a Neon has experienced brake, battery and head gasket problems. Reading other comments on this web site have confirmed my suspicions. That is ridiculous.

To the other Neon owners who "love" their car--- just wait.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 22nd June, 2001

29th Aug 2001, 07:49

My Neon is a very unreliable car. I personally will never buy an American made car again.

The cost of the repairs that I have done have far out weighed the cost of the car when first purchased. Like every other Neon owner, my head gasket blew.

Good luck to anyone who owns this little bundle of problems!!

20th Mar 2003, 17:16

I agree with you on the noisy breaks. It occurs when it is wet outside. I have taken it to two dealerships and the noised is caused by the metalic breaklining.

30th Jun 2004, 07:59

My sister, niece, nephew, her husband, my daughter and myself all purchased neons. ALL HEAD GASKETS BLEW. We thought we were getting a deal due to hail damage. But, I can see through other pricing we did not. I agree about the brakes. I called the big shots about the head gaskets. Oil was all over my trunk, twice we had to repair it. The big shots at dodge said too bad, it is not under warranty.