Faults:

My air conditioning went out the first week I got the car.

I had to replace the fan relay switch.

We replaced the brake light switch.

The radiator cracked and had to be replaced.

The windows come off track very easily.

The car overheated almost every day.

The fuel line cracked and leaked.

There is a serious oil leak.

I just had to replace the battery after two years.

General Comments:

I love the car. It is cute and it just fits me. But I have put a lot of money into this car.

It drives and handles great, and is roomy and comfortable, but is too much trouble..

Faults:

Master Cylinder went out at 100,000 miles.

Replaced plug wires and spark plugs at 75,000 miles.

General Comments:

If you keep up on scheduled maintenance as I have this is a great car.

No major problems and I run this car at least once a month at the track.

I love my car.

Faults:

The head gasket started leaking at 57,000 miles. The mechanic's recommendation was to drive until the leak became serious.

Transmission self destructed.

Block cracked at around 120,000 miles.

Replacement parts are very expensive. Factory exhaust over $430 for parts alone. Despite stainless steel exhaust system, it needed replacement in only 2 years.

General Comments:

This car is a mixed issue. The handling and performance are well beyond anything in its price range. It out performs much more expensive sports cars. To be able to go from 45 behind slow moving traffic on a two lane road and be doing 85 by the time you pass them is incredible. Taking a 40mph curve at 65 without feeling a thing, cornering flat is well worth the admission.

However engine problems are prevalent, particularly the head gasket which is a common problem for all Neons, but which Dodge never addressed nor of course paid for...

As mentioned above, parts are very expensive. For the exhaust I recommend Monroe and having it custom bent to replace the original. $125 versus $430+. Front struts $750 each!!! Aftermarket Konis are the solution. The same adjustable competition strut is available from Koni without the Dodge name on it for half the price.

Visibility is terrible with the large A and B pillars.

The car has a great deal of road noise, be ready to turn up the radio. Wind noise at the windows is very annoying. You often have to roll down the window and back up to try to lessen the noise or re-close the door and hope it seals better.

Faults:

Head Gasket at 40,000 miles was the only major repair.

The car also had a cracked exhust manifold at the same time, but was minimal cost becuase the head was already removed.

General Comments:

I have NOT replaced the timing belt, clutch, alternator, or any other "Hard Parts" that normally wear on a car. I've heard many people complain about Neons as a whole, but very few complain about the "Highline" or "R/T" Neons. If you take care of this car, it takes care of you. It still gets 35+ Miles per Gallon with 160,000 miles on it. It's lost some of it's power since it's youth, but the finish is still great and it's a very recognizable car from a distance with it's wide stripes.