1999 Dodge Neon Highline 2.0L SOHC 16v from North America

Summary:

A great starter car

Faults:

My sunroof started acting funny at 65,000 miles and it was fixed under my warranty.

I have had the engine tuned up because of a rough idle.

General Comments:

My general comments are good about the car. I've had the routine service done at the dealer and they take really good care of my car. I would buy another Neon in a heartbeat. It has been a great car and got me back and fourth to school carrying 4 people flawlessly.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd March, 2004

1999 Dodge Neon R/T 2.0 DOHC from North America

Summary:

It should have been offered in YELLOW, 'cause it's a Lemon!!

Faults:

At 1901 miles the clutch "exploded". Daimler Chrysler replaced (warranty).

Approx. 6k miles rough idle, 4 new plugs and reset computer (warranty).

Approx 12k same problem, new plugs, and computer update (warranty).

At 21k head gasket, and oil sending unit replaced (had to call DC to get it fixed under 7/75 added care with $100 deductible).

Now at 29k I took the car in for a few "little things" to be fixed. The list is : Outside door handles squeak, the power windows "clunk" when going up or down the clutch pedal has an occasional "clunk", the A/C smells like roadkill.

General Comments:

The dealer says these are all characteristic of the Neon, and "normal". These are all minor in my opinion, I can live with them.

The biggest problem is the power sunroof. It doesn't open. The dealer said "it needs a new roof assembly, motor is good". The bad news: NONE of these parts/repairs are covered by the 7/75 added care "signature Service Contract" The cost will exceed $2,500 for all the repairs. I will be calling Daimler Chrysler, and Chrysler Service Contracts Inc. to try and get this resolved.

I have called Daimler Chrysler, and Chrysler Service Contracts Inc. to try and get this resolved, here's the quotes from both:

Connie at CSCI said "It's rare to see these problems on such a low mileage car, but the only thing covered is the window regulators, you have a nice day now, bye."

Martin at Chrysler Customer Service (It's only their name) called the dealer that has the car, (put me on hold and hung up on me in the process). Called back and Martin told me "dealer said he's not replacing the power window regulators because he doesn't feel that the "clunking" is anything serious, and there will be no assistance from Chrysler on any of the other needed repairs, have a nice day, and thank you for choosing Daimler Chrysler (ain't that a slap in the face...).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 16th July, 2003

21st Dec 2004, 11:09

I have a 99 neon. The noise in the sunroof is caused by the track assembly, where the cable connects to the track to open and close the roof. The track costs about $150.00 and is fairly easy to put on as long as you are good at puzzles. watch for small pieces. I don't know why the dealer would tell you $2500 to do the work unless they are too lazy or can't figure out the problem. You will have to take to roof apart to find out what track is bad. Also check the 6 adjusting screws are kept tight in the frame of the glass that connects to the track.

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1999 Dodge Neon Ex/Sport 2.0 from North America

Summary:

Fun economy car for a cheap price

Faults:

Engine light came on recently and I found out the fuel cap wasn't on tight enough... couple burnt out bulbs.. p/s belt was loose and I was squeaking when I made full tilt turns... but I tightened the belt and she was fine.. lots of rock chips on the front hood, nothing a little touch up paint couldn't fix. pretty mechanically sound.

General Comments:

I threw on a couple external performance mods and it still hasn't blown a leak anywhere.

The car has fairly quick acceleration, but since I have a dohc the top end is where most of the power is.

Unfortunately, I have an automatic and the gears switch to early, so I can't even reach the engines peak hp.

The handling was pretty weak until I put front and rear strut-bars which made the car so much more fun to drive.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th June, 2003

21st Jul 2003, 12:10

The problem with the automatic transmission shifting too soon before hitting peak power is a real issue. But fortunately, the solution is easy and costs nothing. On the bottom of the transmission is a screw that controls line pressure. Turn it 1/2 turn counter clockwise and the transmission will shift at a higher point to get the full power of the engine.

But to really enjoy the full potential of this awesome car, you really should get the 5 speed.