Faults:

Nothing so far.

General Comments:

We bought our red 2001 Neon from a major rental car agency in early 2002 with 21K miles on its odometer, and for about half of what it would have cost new (under $10K). I had driven at least 8 different vehicles from a variety of different manufacturers in the preceding months.

Toyota, KIA, Daewoo, Ford and Chevy were just some of the manufacturer’s compact cars we rented and drove, but when I got into the Dodge Neon I was immediately struck by two initial impressions.

One was how much bigger the Neon seemed when compared to all the others! I guess part of that was the Dodge ‘Cab-Forward’ design, but two was the amazing power (especially torque) the car had! I actually popped the hood as soon as possible because I was sure it must have a 6-cylinder engine, but nope, just a lowly 128 HP gas powered 4 cylinder.

Since I have owned this car I have had zero issues with the car. Just last month (August) I had to replace the front wheel bearings, but the Neon has 194k miles on it. Our mechanic was amazed that this was the first time we had to replace an original factory part on this car with so many miles.

I have read complaints from other Neon owners, but I have never had ANY problems with mine and I still see a lot of older Neons on the road all the time. Anyway, I have had the car paid off since 2006, and will continue to run it until it can't run anymore!

Faults:

I bought this car from my son, who bought it almost brand new. In 8 more days I will have owned this car for ten years.

Nothing major as far as engine repairs; needed to replace the radiator at one point, a broken power steering hose (high pressure side) and belts. Tires, batteries, brakes and rotors, spark plugs and wires, and an occasional wheel cylinder were all normal wear and tear items.

Usually did most of the repair work myself, so I don't have any comments on a dealer.

Unfortunately, now the "rocker panels" on both sides are rusted through, and it needs a new outer tie rod end and four new tires for inspection, so it's time to retire the best car I've ever owned in 50 years of driving. NEVER EVER left me stranded!

For some reason my gas mileage was never more than about 23 or 24 MPG, driving about 12,000 miles per year.

Would I buy another Neon? Sure would!!

General Comments:

Even though I'm sending this Neon to the junkyard tomorrow, it is still a comfortable car to drive, the steering is still as responsive as ever (okay, a little shimmy due to the tie rod end) but it amazes me how solid this thing still feels. I could probably put 4 new tires on it and get another year on it, but the panels under the doors are extensively rusted out pretty much from front to back.

Also, the last year or so I've noticed a puff of blue smoke when I start the engine, and it uses about a quart of oil a month now, so it's time to put the old gal out to pasture!! I will miss my little Neon.

Faults:

Radiator blew at 135,000.

Power steering pressure switch at 197,000.

Exhaust rotted out at 210,000.

I have literally no rocker panels.

Everything else was normal maintenance, and tie rods and ball joints.

General Comments:

The car turns on a dime.

Has 218xxx and can still accelerate like new.