1999 Plymouth Neon DOHC from North America

Summary:

170,000 miles and counting

Faults:

Head gasket replaced.

Transmission lines replaced.

Battery goes somewhat quickly.

General Comments:

I've driven across the country several times with this car and it's worked great. I drive everyday.

The gasket thing is a common problem, but I've had no other major problems.

I get the oil changed regularly and buy the octane gas the manual calls for, and the car has almost always been reliable; only been stranded once, and it was because of a fuel additive.

The pickup is great, handles nicely.

A great first car that's taken me to each of the lower 48 states and Canada and Mexico.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th August, 2003

1999 Plymouth Neon DOHC 2.0 from North America

Summary:

Excellent if you can work on cars

Faults:

Engine threw a rod at 48,000 miles. Dealer repaired with short block.

Brakes and rotors replaced at 40,000 and at 78,000.

Electrical failure in brake/hazard lights at 80,000 - short repaired easily.

Rear speakers died at about 50,000 very unexpectedly.

General Comments:

Like everyone says, this car will nickel and dime you, but so far the above problems are the only ones I've had.

I drive the heck out of this car, about 75-100 miles a day, VERY fun to drive, and for the most part, pretty darn reliable.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st July, 2003

1999 Plymouth Neon Expresso 2.0 DOHC from North America

Summary:

A high performance bargain, that is also very reliable and easy to work on

Faults:

The sunroof tracks got out of line.

I easily fixed it myself.

General Comments:

I have noticed that all the bad reviews for this car were from owners that bought them with at least 90,000 miles on them. Unfortunately, Neons tend to get no respect, and many owners of new Neons do not take care of them.

Neons are great cars and have a very enthusiastic following. (See http://forums.neons.org/). They are cheap, reliable, fast, and handle like a sports car. And there is a wealth of aftermarket parts that will allow you to embarrass 5.0 Mustangs and Z28 Camaros at the drag strip.

This is my second Neon. I gave my 95 to my daughter, and though she seems to be intent on destroying it, it is still running fine with 195,000 miles on it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 21st July, 2003

29th Nov 2003, 19:57

If you love this car so much why did you give it the worst rating? You have a frown and you stated that you wouldn't buy another car like it.

2nd Dec 2004, 09:14

Hi, I have a 1999 Plymouth Neon Expresso and there is also something wrong with my sunroof, when I push the button to open it, it opens crooked and not all the way and makes this clicking noise. Is it maybe the same problem you had? If so, how did you fix it?.. StefB1502@hotmail.com.

16th Nov 2005, 13:57

I have a neon and the sunroof work great just love this car, When I bought it thought I would keep it just a few years and then trade it off, but now I plan of keeping it around, I have not put one dime into it other than the normal expense you put in a car.

1999 Plymouth Neon Expresso 2.0 HO DOHC from North America

Summary:

The best 2.0 on the road

Faults:

The A/C leaked at 25k, but under warranty.

Nothing major at all.

General Comments:

This car is the best car on the road as long as you take care of them and use the proper gas and oil. I drive this car like a bat out of hell, and I do not have any problems with it. Maybe I got one of the good ones right off the bat, but like any car, if you just use the right gas (89 octane) for this car because it is a high output, and the right oil weight (5w-40), and just regular maintenance it will treat you like you have treated it. I have had my car up to 115mph with no problem at all, no rattles, no shakes, so people that think this car is a wimp, get behind the wheel and drive it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd April, 2003

12th Mar 2004, 08:55

I've have the same model and mine is 5 speed. I've had the thing to the peg (120 MPH) in 4th gear. Mine also runs fantastic! it has a lot of power for a little car.

27th Aug 2004, 22:17

My 2001 2.0 also flies. I've only put it up to about 90 mph.,but it gets there in no time at all. As stated,I also found that the car At 40,000 miles is still tight with no rattles with a ride that's firm, but smooth. Plan on keeping it for many more years.