14th Mar 2008, 23:22

I have owned a '95 Plymouth Neon High-line since August of 1998. It now has a little over 262,000 miles on it ---- not without a little TLC mind you.

Most of the problems I have and have had stemmed from when I had the control gauges in the dash replaced by a Dodge dealership. They forgot to put in the gauge lights in some critical spots. Needless to say I was 2 1/2 hours from home when the timing belt broke. I knew something was wrong but I couldn't put my finger on it, the 'check engine' light wasn't on --- they didn't put a bulb in there. (I miss the days of real gauges.)

* I have had the head rebuilt twice, and finally last year just bought a new head.

* Since the period of the timing belt snapping -- my check engine mainly stays on, sometimes it will go off. occasionally I check the codes to make sure nothing new has evolved. most of what I replaced computer and emission wise was to get that check engine light to go off. NO LUCK, now I am so used to it I forget it is even on.

* trunk leaks

* replaced starter, O2 sensors both up and down on more than one occasion, fuel pump, driveshaft (somehow I broke it in half so my mechanic told me at the time), EGR, PCV, idle air motor, throttle body, PCM, plus normal suspension parts that wear.

* body parts: hood (thanks to the deer),windshield (which since I just had another deer run into the side of my car I need another one and a side mirror)

Never had a stereo problem since I bought a new one and installed it.

My husband hates my car but it has sentimental value (too long a story) and it has been hard for me to let go of it. My 14 yr old daughter wants it when I finally decide on what I want for a new car.

It of course will be a dodge product (husband is a die-hard fan).

15th Mar 2008, 09:08

Hi, I have a 1995 neon, and yes it leaks in the trunk also. But my biggest problem is the problems starting. I have replaced the starter 3 times in one week. And all the starters have been tested back at the auto shop and work fine. I can place it on the ground and jump it and it engages and works fine. When I place it on the car, it works one or two times then the starter quits. I am only saying it is the starter due to the fact that it makes the "clicking" sound when I turn it over, or at least try to turn over and catch. I have replaced all the battery cables also. The people at the Dodge dealership think I am nuts. But it still won't run, please help, I am a student and on my own, I have to get to work and school.

Frustrated neon lover.

15th Feb 2009, 10:48

I am 17 and I have a 95 Neon.

Only the gas and tach gauges work, but a cheap pillar pod and three gauges fixed that fine.

I feel the neon is a relatively dependable car. They are cheap to upgrade and parts are found easily.

I recently got pulled over for 88 in a 55, so it's not extremely slow. I've actually been able to outrun a Cavalier in second gear and a Pontiac G6, which was a surprise.

I figured out that the higher you can keep the rpms, the quicker the acceleration. A cheap intake and a new exhaust helps a ton and gets you plenty noticed also. Good car I think.

11th Aug 2009, 18:24

I have a 1995 Plymouth Neon Sport 4-door. I paid $1,000 for it when it had 79,000 miles.

The day after I bought it, the head gasket blew, spewing oil all over my driveway.

After getting that fixed, I found out that I needed new struts all around.

My starter also died in the first month of ownership.

Then, after about 6 months, it spewed power steering fluid all over my driveway. That was fixed by replacing the power steering rack.

Now that all of this has been done, it's running beautifully. It's yet to leave me stranded, and besides some rattles and pops, it rides fairly well.

It recently started making a peculiar whistling kind of sound. It sounds like it might be the exhaust or perhaps a serpentine belt pulley. However, the check engine light has not come on, and its performance has not been adversely affected.

On the good note, I've been pleasantly surprised every time I step on the gas. This thing has got some major acceleration! It has absolutely no trouble getting up to 60 MPH, and I'd bet money that if pushed, it could hit 60 in under 10 seconds.

Its handling isn't special, and it has a surprising amount of understeer for a front-wheel drive car. It handles beautifully in the snow, I've never lost control or ever even spun a tire.

Overall, I'm happy with it now that it's running well, but in hindsight, I still wish I hadn't bought it.

25th Aug 2009, 10:27

I have a 2002 Dodge Neon. I haven't had too many problems, with the exception of the trunk leaking, and the radio that works when it wants, and then sometimes stays on when the car is off. Where is the leaking into the trunk coming from, and how does it get into the backseat?

18th May 2010, 18:16

I have a 95 Plymouth Neon and it's a piece of crap. 140,000 miles.

I keep having to replace the fans.

It overheats all the time.

I had to replace the water pump and radiator in the same week.

Brakes don't work how they should.

Paint is peeling.

Hogs oil, water, and gas.

Check engine light is on.

Overall I wouldn't suggest this car to anyone. It's always a problem after another.

19th May 2010, 17:01

Overheating all the time? Using oil and coolant? Sounds like you've got a blown head gasket my friend. I had the same issue with my '95 Neon. My advice: JUNK IT!

14th Aug 2010, 22:03

I have a 95 Neon Sport Coupe, and my main problems are:

1) Replaced alternator 3 times in two weeks (new).

2) New battery.

3) Used starter.

Problem is after cranking it within two to three minutes of running, the alternator light comes on and stops charging, and then the battery dies. It is a dual overhead cam, 5 speed, 2 door.

Ps even replaced computer, what am I doing wrong? Even new belts and tension is right. Please respond ASAP.

Going nuts here!!! Thanks A, J.