1994 Dodge Neon review from North America
"Fun, tough, cheap on gas and insurance; a good 'runabout' car"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Body is an old rust bucket, but I could care less about rust, and peeling paint.
Lots of electrical fixes: battery, starter, alternator, plugs, wires, coil pack, fuel injector, horn, airbag (not fixed - probably missing), blower resistor.
Struts all around, with outer tie rods and ball joints replaced.
Inner tie rods are seized, and very loose in the socket. Impossible to replace because of manual steering model - can't get re-man rack, which means no alignment possible, leading to...
...lots of new tires.
Brakes all around (twice).
Fuel tank replaced.
Could see through rad, but it wouldn't leak - replaced anyway.
Cylinder head went at 332,000 Km, might have saved it if treated better. Was hoping to go to 360,000, but it's still running!
I'm sure there's more, like no headliner.
General comments?
This car is a TANK - especially if you treat it right and keep on top of repairs; it just doesn't want to quit! I have driven it past 333,000 Km, running on 3 cylinders, bad body, bad steering and suspension, exhaust leaks, rusty old Magnaflow muffler, and IT DOESN'T WANT TO QUIT!
My model is as basic as it gets - no power steering, no power windows, no a/c, manual transmission, cable clutch, and very uncomfortable for trips more than 1 hour's drive (not to mention hot too).
It is pretty rotten on the highway with regards to noise, but it is VERY STABLE (partly due to the man. steering). Also, a pain in the butt to get in and out of from all seats - it is definitely a knee knocker.
Despite the amount of money I spent on this vehicle, do I regret buying it? NO. It has been quite FUN to own. It is almost like a small sports car - it has kick, you can rough it up a bit, the manual transmission gives it a sporty feel. I have many great memories with it and have taken it on quite a few adventures. Looks hilarious with a canoe on top!
Cheap on insurance, cheap on gas.
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![]() ![]() | Never again! |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model Year | 1995 |
| First year of ownership | 2004 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2008 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.0L Manual |
| Performance marks | 7/10 |
| Reliability marks | 4/10 |
| Comfort marks | 3/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 272000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 334000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Toyota Tercel |
| Date of Entry | 19th March, 2008 |

