1996 Dodge Neon ACR coupe review from North America
"Total fun, very reliable while accepting a lot of abuse"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Generally very reliable.
Battery failed at 92,000 miles about 5 years.
Rear main seal and cam sensor gasket at about 97,000.
New disks and pads (old pads were still good) at 100,000.
Engine mount replaced at 100,000.
General comments?
A lot of fun.
Great value. Nothing came close in 1996 for the greatest bang for the buck.
The closest I could get to the feel of an Alfa Romeo (I indulged a passion for Italian sports cars from Lancia and Alfa) from an American manufacturer.
ACR version has the performance package. Adjustable suspension, up-rated shocks and springs.
Terrific handling, but I wish I had changed the tires when I first had it. now runs Yokohama AVS-i for the summer.
Annoying things would be Noise Vibration Harshness (NVH) not a good long distance tourer however I have managed almost 20,000 miles a year.
Rain drips in with the windows open, but there is a rain channel mod that the dealer can do.
Headlights are poor.
Very competitive in SCCA Solo 1 and 2 racing. I did a season of autocross Solo 1).
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 1996 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2002 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.o DOHC Manual |
| Performance marks | 7/10 |
| Reliability marks | 9/10 |
| Comfort marks | 6/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 5/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 33 miles |
| Most recent distance | 110564 miles |
| Previous car | Alfa Romeo GTV |
| Date of Entry | 15th April, 2002 |