1995 Dodge Neon review from North America
"If you can start it, you an keep it"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Well for the most part nothing has ever really gone wrong with the car. It seems decent for the money however there were quite a few glaring problems with it I thought I would share.
At 152 000 km while driving the 401 east of Chatham in a slush type storm my drivers side windshield wiper blew completely to the side of the car, then broke at the motor leaving me without a wiper for the duration of my trip.
At 158 000 km replaced both outer tie rods and re-aligned the front end.
At 162 000 km I noticed an oil leak out of the valve cover, I fixed it, but there is still oil leaking from somewhere.
At 163 000 km torque lock solenoid malfunction results in $600.00 repair.
At 164 000 km rear licence plate light wiring catches fire leaving me with $40.00 repairs and $110.00 fine.
At 168 000 km replaced outer tie rods again, and re-aligned the front end once more.
Somewhere in between trunk lock failed and wouldn't let me into my own trunk. It Baffled myself and the dealer mechanics for months (for months I could not open the trunk if I may remind you) sudden;y it opens again before its next tune up.
At 172 000 km mysterious hole appears in muffler, no known culprit didn't bother to fix it's not making that much sound.
At 210 000 km significant loss of power, leaking oil like a sieve time to feed vehicle last meal.
At 216 000 km last miles to be driven on the car in a long time. Water pump bearing failed causing the sprocket to fall on an angle. Which cut the timing belt. Which stopped driving the cam shaft, which allowed the pistons to slam into the cylinder head.
General comments?
The dodge neon is acceptable for the dollar, but what you save on purchasing costs you in the end.
Preventive maintenance with the Neon is especially key. Keep a close eye on the timing belt area of the car. Before you think there is going to be a problem fix it. Beleive me it cost me my beloved "Ellanor"
Also the seats are uncomfortable.
The oil pressure light seems to never work.
Nice looking car, plenty fast, too expensive to maintain.
Recommended Reviews:
![]() ![]() | 1995 - Neon 2 Door Highline 2.0 SOHC A $350 wonder |
![]() ![]() | A Neon Light: RUN! |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| First year of ownership | 2000 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.0 SOHC 4L Automatic |
| Performance marks | 10/10 |
| Reliability marks | 9/10 |
| Comfort marks | 6/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 0/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 1/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 146000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 216000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Ford Tempo |
| Date of Entry | 1st January, 2003 |

