1996 Dodge Neon review from North America
"If you enjoy having your car in the shop 90% of the time, you will love this car"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Wow, where should I start?
Headlights weren't plugged in when I picked it up.
Rad fan in my car didn't work when I got it, which, 5 months down the road I ended up putting a new rad fan in, another rad, and all new transmission lines due to overheating.
Don't think coolant gage works because it never moves.
Had the signal switch replaced 3 times because they wouldn't turn off on their own.
Interior light was fixed 3 times, still only works when it wants to.
Air conditioning pump seized up 3 days after I got the car, which also busted the belt for power steering.
Struts were replaced 1 month after I got it, they were so bad they were starting to wear through my trunk.
Annoying ticking sound when I opened my door. Found out that was because my interior light didn't work. When the light works, the ticking stops.
Windows leak not only air, but also water.
Replaced both front speakers, pulled them out and poured water out of them.
Door panel on passenger side rattles.
Tie rod end on the right was replaced, now I think my left one is getting ready to go.
Steering wheel squeaks badly in the winter.
Air Conditioner blows out hotter air then what the heater does, apparently it's going to cost me $1000.00 to fix.. so having the windows down will suit me just fine.
New muffler about 3 weeks after I got my car.
Sometimes sticks in park and is hard to get into reverse.
And, for the newest problems.. my car smells. Not sure what it is, but it smells like rubber burning and just about makes me gag. Only does it when I am sitting idle.
As well it needs lower control arms.
I have spent roughly 3 grand on this car, and have only put a little over 20 thousand Kilometers on it.
General comments?
I love my car, despite it's problems.
Goes 170 km/h with no trouble at all.
Looks cute.
Good car for me because I am short so it's easy to drive and handles amazing.
Although I love my car, make sure that if you are considering buying a neon you research first. Also, make sure your getting it from a dealer or someone you trust. After I bought mine from a used car dealership, that was it, as soon as I drove it away, they wanted nothing to do with it, and it was like pulling teeth to get them to do any repairs on it.
Feel free to e-mail me at: sarahbara18@yahoo.com with any questions or comments
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![]() ![]() | 1996 - Neon Standard 4 cylinder Buy this car and see the country side...walking! |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.0L Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7/10 |
| Reliability marks | 4/10 |
| Comfort marks | 10/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 2/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 150000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 170000 kilometres |
| Date of Entry | 6th October, 2003 |

