1995 Dodge Neon Sport 2.0L

Summary:

An economical nightmare

Faults:

Rear shocks replaced at 70K for about $400.

Alternator replaced after the car drank too much water. Total cost was about $350.

Car is currently in shop because the starter quit with absolutely no warning. A $200 part.

I can't change the fog light bulbs because the screws to get at them are rusted out.

Air conditioning compressor bearing seized, causing a nasty sound and an equally nasty smell until it was disconnected.

Dome light no longer illuminates when the driver door is opened.

Paint is starting to chip pretty bad.

Rust is forming under the doors and under the weatherstrips just below the windows.

The trunk qualifies as a swimming pool when it rains hard enough.

Tie rod end broke in a grocery store parking lot.

General Comments:

This is my first car and a learning experience. I know that every car has it's problems and every car breaks down, but my mom's Toyota has never had any problems.

I rarely change the oil because it burns up as fast as I fill it so I just change it that way.

The Neon has good performance and normally stellar gas mileage, but I wouldn't trust it on a long trip.

My next car will be a Honda or a Porsche 944.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 22nd June, 2004

9th Nov 2004, 17:15

AMEN BROTHER

I have a 1995 "Plymouth Neon"

I've had three years of hell!! It all started with a sudden stop of the engine one day while in traffic, I had to push it out of the way to the side of the road. The next day I found out that the pulley supporting the timing belt had sheared and the timing belt broke causing the pistons to come up and bend all my valves!!

Needless to say I had to have a head job done ($800.00) and a new pulley with belts and gaskets (another $300). I also had a severe oil leak which I had fixed, I replaced the oil pan seal, the the and cam shaft seals ($200).

As I was doing this I noticed my engine mounts were bad ($130) then my transmission went bad (another $800), oh yeah then the brakes which I did myself ($100). Then the alternator of course died ($150), and also some sensors ($25). In sumary I could have bought a new car!!!

So if you are reading this "STAY AWAY FROM NEONS AND TELL OTHERS"!!!

1995 Dodge Neon Base (5 Lug) 2.0 SOHC

Summary:

Low Dollar Dynamo

Faults:

Non functional alternator when purchased.

Obstruction in brake line causing a caliper to stick and requiring replacement of front brake pads.

Coolant temperature sensor malfunction requiring replacement.

Oxygen sensor malfunction requiring replacement.

General Comments:

I'll start off by saying that I never really set out to buy a Neon. I was told they were junk. They were wrong.

My car came along at an incredibly low $500, plus of course the $375 impound fee since the car had been stolen and towed before I bought it.

It was supposed to be blue. Well let me tell you, it is the purplest blue car I've ever seen. It's that real light bluish purple, not the viper blue I had been anticipating.

What can I say, the car far exceeded any expectation I could have had.

The Dodge Neon is much quicker and handles much better than it's Japanese counterparts.

There is a lot of interior space in this car. I don't understand how they can classify it as a "sub-compact". The 60/40 split rear bench doesen't hurt either.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th April, 2004

24th Sep 2004, 09:47

"I'll start off by saying that I never really set out to buy a Neon. I was told they were junk. They were wrong."

I agree wholeheartedly. And I LOVE my 1995 Dodge Neon Sport Coupe. :)