1998 Dodge Neon

Summary:

Buyer beware!!!

Faults:

Computer problems: misfiring, required two trips to the dealership for correction.

Misalignment on the door caused the inside dome light to stay on, required a trip to the dealership for correction.

Battery failed at 24000 miles, and the dealership replaced it.

Oil leaks diagnosed at the engine switch and head gasket; this occurred shortly after the warranty had expired. Am now looking at a very expensive repair job at 32,000 miles. Independent mechanic tells me this is a very common problem with this model and that most people decide to get rid of the car rather than invest big bucks. Just finished paying a dealership $400 for other miscellaneous work on the throttle!

General Comments:

Shoddy workmanship/design on the engine appears to be cause of major repair expenses; beware of Neon head gaskets!

If you purchase a Neon, be sure you get an extended warranty; I didn't because I drive very little and never anticipated a time bomb under the hood.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 17th April, 2001

23rd Apr 2001, 09:43

This is an addendum to my "Buyer Beware" review: 5-Star Dodge dealership here in town agreed to fix the gasket problem for $150.00 deductible, no questions asked, in consideration that I had purchased the automobile from them. The car was ready for pickup the next day.

29th Aug 2001, 07:56

My car had just passed its warranty also when my head gasket blew. I did some research and found out that Chrysler has this thing called a Technical Service Bulletin. The one for the head gasket talks about how they know that the head gaskets are bad. So, they came up with this thing called the "Goodwill Policy", the dealerships know about it, but the consumer does not. The consumer should only have to pay a $100 deductible, if you are the original owner and if your car is still under 50,000 <-- (I think?).

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1998 Dodge Neon 2.0

Summary:

I rather go back to a horse and buggie

Faults:

Transmission went out twice.

Horn stopped blowing.

Engine light kept coming on.

Electrical sensors went out.

Oil leaks.

Power steering.

Windows leaks.

Half panel lights out.

General Comments:

This is the worst car I ever had.

I paid lots for repairs.

In the shop more than with me. The Dodge service people act like they don't know what they are doing. I had ro take it back twice.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 6th April, 2001

27th May 2001, 10:35

I have a 1998 Neon and am having problems. The car won't start after sitting in the hot sun all day, engine turns over, fuel pump doesn't run, no spark or fuel injector pulse. Raise the hood, let the cool breeze on the engine or wait until the weather cools down and then it starts.

Have you had any problems like this and if so how do I fix it. If so please email me at jasharpee@aol.com

Thanks

16th Jul 2004, 16:47

I have a similar problem with no spark. Engine turns over, everything else is properly working... all connections are good. I've replaced the coil pack with a new one, as well as wires and plugs, returned the ignition back to stock from MSD then back to MSD. Still nothing. Any ideas what may be wrong..anyone?

1998 Dodge Neon Highline R/T Sedan 2.0L DOHC 16V

Summary:

It is a low-priced, high-performance sports car

Faults:

Nothing has really gone wrong with the car. It has been highly reliable and it was well worth the investment.

The only thing that I dislike about it is, although it has the R/T package, there are no power windows or door locks. It has a CD player, but no other luxury. I suppose it is good in a way because I don't need the key to put the windows up in the rain.

General Comments:

This is a very spory car. It is cherry red with silver racing stripes. The windows have been tinted and headlight covers have been added. It has after market chrome wheels (supplied by me) and a superb Infinity sound system (with complimentary sub-whoofer and amp in the trunk). It is a 5 speed powered by a supercharged 4 cylinder engine.

The thing that I am most impressed with is its 40 mile to the gallon rate. I was told that a car of this caliber would only get maybe 30 (if I was lucky), however, I beg to differ.

Not only is this car sporty, and a real eye catcher, but it is economic too. It will get you where you need to go in style, but not put a crimp in your wallet.

I am very satisfied with my Neon, and I would buy another in a heartbeat.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th December, 2000

4th Jan 2001, 22:47

I believe everything you said. I have a 1998 2 door sport and I just got rid of my 1995 4 door for it. I love them both, I'll get another one again some other day. And I love the speed out of that little 4 cylinder. Everyone is mad because I win every race. 120mph is pretty good out of that motor.

11th Jul 2001, 13:59

I totally agree with your review, except that the neon is not supercharged. No one makes a supercharger for the Neon, especially not the factory. Maybe it just feels like a supercharger because it's really quick.

21st Sep 2002, 15:19

I have a '95 Neon SOHC and I'm disappointed with the performance. I have found a turbocharger system at turbosystem.com, but the price seems a little high. They are looking for $2,695.00. Although this really would trick out my Neon. They have tested a few Neons and the average 1/4 mile time was 13.9 sec. That really excited me because I already have a NOS "dry" system. I wouldn't have any turbo lag at all!

4th Feb 2003, 00:27

If you want a GOOD naturaly aspirated car get a Honda civic SI which will run high 15s STOCK!!!