2003 Dodge Neon SE

Summary:

I will never buy a Dodge again

Faults:

My check engine comes on randomly.

I get less than 200 miles a tank.

My floor boards are soaked when it rains, because the dashboard leaks.

Seats are so uncomfortable.

General Comments:

This car is so slow and has no power.

But it's very reliable and always starts.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 5th November, 2010

2003 Dodge Neon SXT 2.0

Summary:

My 2003 Dodge Neon SXT is dealership happy

Faults:

Well column bearing broke at 43,000 miles.

Transmission blew apart at 50,000 miles.

Struts went out about 70,000 miles.

Heard this loud knocking when cold; the pistons and gaskets were replaced at 63,000 miles, then the lower control arm bushings started around 100,000 miles, and just had them replaced again at 130,000 miles.

The Neon overall was a disaster for us, and our 1995 one didn't have this much trouble except for the head gasket problem, which is normal for the 1st generation Neon.

Radiator blew at 120,000 miles.

Back brakes fell apart after only 20,000 miles on them, and lock your wheels up for you as well.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 13th July, 2010

2003 Dodge Neon SXT 2.0 SOHC

Summary:

This is my third Neon, had a 95, 97 and now this one, this is a great car

Faults:

Right rear wheel bearing replaced after a curb smack.

Windshield cracked after a rock hit it.

Sway bar bushing squeaked when cold.

General Comments:

Car handles good, rides nice and very comfortable,

I'm 6'2" and have plenty of room. Gets about 38 mpg, uses no oil, leaks no oil, and is fairly quick.

Have not found anything to gripe about on this car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th January, 2010

2003 Dodge Neon SXT 2.0L

Summary:

Good car if you take care of it properly

Faults:

I bought the car with 56000 on it from a dealer who acquired it through a new car purchase from the original owner.

Only issue I have had mechanically with the car is the front suspension bushings, ball joints & tie-rod ends were trashed when I purchased the car. I replaced myself in a day and a half after I had bushings pressed in.

The stock stereo was OK, but went out on me @ 65000 miles. Replaced with aftermarket unit and speakers. MUCH BETTER NOW!!!

General Comments:

I wasn't looking for a Dodge at all when I found this car. My brother has a 2004 that he liked and I saw this one at a dealer. 2.l SXT, 5-speed, cruise, power moon roof, wing.

For a 2.0 it is not bad, it has enough speed to go thru Chicago traffic @ 85 or 90 all day long and keep up.

Gas mileage is great, 31 city / 36-38 highway.

For the price I paid it was half the price of the Civics I was looking at. $6000 in 2007 for a 2003 with 56000 miles was a steal I thought. Will it go 200,000 miles? Not sure, but I hope so.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th July, 2009

2003 Dodge Neon SXT 2.0

Summary:

Cheap, fun, and reliable

Faults:

None.

General Comments:

I purchased this car new and it now has 105,000 miles on it.

I just brought it in for its first service to change the timing belt. Otherwise the only maintenance it has had was a spark plug change by me at 50,000 miles.

I currently drive 52 miles each way to work.

The car is fun to drive and has a great balance of ride and handling. I own a manual trans car and believe that has a lot to do with the fun factor.

The car allows a fair bit of road noise over rough pavement.

Overall very satisfied with this 'cheap' car.

I have had many problems with our 2008 Toyota Prius - go figure!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd April, 2009

2003 Dodge Neon SXT 2.0L SOHC

Summary:

Perfect first car! Surprising reliability

Faults:

Was told no repairs had ever been done before I bought it. Replaced the timing belt and water pump at 90k ($400/shop) and spark plugs/wires ($50/home) at 100k as part of regular maintenance.

Bad driver side outer tie rod ($20/home), camshaft position sensor ($30/home), passenger front wheel bearing ($40/home), and cracked evaporation canister hose (cut off bad part for free/home) at 115-125k. Everything else is original and functioning.

General Comments:

Very roomy interior, my 6'2" 280lb friend fits comfortably. Front buckets are a little thin on padding and get uncomfortable after about 6 hours. Rear seats have enough leg room for smaller adults or kids, plenty of head room for anybody.

A/C is ice cold still. Defrost has some trouble keeping up with a car load of people if it's very cold out. Interior parts come apart very easily for installing mobile electronics.

The engine is peppy and fun to drive, especially combined with the 5 speed trans. I get 36 mpg at 70-80 mph and 27-30 in the city.

Very low maintenance costs, it has been extremely reliable overall. I use Castrol oil and Mopar filter every 5k (about $20/home). Avoid cheap filters, they leave the head dry and will cause ticking. Insurance costs are reasonable as a 4 door.

I added LED tails, tinted windows, removed all exterior badges and side moulding and it looks very sporty.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th April, 2009

19th Dec 2009, 14:28

I enjoy driving my Dodge Neon SXT. It was purchased used... But after extensive use, a number of expensive repairs had to be done... I wish pricing was lower... Mpg 26 22. 83k to 173k in 2 years time about 1234USD for total repairs. But drives well... Handles above average... Needs tune ups more often than I believe it should. But overall a worthy car for me that's a bit overpriced when bought used.