Dodge SX 2.0 Reviews from North America

I've had the car for 7 years now, and for the most part I've been happy with it. However, I do think that I've had to have more work done to it than perhaps most would require, early on.

Within my first 1.5 years of owning my vehicle - and with less than 20,000 KM on it, I had to have the brake rotors re-done, because my car was vibrating like nobody's business when I was braking. Of course this wasn't covered because it was "wear and tear"... how does that much "wear and tear" occur that soon? I had barely driven it!

Since then, I've had the brake pads redone, the rotors redone again, struts fixed up, and a few other things, at least to the tune of $2,500 to $3,000.

I get it maintained on time, all the time, and mechanics (outside of the dealership) also comment on how well my car is maintained, and how well it's held up.

Now, my car won't start. It was working perfectly fine until last night, when I went to start it up after running some errands and it was just dead. Lights and radio would come on, but the engine wouldn't turn over. Tried the spark plugs, hammering the starter, checking the battery - everything. Tow truck finally got it started, somehow, so I could take it to the mechanic. Turned it off, and it wouldn't start again.

Now I'm anxiously waiting the call from the mechanic, to find out what the heck is wrong with it. I just hope it isn't something too expensive...

Pretty good on gas, but has a really rough time on hills.

Not comfortable for a long road trip, but good for general day to day commuting and short trips.

Cam shaft position sensor malfunctions when it rains, but after a couple days of drying time, the engine check light turned off and the engine could run at high speeds again, as if nothing had gone wrong.

This car is tough, peppy, and economical on the wallet. I still enjoy driving in it.

I like the Dodge SX Sport. It drives nice, and is very peppy and has lots of leg room for a taller driver. The interior is very clean, and all buttons are easy to find.

On my 1995 Hyundai Elantra SE, the transmission is gone in it, and it will be too much money to fix.

Front A-arm bushings.

Accessory belt tensioner.

Vacuum recirculation pump (fuel system).

While I enjoyed the economy this car provides you with, like the best in class for fuel economy and cheap initial price... I am dismayed with the fact that the manufacturer does NOT intend you to bother to repair it... AT ALL!

Every time I went to do work, other than maintenance on the car (other than consumables, brakes, oil etc) I was met with a proverbial brick wall. For example, the front control arm bushing went, not a big deal, but the rear A-arm bolt was not designed to be removed... WHAT? The technical service bulletin says to cut a hole in the floor from inside the car (WHAT?) and heat the backing nuts cherryred to remove bolts... tisk tisk...

The accessory belt tensioner was noisy, and at 160K I understand it need to be replaced, not a big deal (said that before). On VWs, which I'm used to, there's 3 13mm bolts to remove it, easy. On the Neon, there's 3 bolts too, but... um... they're sandwiched between the engine block and an aluminum bracket that holds the power steering pump, alternator etc. I basically have to remove the engine to change this small tensioner. (WHAT?)

Dodge designed this car to be driven and NOT repaired... ever. Where's the economy in that?