1999 Plymouth Neon EX 2.2 DOHC

Summary:

Great value can be found in these cars

Faults:

Sunroof failed to close properly.

Washer fluid pump stopped working.

Air leak around passenger-side window.

Rough idle - fixed by changing plugs and wires.

General Comments:

I owned my Neon for about 16 months and am now having a tough time finding a good replacement for it.

Some of the positives:

- My Neon 4dr 5spd had the DOHC engine with 150hp and was a lot of fun to drive.

- It had all the power I needed and got fantastic fuel economy, even well over the speed limit (seems rare in engines of this size).

- My Neon was tight (had no rattles) and was very comfortable.

- Two little 'smart' things about the car: 1) easiest oil change I've ever done due to intelligent oil filter location. 2) right-side gas fill (handier than you might guess).

- I got this car for a great price and it was well-spec'd.

My complaints are minor, but as follows:

- poor drink holders/lower console design.

- hardtop design is foolish. The outer seals around the windows take a lot of abuse in cold weather and ended up developing a fold in one spot, which then made it noisy on the highway and allowed slight leakage when washing the vehicle.

- The sunroof and other problems already mentioned.

My Neon was recently killed in an accident and I am now faced with replacing it. I am considering other vehicles b/c of the great ratings they get here, but don't understand why people are apparently so happy with cars that they have to spend a lot of money on. My Neon was cheap to buy, maintain, and drive unlike the Nissan and Honda I've had in the past.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th January, 2005

1999 Plymouth Neon Expresso 2.0L DOHC

Summary:

Great car for street racing as well as everyday driving

Faults:

Nothing, car runs Fine.

General Comments:

I really have had no problems with this car. My only complaints are: 1. A sound that comes from the passenger side window at high speed, this can be fixed by removing the antenna, 2. It tends to lose power over 8,000 feet (I live in Colorado).

I love the acceleration, I have made very few modifications, I changed the air filter to a Fram AirHog, and added a sport racing chip. Now I do 0-60 in 5.2 seconds, and I can outrun a Camero anytime.

The simple design makes installing aftermarket parts very easy, even for someone with no mechanical knowledge (like me).

I have heard that DOHC neons don't run well after 40000 miles. I think these people are just not using the right gas. You have to put 91 octane or higher in this car. I also put "STP Octane Boost" in every time I gas up. Regular oil and coolant checks are also needed.

The car handles very well. I wouldn't try power sliding without 17" drift rims and a lower suspension though.

I feel sorry for all the people with faulty neons. But you have to realize that if one or two thousand neons break down, that doesn't mean all 135,000 of them are bad.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th October, 2004

8th Oct 2004, 12:35

The DOHC I4 engine present in your car makes 150 horsepower and 131 lb./ft of torque stock. The base engine, not the DOHC, with an automatic transmission accelerates to 60 in 8.9 seconds. I seriously doubt that with the extra 20 horsepower, plus those two upgrades, that your car can get to 60 in almost 5 seconds.

4th Feb 2005, 11:06

I have a Neon Espresso as well. I have had no problems with it and I've had it for almost seven years now. I don't know why the Neon has such a bad reputation. Its the perfect little car.

7th Sep 2005, 18:54

I recently purchased a 1999 Plymouth Neon Expresso DOHC and I must say that it's a great car. I don't under stand why they get such a bad reputation. My neon accelerates and handles wonderfully. I have found no problems whatsoever with this car. It is highly recommended.

20th Oct 2005, 02:31

I must agree with the comment containing the 8.9 second 0-60 time. However, since all reviews and comments are anonymous, anyone can post false information. Therefore, in the spirit of this review, I submit that my old 1992 Corolla, with 205,000 miles on the odometer and no modifications, can reach 60 mph in less than zero seconds. Yes, if I use 93 octane gasoline, I can go back and watch myself get in the car, which, as you can imagine, creates quite a paradox.