1999 Plymouth Neon LX 2.0

Summary:

Great little car for a 1st Vehicle

Faults:

AC failed due to wiring.

Replaced the brakes at about 50,000 miles.

Replaced the battery at about 60,000 miles.

Now noticing a little oil leak coming from the head gasket.

Replaced the windshield. Darn rocks!

General Comments:

This car even though with no Air Conditioning, is a great little car! I have only had minor troubles with it and with proper care the problems went away. I would recommend this vehicle to any college student or as a first car.

The higher I get with mileage the more I can see that its time to replace my cherished vehicle.

I can most definitely say that in time of most need, it has always been there for me.

On trips it's a great ride!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th August, 2004

1999 Plymouth Neon Highline Sedan 1.6

Summary:

Not recommended if you want to keep it for 3+ years

Faults:

Broken moonroof assembly. I went to open it, the mechanism broke, and it was stuck open. It cost $90 to have the dealer close it back up and I was given an estimate of $700 to repair it.

Paint job has poor integrity. It is cracked and rapidly fading.

Trunk lid is not stable. Sometimes it will fall on me while I am reaching into the trunk.

Gas gauge sensor failed at 90,000 miles, requiring complete replacement of the fuel pump (nearly $500).

Factory CD player will randomly malfunction, then operate perfectly the next day.

General Comments:

My previous vehicle was a 1994 Kia Sephia. For all the bad reviews that car got, I preferred it to this car.

It's a decent commuter car. It's reasonably good on gas (28/35 has been my experience) and it's fairly comfortable for me (That said, I have a small build. My father, at 6'1", was rather uncomfortable while driving it).

This vehicle is not recommended if you want a relatively trouble-free car. The Neon's ongoing issues with head gaskets are well-documented. I haven't had any problems with that - yet.

Maintenance is expensive. I have had to spend $500 for a front brake job - yes, front brakes only. I spent $450 to replace a fuel pump because the gas-gauge sensor malfunctioned for no apparent reason. The car seems to require an alignment every time it hits so much as a speed bump.

The engine is running rather rough, although the mechanic swears nothing is wrong.

The transmission has been slipping a bit since around 91,000 miles.

Overall, not recommended as a long-term purchase.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 13th June, 2004

22nd Jan 2011, 12:04

I have a 99' Neon Expresso, 5 speed, 170,000 kms (bought off the showroom floor). I've had mine for 11 years, and still look forward to driving it every day. Aside from regular maintenance and a faulty coolant sensor, which was misdiagnosed as a host of other problems by the dealer, it's been one of the best vehicles I've ever owned. Still has the original muffler!

23rd Jan 2011, 14:47

The reviewer is right about the Neon, especially the head gasket issues. Neons eat them for breakfast.

1999 Plymouth Neon Expresso DOHC 2.0

Summary:

Very poorly manufactured

Faults:

Rotors and front brakes needed to replaced at 7K yes 7000 miles.

Head gasket at 57000 miles

Front/rear brakes @57000 miles

Wheel bearings on both front at 64000 and need it again at 107000.

Transmission slipping

Coil replaced @107000.

Front brakes and rotors need to be replaced again at current 107000.

Began stalling randomly doesn't matter if accelerating or slowing down, engine just cuts off. Have spent over $700 and dealers cannot tell me what is wrong with it.

General Comments:

This car was a serious waste of money. It was purchased new and maintained, but has had numerous mechanical problems. It is not reliable or safe to drive.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 31st March, 2004

1999 Plymouth Neon Highline 2.0 liter

Summary:

A fun car to drive

Faults:

The first thing that went wrong with my neon was a spark plug blew out of the engine. I replaced the brake pads shortly after I got the car. A few weeks ago I replaced the rear drums. Now I have a head gasket that needs replacing. Not much considering I've had the car for just over 2 years.

General Comments:

This little Neon has been extremely reliable for me and I have driven it like a mad woman since I got it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th March, 2004