1997 Dodge Neon Reviews - Page 15 of 21

My head gasket started leaking at around 110000 kms. Everything else has been standard maintenance that I've put into every car (oil changes, plugs, filters and fluids)

This vehicle is great in every respect.

I am impressed with the fuel economy, acceleration, and comfort.

I have owned a few 'economy' cars and find that this has beat all.

The neon handles like a dream and is extremely reliable.

The cabin in this car is as large and comfortable as those vehicles up to double the price.

The only negative thing I can say, and not negative to me because I love the sound, is the engine and road noise.

It growls when hitting the throttle and rough roads can show the noise the suspension can produce.

Over all, it's a great car and in my opinion, much more than the grocery getter it has been made out to be.

After owning the car for two weeks I wish I had never bought the piece of junk!

The head gasket went and who knows how many times it has been replaced previous to my owning of the vehicle.

Timing belt was also replaced because if it had busted it would have blown the valves I was told that this was because NEON"S have what is called and interference engine.

Also the exhaust pipe is almost toast and that will need to be replaced.

The air conditioning is shot.

The fan is so loud, it sounds like I am in some kind of aircraft.

Everything squeaks. The "NEW" brakes (they said it was a common problem) The windows and door handles. Every time the car shifts it squeaks.

Engine mount needs to be replaced.

The transmission shifts hard (I was told that this was because they rev high)

This has all happened in three weeks.

This car drives well, but it is very deceiving, but because there is always something wrong under the hood.

If you are considering a NEON, purchase an extended, extended warranty.

I lost the automatic transmission at 87,000 miles, and replaced it with a manual (much better!).

Head gasket changed when purchased at 37,000 miles, along with recalled exhaust donut.

Changed head gasket again at 110,000 miles when I blew the timing belt. Also changed the head with a head from a 1995 Neon (once again, much better).

Radiator fan relay died at 120,000 miles.

I bought this car for the whopping sum of $10,500 (US) in 1997. It was used as a pizza delivery vehicle over the next few years, hence the extremely high mileage. The abuse it received was next only to that of a city taxi. Doors slammed, stop and go driving, hard braking, adverse conditions (snowy in the winter, hot in the summer), and general "race car driving".

This car has outperformed any other compact I have owned (Nissan, Pontiac, and Honda). With 132 hp from the factory, it accelerates very quick and pulls strong all the way to the 6500 red line.

The automatic is gutless! If you have the chance, get the manual, you'll see great increases in the performance.

For the abuse this car has taken, it is amazing the doors are even still attached!

In conclusion, this car is about the best car for the money on the road! I highly recommend it to anyone looking for cheap, reliable commuting.