1998 Dodge Neon EX Sport Coupe review from North America

Alternator to Crank belt was badly worn when I bought the car. I discovered it while looking it over. Didn't take long to change both accessory belts and get it on the road again.

I have owned the car for a few weeks now. It is an absolute blast to drive. The sunroof and all power options makes it even better. The DOHC motor puts out enough power to make the tires chirp when power shifting. The manual transmission is a much more fun and reliable option to my automatic Ford Taurus. Just doing regular oil changes and checking wear items once every week will keep you on top of any developing problems. The seats are very comfortable for the highway trips. I don't feel like my back has been in a vice when I get out for a pit stop. I would highly recommend buying a neon if you can find one, as I did, that had not been abused and has relatively low mileage.

Fuel economy is incredible and gets even better on the highway with the very tall 5th gear if you have the manual transmission. The car has great handling and ride quality. Hugs the curves really well and the wheel has the right feel in the city to make it deadly accurate. A bit sensitive at above highway speeds, but tolerable. I highly recommend this car.

Head gasket failures on 95- early 98 Neons, for both the SOHC and DOHC engines, are very common. If you do purchase a neon that has had its head gasket replaced make sure that whoever did the install used the MLS (multi-layered steel) head gasket and not the same rubber OEM gasket as it will only fail again.