2001 Dodge Neon ES review from North America
"Nightmare Neon"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Air conditioner unit went out 1 month after owning car.
Recall on brake booster vacuum hose during second month.
Driver side automatic window stopped working during sixth month.
Continual grinding in the rear brake area of the vehicle which started in Missouri. Moved to Mississippi (military) mechanics here say it is due to the extra humidity in the air.
A loose brake motor was the cause of a horrible clunking in the front of the vehicle.
Battery went out when the car was on 8 months old.
Hurricane season came to Mississippi, filling my neon with water in the trunk and the driver's side floor board. To find the source of the problem, it took 2 months straight. Two gallons of water were standing in my trunk wheel well, the first time I vacuumed it out. It was vacuumed 2 other times before the car made it to the dealership. Mold started growing in the trunk. Thankfully all the carpet in the trunk was replaced. Nothing was done for the front.
Clunking noise coming from front of neon again. Mechanics replaced my rear bearings. Then, an alignment was needed. Needless to say I went elsewhere to get the tires aligned for half the cost they were going to charge me to only align 2.
The next day, I had to take my neon back to the dealership due to a wobbling and grinding noise coming from the rear brake area (where all the work had just been performed). I was told my drums had excessive brake dust in them, my brake pads and shoes were fine, but my drums had to be removed, cleaned and rotated. Again, another charge which is not under warranty.
General comments?
I personally loved my neon when we first bought it, not anymore. I know we just got the bad one of the bunch. Our car has met all the lemon law qualifications and the manufacturer of the vehicle acknowledges so. Just in a matter of their own terms.
I like the get-up and go the vehicle has, but personally I think I am done with this manufacturer, due to the horrible run around we are getting.
Recommended reviews
| Reasonably inexpensive, nice looking piece of junk |
| Cute, maybe. Trash, for sure |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Year of manufacture | 2001 |
| First year of ownership | 2001 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.0 4 cylinder Automatic |
| Performance marks | 10 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 5 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 5 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 3 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 10 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 4 miles |
| Most recent distance | 28000 miles |
| Previous car | Chevrolet Cavalier |
| Date of Entry | 11th February, 2003 |