1997 Dodge Neon review from North America
"Wished I bought a Ford or a Toyota"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Head gasket blown, twice, first at 90,000 and second at 118000 miles. Head needed to be resurfaced 2nd time. Metal gasket used for 2nd head gasket replacement. Rear light covers are brittle and cracked. Headlight plastic cover is degraded. Rear main seal is leaking at 97000 miles. Radiator needed replacing at 97000 miles. Passenger side CV joint is worn prematurely. Windows (driver and passenger) do not seal against weather stripping and road noise is really bad.
General comments?
This car gets good gas mileage, but the cost savings are more than offset by the repair costs, even for this do it yourself mechanic. It would seem better to finance another car than to keep repair the dodge neon after 95000 miles.
Recommended reviews
  | A good car to go to work/school in |
| Cheap "beater" daily driver car possessed by demons and has gremlins living under the hood |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Model Year | 1997 |
| First year of ownership | 2001 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2005 |
| Engine and transmission | SOHC Automatic |
| Performance marks | 6/10 |
| Reliability marks | 3/10 |
| Comfort marks | 6/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 2/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 67000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 119000 miles |
| Previous car | Ford Mustang |
| Date of Entry | 26th April, 2005 |