2003 Dodge Neon SE review from North America
"Fine, except for questionable reliability and dealer inability to resolve the stalling problem"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Mysterious electrical system flaw caused car to stall in traffic, completely dead with NO electrical power at all, on many occasions. Dealers had no workable answer on the first 2 visits--first attempting to blame a loose bolt on the battery cable. The second visit, again nothing certain, claiming to have "flashed the power control module" per a service bulletin. Third visit they blamed a faulty connector between the battery and the chassis.
So far, the third time fix worked; however, I can't help, but think it will stall again, when I can least afford to be without wheels.
General comments?
Car is a little too noisy, but handles great and feels tight. While not a road rocket, the four-speed automatic offers good acceleration whenever it is needed.
Interior materials and finish is much better than most other cars in the compact class, except perhaps the Corolla. I noted the 2005 Civic's interior materials at an auto show, and fould them to be amazingly cheapo.
Recommended reviews
| Perfect first car! Surprising reliability |
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| A Great Car |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Year of manufacture | 2003 |
| First year of ownership | 2004 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2005 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.0 liter 4 cylinder Automatic |
| Performance marks | 6 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 4 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 8 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 4 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 17000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 24000 miles |
| Previous car | Honda Civic |
| Date of Entry | 23rd May, 2005 |