1998 Plymouth Neon Expresso 2.0 DOHC from North America

Summary:

An underdog, with teeth.

Faults:

Shifter bushings wore out, it was a $25.00 fix from Booger Bushings, and that included shipping :) Very inexpensive.

General Comments:

When my wife wanted to buy a neon, I was very against the idea. I wanted another Ford. Her and I decided to test drive every 5 speed compact 4 door on the market. After driving everything out there, the best car for the money was this 98 Expresso. Impressive handling, impressive acceleration and the price couldn't have been beat.

I was also impressed at the availability of aftermarket parts from Mopar and from a good number of other suppliers.

After all of the goodies I bought for the car, I took it on a cross country trip and my best tank was 46 mpg that's better than the highway fuel economy rating than a Toyota hybrid Prius (44mpg highway) Not too shabby.

One of the worries I had was the head gasket going out, but with over 96,000 miles on the car, the original head gasket and the original clutch are still going strong. Even with drag racing the car at the local strip and participating in some grass roots level autocross. They're like Dungarees, can't be busted.

My only complaint is that I get a lot of people ridcule on the car because it's a neon. Maybe they're jealous.

I would definitly buy another one (I actually did, a 99 R/T)

One tip, and this holds true with any brand. Do your preventative maintenance. Cars need care.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th December, 2002

10th Dec 2002, 22:00

I'm glad there is someone else out there that I can agree with. I have a 96 expresso. The head gasket did go out, but after replacing that I haven't had very many problems at all. I take good care of my car inside and out, like you said, they need it. I also like the after market for the neon. The additions I like the most are the cold air intake and a B&M short throw shifter. People can go ahead and make fun of my neon, but when it rips them at the drag strip we will be the one's laughing. It can truly be a sleeper if you want it too. Enjoy.

1998 Plymouth Neon 2.0L from North America

Summary:

The car that destroyed Chrysler.

Faults:

My head gasket blew at 70,000 miles. Then again at 80,000 miles.

The sunroof stopped working just before the warranty ran out. The dealer replaced it for free. It lasted for three months then quit again.

General Comments:

The worst part about my neon was the dealer and the manufacturer. They both treated me like I had just kicked them in the groin. They accused me of over heating my neon even though I repeatedly told them that I did not. It cost me over $700 for them to fix the head gasket then I had to replace it 3 months later myself for an additional $300.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 25th November, 2002

23rd Jan 2007, 10:04

It's not that they were "destroyed". But the reputation of the company took a blow and they lost a lot of customers. Same as Toyota with their 97 Camry.

23rd Jan 2007, 12:56

What? The Camry is the bestselling car in America. How did its reputation get damaged in 1997?

1998 Plymouth Neon Expresso from North America

Summary:

It is virtually a waste of money!

Faults:

Since I have had this car, every time it rains, the floor in the back seat area gets severely soaked. Sometimes, there are puddles of water on the floor.

The car will shut down sometimes after heavy rainfall. I have to put dry gas in the tank to absorb the water.

I spend a ton of money on gas, but no one seems to be able to pinpoint why.

The alternator belt has been replaced twice since I have owned the car.

General Comments:

This car steers very well.

It is comfortable for a small car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 30th October, 2002