1999 Plymouth Neon Expresso 2.0L DOHC from North America

Summary:

The Neon is a very disappointing vehicle

Faults:

Constant problem with cylinder misfires.

Sunroof went off track at 28,000 miles.

Air conditioning system developed a leak at 32,000 miles.

The head gasket blew at 57,000 miles.

Had to replace head at 57,000 miles due to pitting.

Transmission cooling lines started to leak at 57,000 miles.

Fuel pump went out at 57,000 miles.

General Comments:

A great car if you plan on getting rid of it before it hits 50,000 miles.

I used to be very happy with the car until it started to nickle and dime me to death. The car is almost paid off. Had I been able to invest the money I spent in getting the car to run reliably on the remainder of the loan, I would've had it paid off by now.

If it's not one thing with this car, it's another. Buyer beware.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 23rd February, 2003

26th Jun 2003, 18:39

Very interesting. My 1999 Plymouth Neon High Line had approximately 21,000 miles when I purchased it from Enterprise in September of 2000. While it was not a used rental car, Enterprise had purchased it from a dealer. I thought it was wonderful; beautiful cloth upholstery, pretty red paint, ran well, etc.

However, after driving it for a few months, I realized that the side posts on either side of the windshield were a distinct "hazard" because they are so thick that they obstructed my view. At about 3 months the paint began to chip and the brakes began to squeal. No one could find anything wrong with them, however I had the rear brakes replaced. The brakes still squeal, but only when they are cold; my neighbors love me at 6:00 a.m. The front pads or next - there goes $600.

At 45,000 the repair shop noticed an oil leak from the engine. They wiped it off and waited. By next visit to the shop it was obvious there was something wrong. At 48,000 I had to replace the valve cover gasket, transmission cooler lines, and cam sensor seal; a tidy sum.

Wonder if the car will last until I get it paid off? Will I buy another Chrysler product? Emphatically NO! NO! NO! It's a pretty package with a very big disappointment inside.

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1999 Plymouth Neon Highline 4 cylinder from North America

Summary:

180 degree switch from great car to high maintenance

Faults:

The head is leaking oil.

The oil pan in leaking oil.

The cam shaft thing is leaking oil.

I took it to the mechanic and he fixed it yesterday.

The starter went out today.

Seems to be the "regular" as far as Neons go.

General Comments:

I loved the car up until recently. Now I am scared. My car is about to be paid off and it is falling apart. Everything I read about the Neon is about the failure of the head gasket, among other things. I actually have an extended warranty and a service maintenance contract, but since I am stationed overseas Chrysler won't honor it. In fact Chrysler will not return my calls. They do not respond to my e-mails. The won't acknowledge the fax. I have tried to contact everyone and anyone that I can think off in customer service and the contracts departments.

I used to love my car, but now I want to trade it in.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 8th January, 2003

12th Jan 2004, 14:33

How much did fixing all the oil leaks cost you?

1999 Plymouth Neon High Line 2.0L SOHC from North America

Summary:

Excellent transportation that is fun to drive

Faults:

The cam shaft position sensor leaked.

EGR Transducer failed.

The a/c evaporator developed a leak.

Have had to replace engine mounts, but that may be because I drive it fairly hard.

General Comments:

In general the car is a lot of fun to drive.

It gets fairly good fuel mileage (28-39 around town and 31+ highway).

As I work on the car myself I have been very impressed with the engineering that has gone into making the car easy to work on.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th October, 2002