1995 Plymouth Neon Sport review from North America
"I wouldn't give this car to my worst enemy!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Severe engine problems resulting in a replacement engine.
Air conditioner doesn't work.
New alternator because the dealership couldn't determine why we were experiencing power fluctuations and decided on a whim that replacing the alternator might fix the problem.
Several sensors have been replaced.
The check engine light is permanently on, but the computers at the dealership don't pick up an error code.
Speedometer stopped working.
The black paint around the doors and on the door handles is peeling off.
We have replaced both the ball joints and the bearings in the front end, and have learned from the dealership that it is very uncommon for a Neon to have ball joint problems.
Loss of power to dash functions.
The car was sold to us in the summer time with snow tires.
General comments?
The last time we took our car into the dealership and they were unable to determine what the problem was, the parts and service person I spoke to laughed and said, "I think maybe it's possessed!" After spending over $4000 on repairs in a little over a year... I'm not amused.
Last month my car was stolen (and was later recovered after someone had taken it for a joy ride). Even though this car has been nothing but a pain, it worries me just how easy it is to steal a Neon (especially the older models with the windows that pull out from the frame of the car).
I have "Fear This" stickers on the outside of the car and quite frankly I do fear the car's potential for self destruction.
This was my first car, and I have definitely learned my lesson. No more Chrysler products for me.
I used to like the look of the Neon, now every time I see one I wonder how long it will be until that particular car has left someone stranded on the side of the road.
If you want to save a buck, the Neon is not the way to do it because you will spend more money on repairs to keep it on the road than the actual purchase of the car.
It's too late to save myself, but hopefully this message will warn others before it's too late and they've made the same mistake that I have.
Recommended reviews
| This car has a lot of problems and is not for heavy traffic areas |
| 1995 - Neon Baseline 2.0 NA gasoline I feel cheated. |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Year of manufacture | 1995 |
| First year of ownership | 2000 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2001 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.0 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 5 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 0 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 6 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 1 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 2 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 125000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 159000 kilometres |
| Date of Entry | 30th July, 2001 |