2000 Dodge Neon LE from North America - Comments

I love my 2000 Neon. I've had it for 3 years now and besides rear struts, brakes and a new battery it's been a reliable car. I really like how many mod parts are out for this car, in the last month I've increased the power from 132HP to around 200HP by adding the Magnum head, new performance PCM, 2.5" exhaust, bigger throttle body, CAI, UDP and bored the block out 40 over and didn't lose any drivability. I've lowered the car a bit and put konico struts all around and it handles really nice now. If I didn't feel this was a reliable vehicle there is no way I'd put this kind of money into this car. I think even stock it was a "peppy", fun, reliable car, now it's a blast when I pull up beside Preludes and Integra's and they can't pull away. Including purchase price and mods this car has less than $12000CDN into it. Find a better value than that, but as always, your mileage may vary as with anything in life.

Since May 2000:

Rear Brakes - could not make noise

Front Brakes

Speed Sensor in transmission

Transmission Pump (2 years later)

Console

Spark Plug wires

*3* fuel injectors

3 sets of tires (Current are almost new)

Both front control arm bushings

Battery

And it currently will not start.

Then: add 4 synthetic oil changes a year, yearly coolant change, yearly air filter, yearly spark plugs, brake bleed every 2nd year, thermostat every second year, PVC every second year, transmission flush every 3rd year...

Not bad for 85,000km (roughly 50-55K miles)

I'll pass on the Dodge name next time!

I have a question. My 2000 Dodge Neon has a radiator leak. I have just ordered a radiator. Also, there is water running out of the water reservoir judge so does that mean the head gasket is also blown?

With rising fuel prices (just hit 4.00$/gallon here) I picked up a 2000 dodge neon with 146,000 miles on it cheap. The car sounds new, looks great inside and out, and is quite peppy for a little 2.0L 4-cylinder. I have driven the car all week to work, shopping, etc and have barely used a quarter gallon of fuel. I used 1/2 to 3/4 of a tank in my old car.

As with any used car it did come with it's own issues. Mine are as follows;

1. The sunroof is dead and in the slightly up position (by a few millimeters on one side). I can hear wind rushing in if I close my windows. Also there is an annoying rattling noise from overhead (related to the broken sunroof I'm sure).

2. Front struts need replacing.

3. Driver door lock just turns from the outside, won't unlock door.

4. 4-disc Cd changer is dead. Rear and one front side bass speakers are all shot as well.

5. when I get to about 35 mph or more and follow a curve in the road to the left the whole car suddenly jerks right. Related to the bad struts I believe.

6. The plastic lens covers on the headlights are scratched and faded. Look like crap now. Will get new projection HID lamps for 84 dollars a set.

In all the cons are minor and are to be expected for an 8 year old car with high miles. Looking into some engine mods to increase horsepower and performance (like a cold air intake kit). Most mods for this car are super cheap. Most parts for this car are cheap and will have everything fixed this summer.

In all this is a great car with only a few minor issues. I was dubious about getting it, but am pleased that my wife talked me into it. We will see how it handles long term though. Like I said, it's only been a week.

As for the possible blown head gasket question above. Take the oil fill cap off the top of the motor and look in there with a flashlight. If it looks foamy or "cheesy" then yes it's most likely blown. You can also have a garage pressure test the motor for you.

I need some advice. I'm thinking about getting a 2000 Dodge Neon for my third car. I never owned a Dodge before. I'm really nervous what do you guys think...? If not the Neon what is a good starter car?

I am considering purchasing a 2000 Neon & came to this site to get an idea of what to look out for.

I've come across some GOOD HELPFUL info, but at the same time, there are also quite a few people that obviously don't know much of anything about cars (regular maintenance to be specific).

I was hoping to find recurring problems that could actually be manufacturer related. Instead, a lot of what I AM seeing, are people who complain about problems such as their front end alignment for example - that's something that needs occasional inspection & adjustment - on ALL cars! Road conditions & personal driving habits are more likely the culprits than the car itself.

I see comments about changing fuel filters, spark plugs/wires, tires, even stereo speakers that need replacing! Uh... people, most of this falls under ROUTINE MAINTENANCE!!! With the exception of the speakers, all of these things are parts that need to be replaced from time to time on EVERY car, made by EVERY manufacturer! As far as the speakers go, for not a whole lot of money, you can have them replaced with quality name brand aftermarket speakers that WILL last longer & sound WAY better than the stock ones anyway!

If you look in your vehicles owners manual, you will find a maintenance chart that will tell you what parts & how frequently they need to be replaced. By doing so, you will add to the life of your vehicle, & save YOUR time & the time of EVERYONE reading this.

I bought a 2000 Neon brand new and haven't had any problems with it other than regular maintenance (ie: brake pads, struts, tie rod ends...) because of the nasty potholes in this city!! This car was bought in British Columbia and driven across the country to Newfoundland (over 7000 kms) in 2002 and has been driven every day since we bought it 8 years ago.

It's a dandy little car and I feel really safe in it. I put studded tires on it in the winter and it handles great as winters in Newfoundland can be quite awful.

It gets regular maintenance (oil changes and diagnostic checks) and is driven sensibly. Maybe that's why it hasn't given us any trouble. :)

My wife purchased her 2000 Dodge Neon new before we got married. In many ways it has been a good car for us. we haven't had any major problems with it, and it gets pretty decent gas mileage. I think that the biggest complaint we have had is that the brakes squeal very loudly. It started in 2002 and has gotten progressively worse. We have taken it in the dealer and several different mechanics and the dealer just blames it on brake pads that aren't made from asbestos anymore while all the other mechanics have said this is a very common problem with the Dodge Neon, but that Dodge won't acknowledge the problem. So, after several hundred dollars worth of attempts to fix the problem we just decided to live with the weird looks we get from people every time we try to stop and have the brakes periodically inspected to make sure the abnormal squealing is masking a true problem. I think the only other real problem we have had had been with the front power locks and began a few years ago (they make a really loud grinding sound when you lock or lock the doors and usually won't unlock).

I have owned a 2000 Chrysler Neon LE, from brand new. I can tell you it' the best car for reliability I have ever owned.

It gets a oil change every 5000km, and apart from that the odd air filter.

It's had about 4 sets of spark plugs, two steering rod ends, one CAT, two sets of brake pads only and is now just on its third set of tires.

I changed the time belt and the other aux belts at 172000km and that's about it.

It has just clocked 272000km and is still just as nippy and great on gas.

I am giving it to my son now as a starter car. I hope it works for him.

Congratulations to Chrysler, a job well done. If the car died today, I would still be happy with the service. "It did the job".