1996 Dodge Neon Consumer Reviews

Very Reliable car

Written by: Joe on 02/12/2006

Vehicle

1996 Dodge Neon 4 Dr STD Sedan

Review

I bought this car brand new back in '96. I have to say that as many others have mentioned, I had to change the head gasket, and I had the normal problems with other parts of the car. The latest thing I had to face was a malfunction of the speed sensor, however, it was replaced (not a very expensive replacement part) and everything was back to normal. The painting peeled off the roof, and the rest of the car was darkening (it is white, so you can tell it darkens), but I took it to a furnace full body painting in 2003 and it is brand new now! This car has never left me stranded, and even though the gas mileage is not very good in the city, it is certainly fun to drive!

Favorite Features

Engine power is good, gives you speed when you need it. Replacement parts are not really expensive. Manual transmission. Good internal space for up to 5 people. Good trunk space.

Suggested Improvements

Better paint to avoid peel-offs. Better component parts, for those parts that fail often (O2 sensor, speed sensor, head gasket)

5 out 12 people found this review helpful

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Fast, Comfortable, Very Dependable.

Written by: donaldrocks on 11/29/2005

Vehicle

1996 Dodge Neon 4 Dr STD Sedan

Review

This is my daily driver, and has been for awhile. This car has never left me stranded, or broken down. Its taken 7 trips from michigan to flordia, and never hesitated to do anything, including stopping, dpeeding up quickly, taking curves at high speeds, and always has gotton good gas mileage. I had bought this car after its acident in 2004, and the lot fixed it, and I drove it off the lot, and have had alot of fun with this car in the summer, and it handles great in the winter. By the way, teh heat in these little Neons rocks! A+

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

Should have put fog lights on all models.

3 out 10 people found this review helpful

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Good little reliable car

Written by: Elisa on 05/18/2005

Vehicle

1996 Dodge Neon 4 Dr STD Sedan

Review

I bought my Neon in 12/2000 and it has always been a great little car for the money. It does have its problems but what car doesn't? Some notable ones were: the head gasket blew at 43,000 miles. The air conditioner worked great until 60,000. The transmission needed replacement at 115,000. Cosmetically, the paint seems to be a big problem with Neons, as it starts to peel and chip around 80,000 miles. It has always been very reliable for me- always starts when you need it to. The ride is a little noisy as the windows sometimes don't seal properly. The seats are relatively comfortable. The only complaint I have is cruise control is not standard. I would recommend the Neon for a 1st car or single person/couple.

Favorite Features

Easy and fun to drive, just enough room for 4 people and junk in the trunk. The engine keeps on going and going...Good value for the money but make sure you buy with as low mileage as possible to avoid needing to replace the tranny.

Suggested Improvements

In need of better window seals (to filter out noise), and chip-resistant paint. It is also a bit too low to the ground- a problem with speed bumps if you have a car full of people.

0 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Neons are cute, but beware!

Written by: Carolyn on 03/29/2005

Vehicle

1996 Dodge Neon 4 Dr Highline Sedan

Review

Bought my Neon in 2000 with only 24,000 mi on it. The dealership had already replaced a head gasket. Since then, I have had to replace the radiator, an O2 sensor, and the dash circuit board (my speedometer stopped working!) The brakes squeak constantly, it slips in the rain even with good tires (I won't even mention in the snow), and the doors/handles freeze solid in the cold. Rear speakers are blown, tape deck quit working. So many problems, and it only JUST passed 56,000 mi. AC isn't very cold, and sucks the life out the acceleration. When I first got the car, I loved how cute it was, but now I look at it and I can't wait to buy my Honda CR-V. No more Dodge products for me!

Favorite Features

The gas mileage is WONDERFUL. It's also a cute-looking car. Decent pick-up as long as you aren't using the AC or defroster. Good amount of trunk space for a small car. Easy to change the oil, add washer fluid, etc., because everything under the hood is well- labeled.

Suggested Improvements

Most of the problems I've had with my Neon are not unique to my car-- they are common problems with Neons. For instance, the O2 sensor and electrical problems. Dodge definitely needed to use better parts in this car!!

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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Good cheap fun

Written by: redskinmu99 on 11/26/2004

Vehicle

1996 Dodge Neon 4 Dr Highline Sedan

Review

my brother and I have driven this since new, and it has been very reliable and fun over the past 8 years. Performance is above that of other cars in it's price range, but the car is a little rough around the edges. The paint is notoriously bad, I've been lucky to only have stone chips out of mine but I've seen plenty of neon's with most f the paint peeled off of the hood and front quarter panels. The engine is in good shape after 81,000 miles and the mechanic that most recently looked at it said it will most likely last to over 200,000 miles without a problem. Biggest complaint is the 3 speed transmission. I would have much preferred a 5 speed, it's been a fun car though for the money.

Favorite Features

quicker than you'd think and handles well. Decent gas mileage. Looks pretty good after 8 years. more funtional hauling capability than I would have guessed. Sporty, fun and predictable handling make it a blast to drive faster than you should.

Suggested Improvements

3 speed transmission really needs to go. The only possible advantage of this is that if you hammer it going anything less than 40 MPH it will drop back into 1st gear for a nice little kick, but I would highl recommend the 5 speed instead.

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Not good!

Written by: kabarker on 08/19/2004

Vehicle

1996 Dodge Neon 4 Dr Highline Sedan

Review

The transmission went out on me within two years of purchase. There are numerous places where the paint is chipping off. All the other older neons I've seen have paint chipping also. Put more money into it repairing it than its worth.

Favorite Features

That it got me from point A to point B.

Suggested Improvements

Paint job that won't chip off by just washing it. Better quality parts. And just make a better car!

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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NEON - EXCELLENT, NEVER NEEDS REPAIRS!

Written by: BNeon on 07/18/2004

Vehicle

1996 Dodge Neon 4 Dr STD Sedan

Review

Car was bought new in 96. Car has never failed me yet. Only returned to the dealer once for the infamous headgasket leak at 47k miles. Even though the car was out of warranty Chrysler fixed it for free! Car starts on the coldest mornings, A/C blows extremely cold on the hottest days. Car is very quick with the manual transmission, and gas mileage is excellent, can get 40mpg+ over the highway. Can't be happier with a car, cost $9000 new and still going strong! What more can you ask for?

Favorite Features

Manual transmission, gas mileage, reliability, peppy engine, and great handling.

Suggested Improvements

Seats could use an improvement.

1 out 7 people found this review helpful

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Never buy a Neon!

Written by: ever on 07/14/2004

Vehicle

1996 Dodge Neon 4 Dr STD Sedan

Review

Paint peeled, speedometer went, guages worked intermittently, had gauge transplant, oil warning still failed, CONSTANT problems w/ breakdowns -- oil leaks, gaskets, have poured money into fixing it -- don't want to add it up. Noisy, hard to get out of, cup holders impossible, no clock, no oil gauge, overhead light went on while driving & couldn't be fixed, same with radio; hence no interior light (had to take out bulb) -- a PAIN!!!!!!

Favorite Features

None Okay, it holds the road & corners well. Horrible turning radius though.

Suggested Improvements

Everything!

4 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Neon Sport

Written by: Beth D. on 07/08/2004

Vehicle

1996 Dodge Neon 4 Dr Sport Sedan

Review

Perhaps I've had a bad experience because of the dealership I went through to get my car, but so far I've paid for much more than this car's value. It worked perfectly the first 6 mnths. I had it, but now there is continually a different problem each week and it has become more of a headache than a joy. I'm beginning to learn that purchasing this car was a bad investment. I've had to replace the head gasket (which Neons are supposedly known for having problems with), and I'm having continual battery problems (which may be related to the alternator). This was originally a great car, maybe I just got stuck with a lemon.

Favorite Features

I have a kick butt air conditioner and the factory speakers that come on this car are awesome. Its also very comfortable, the seats are perfect for taking road trips and such. Pretty much the whole interior is great!

Suggested Improvements

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ehh.

Written by: diggit616 on 06/26/2004

Vehicle

1996 Dodge Neon 2 Dr Highline Coupe

Review

This has not been my favorite car but it has done exactly what I needed it to do. No more, no less. It has had it's share of problems though. Drivers window has never worked right, HEAD GASKET, A/C, radio, left blinker turns on when you brake, wears front tires uneven, door panel broke,... At this point I am just glad it still starts; and that is one thing it has always done, start. It may not be the best car I have ever had but it gets me to where I need to go. Great car for new drivers and collage kids. Just don't fool yourself into thinking you won't have any problems with it. Neon quality is an extinct dinosaur.

Favorite Features

design and reliability

Suggested Improvements

quality. Should have been a recall on the head gasket. Shame on Dodge.

3 out 4 people found this review helpful

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