1998 Dodge Neon Consumer Reviews

OK car, but not built to last

Written by: april on 05/28/2007

Vehicle

1998 Dodge Neon 4 Dr Highline Sedan

Review

It is an OK car but mine leakes water from the roof around the front windshield and under the glove box. One of my doors doesn't close all the way so the door ajar light is always on. I have had a crack in my oil tank and had to have my transmission replaced. My air also doesn't work. It was good when I first got it but now it is falling apart.

Favorite Features

It is good on gas and a nice compact car.

Suggested Improvements

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Reliable and efficient commuter vehicle

Written by: BrianH on 02/03/2007

Vehicle

1998 Dodge Neon 2 Dr Competition Coupe

Review

Bought 5/1/2006 with 25k miles (yes, 25k). Had to get A/C compressor replaced (normal for age) and replaced a malfunctioning EGR valve. I was aware of the issues before purchase. I bought the car for $4,300 and I considered it a decent deal despite the fact that it's a Neon. I've put on 14k miles since purchase without issue. The oil is relatively clean after 3k miles (mixed hwy/city). The shifter isn't the most confidence-inspiring one around, but I've driven much worse. I averaged 28-32 mpg between May and November, but once the weather got colder my mpg dropped to 25-28 (also let my car heat up for 10 mins in mornings). Significant interior noise and rattling.

Favorite Features

Great gas mileage, despite significant decrease in the colder weather (normal). The car has strong acceleration if you drive it at higher RPM, but anyone shifting before 3k will get poor pickup in the next gear. Comfortable seats, spacious rear seats. Alloy rims. Good fact speakers.

Suggested Improvements

Better road noise dampening. The windows fog very easily, and the rear defrost works poorly. The tail light gaskets leaked water into my trunk and I had to re-seal them. No issues since. Shifter seems cheap, suspension very taught (normal for the sportier ACR's, a good thing for cornering though).

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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I Heart It

Written by: LuvMyNeon on 01/13/2007

Vehicle

1998 Dodge Neon 4 Dr Highline Sedan

Review

I have had my Neon since May of 2006. Purchased it with about 89,000 miles on it. Was previously owned by an elderly couple who traded it in for a newer car. I have only had one repair that is not considered a normal repair, (misfire in a cylinder) cost was about $130. I love the car, it is my first car and it is super fun to drive. Other repairs were I had 3 belts replaced (timing, power steering, alternator belts). Other than that, it is a great car. I feel comfortable driving it and I'm 6ft tall. Just wish it had power windows and locks. My only complaint is the fact that you almost feel the road when driving, and the rotors need to be replaced. I love my Neon!

Favorite Features

CD player. Cute/sport look. Handling, acceleration and cup holders! - and so much more!

Suggested Improvements

Power windows and power locks. It could use a little more horsepower, but I do not have a Neon sport and I'm sure the Neon sport has better pick up than the Highline models.

4 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Piece of Junk, but still kinda fun

Written by: Nathan on 03/18/2006

Vehicle

1998 Dodge Neon 4 Dr Highline Sedan

Review

I owned my Neon for almost 3 years, I put 72,000 miles on it. It was OK for the first couple of months, but then the rotors started going bad, the right back speaker never would work, after being replaced 3 times, it was a very plain car with no bells and whistles. It was surprisingly peppy with the 2.0 L 4 cyl automatic, with 132 hp. Not much but I was younger and didn't need much. By the time I got rid of it it's speedometer and all other gauges would quit working from time to time which made the mileage not always work, so it probably had about 1,000 miles more on it than what it said. I would not recommend this car to anyone who drives a lot.

Favorite Features

Cool looking head lights

Suggested Improvements

Hub caps were horrible kept falling off, the reliabilty isn't that great, for the 4 cyl engine not the best gas mileage, they lose their value very quickly, quicker than most cars, all and all I'm glad they no longer make Neons after the 2005 model

0 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Reliable, Fun car

Written by: moneyshot on 11/05/2005

Vehicle

1998 Dodge Neon 4 Dr Sport Sedan

Review

This car has been an amazing vehicle. I have had it since new. It had a head gasket leak at 45000 miles, but the dealer took care of it for free. The sunroof broke on it 6 times. Those are the only problems I had with it. I had it in Germany with me, and spent lots of time in the governor (118 mph). I now have 120000 on it, and haven't even had to replace the altenator, or anything else not mandated by the owners manual.

Favorite Features

Reliability. Gas Mileage. Power for its size. All around great car. Great price.

Suggested Improvements

Well, I hear they won't be making them anymore in 2007. Can't improve on something not scheduled to be built anymore. I really wanted to buy another one new, but I guess like GM and the Camaro, the thing to do now for the big 3 is to sell out.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Neon R/T

Written by: Paul on 06/04/2005

Vehicle

1998 Dodge Neon 2 Dr R/T Coupe

Review

This is one of the best cars for the money. Even after 7 years, it can't be matched on a performance for the dollar and reliability basis. I drove the heck out of it for 132,000 miles without even so much as a wimper. No only did I teach two teenage daughters on the car, we autocrossed it hard for 5 years! What other car could be had for $13,000, 7.5 sec 0-60; 15.9 1/4 mile and 130mph top end and gets 37+ MPG? To top it off it's big enough to haul anything except a sheet of plywood. All I can say is wow!

Favorite Features

Favorite feature is the engine by far. Power all the way to the 7250RPM rev limiter

Suggested Improvements

A few extra ponys could never hurt

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Best $5K I ever spent

Written by: ETPHONEHOME on 05/17/2005

Vehicle

1998 Dodge Neon 2 Dr Sport Coupe

Review

I purchased the car used for about $4K. I knew it had an oil leak when purchased. I had to change the head gasket and drive shaft seal, and also decided to change the water pump. Another $1K invested. The head gasket was known design defect that was fixed, and I've had no leaks since. The car now has 160K miles on it and still runs great. No problems. It's fun to drive. It has a good interior and great head room for persons under 6 ft. I'm getting 36 mpg (70- 75 mph) in warmer months with good Mobil gas...generic gas about 3 mpg less. Best $5K I have ever invested. An excellent basic commuter car.

Favorite Features

Nibble handling. Good pickup with 5 speed manual. Easy to change spark plugs, wires and oil filter.

Suggested Improvements

6 speed manual...to get better mpg at high speeds. Improve access to air filter.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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My first car won me over

Written by: neonkinpatsu on 05/15/2005

Vehicle

1998 Dodge Neon 4 Dr Highline Sedan

Review

I've had my 98 almost 5 years. As much as I've heard about the Neon back then, I was reluctant. Before buying I did a lot of research and drove at least 3 from each year. Now I've driven them all. I couldn't afford a new 2000 then, but I was aiming for a 98 because I noticed a huge difference in price. Once I drove mine, I was hooked. The head gasket was replaced before I bought it, so no issue there. Tranny died this year but the warranty covered it. EGR valve went in 2002. Other than that, only VERY minimal maintenance. I'm considering a new car because of age and trade-in value. If the new Neons are still out in a year or 2, I'm likely to buy a Neon again. I love my baby. I will cry when I trade her in.

Favorite Features

Minimal view obstructions, storage space, fuel economy, comfort, ice cold a/c and warm heat right after start- up, bright dash light-up, trunk to backseat link without pulling down the whole seat. Better in snow than I expected. A real bang for the buck in general if you research and have a warranty.

Suggested Improvements

Runs a bit louder than the newer models. Would have preferred a 4-speed automatic but the 3 has still done well with pep. No halogen lamps. Slight shimmy at 75+ MPH. Can be problematic without research. When abused without care, they *can* be lemons for the next owner and thus some bad rep.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Fun to drive

Written by: Doug on 01/07/2005

Vehicle

1998 Dodge Neon 2 Dr Highline Coupe

Review

I bought the car to comute to work ($4200/63K miles). I've done zero maintance in the two years I've driven it (no oil changes). It has never broke down. I wash it twice a year whether it needs it or not. It's been the cheepest car I've owned.

Favorite Features

Good gas mileage, corners well, stops well. All around a fun car to drive.

Suggested Improvements

Make the DOHC engine standard on all Neons.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Good Bang for the Buck

Written by: King Piper on 11/07/2004

Vehicle

1998 Dodge Neon 4 Dr Sport Sedan

Review

Purchased new with 1500 rebate. Fun car to drive; great gas mileage and very quick and fun to drive. Replace trunk gasket because it always had a wet trunk. Replaced heat gasket at 65k with Dodge deductible of 150, replaced timing belt at same time for another 350 while it was taken apart. Changed oil every 3k mile and looks great on the inside. Front disk pads replaced at 90k, wow thats some good pads. Replaced headlights because of foggy condition of the lens after 80k miles got them on ebay for 165 and really easy to install. Keep up with the maintence and this car will keep up with the best of them, 125k and still going. I would recommend a Neon to anyone that ask.

Favorite Features

Fun to drive. Good gas mileage. American Built.

Suggested Improvements

Head gasket already done by Dodge, way to go Dodge. Keep up the good work AMERICAN automakers.

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