Used 1996 Dodge Neon Consumer Reviews
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Neons are cute, but beware!
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!
Buyer Beware
This car is a money pit. I used to love it...before two head gaskets, The latest todat to the tune of 1,000 dollars. Two weeks ago I put in $400. As I bought this as a year old rental...I have to wonder what they di to it. AC has been repaired. New brake system (FYI the breaks squeal on all models for this year) Can't get the dome light to turn off. Just found out that the uneven tire wear is a problem many others have had. A new set of tires every year because of inside wear. Ticking sound in dash. Stopping in intersections (Had to put in a new cable from the battery to alternator to solve that problem.)
don't get one even if it's given to you!
We were happy at first- the style, cabin capacity, and mileage are all good. That was the honeymoon period. Then, the head gasket had to be replaced and the air conditioner repeatedly recharged. At 50,000 miles the engine started crapping out- consuming oil and the engine needed to be replaced- the cost would have "totaled" the car. Had to fill it with a quart of oil once a week. Speedometer worked only when it felt like it... wiring in stereo was bad and the right-passenger-side speaker set on fire. Needed new tires at only about 30,000 miles. Charged A/C a week and a half before we traded it in, and was out of fluid the day we turned it in.
nice to drive, but relability problems
Bought with 102000 miles. Fun to drive. handles nice. Not too bad power wise for a small car. Timing belt broke with a 142000 miles. Bent up all the valves in the head. Facing expensive repairs. Had constant oil leaks from engine. Transmission speed sensor went bad. Trunk lock doesn't work. Ac quit working. Car seemed to self destruct at about 140,000.
Don't let looks fool you
Bought used in 2000 and got rid of in '03.<(which is the best thing I've ever done!) Bought to replace my aging '89 Corsica that I loved till the major breakdowns. Obviously, this car wasn't much better. Tons of problems. Was in the shop more than on the road. Oxygen sensor, battery, alternator; just a few of the problems I had w/ it out of many. HIt 2 different deer w/ it and 2 different times. Had 3 different accidents w/ it w/ other vehicles. I think red is a magnet for things to want to attract too. That or bad luck, not sure which? Who knows, but it was always something going wrong. One good thing is that just going to/from work it got good mileage 28/39! Looks are deceiving.....
Don't repeat my mistake!
A rip off! Don't buy this car. I bought mine new and have had an endless series of major repairs (oil leaks, the car computer, door handles coming loose, and the air conditioning -- TWICE!) over seven years. Whatever I "saved" in the relatively low purchase price has been taken away in repairs. And keep in mind that I kept up with ALL of the recommended maintenance. Now I'm stuck with a lemon drawing its last breaths! Thank you very much Chrysler -- I'm going to avoid your crappy product as long as I live! And they wonder why people don't like American cars ...
Not good!
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.
Don't buy a neon
My maintenence log has become a novel for my 96 Dodge Neon. --original paint has peeled off --air conditioner broke 5 times in first 3 years --engine belt shreaded first week of ownership --hole in gas tank and oil leak in past year --gas mileage has gone down considerably in the past year
Never buy a Neon!
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!!!!!!
It's Used
This car seems to be lacking serious horsepower. Or at least mine is. I have the worst gas mileage in the history of 4 cylinders (5spd to boot) Approx 16 mpg. Also it has a major problem with the window sealing. I have a major leakage. Anytime it rains it leaks. If I am driving I hear a lot of air leaking through. But what can I say, it's used.
ehh.
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.
Neons are the worst cars EVER!
This has been a horrible car to own. I have stuck so much money into repairs. Two fuel pumps, overheating problems, two EGR valves, AIS motor, struts, and many others. It has broken down while I have been in the middle of moving twice. I'm sure the fuel pump went out on it before I owned it. If you like spending money constantly on repairs get one. Otherwise do yourself a favor and buy something else.
I agree!
I bought my Neon new and have tried to keep up with regular maintenance. At this point, I have replaced all of the engine gaskets and transmission gaskets because they were made of plastic and sprung leaks starting while the car was under warranty, the radiator broke (made of plastic, too!), and a number of other repairs that seem surprising for this car have been made. On top of that, the car gets dented if you look at it wrong. Luckily, I have not had the paint problems others have complained about.
Great box on wheels. Great college car.
We've owned our NEON since it was new in 1996. I'm going to buck the trend here and actually tell you that this is the best, most reliable vehicle I've ever owned. However, we got it with a manual transmission and NO options, period. No AC, no power anything, no radio, no nothing. This is your prototypical box on wheels. We even get 40 mpg! At this rate it will last us another 10 years.
Stay Away from this Car
I promise this, is my last Chrysler product. I have had bad experiences with everyone of them except a Jeep Wrangler, but I got rid of it just in time. My neon is the worst of the lot. Head Gasket blew at about 30K, fortunately, still under warranty. I have 80,000 miles now and pray it won't blow again based on other reviews. Constant problems ever since though. Can't seem, to keep the AC running more than 2 months at a time. Spent $1,000 repairing it this June, and it went out in less than 6 weeks. Took three more trips to the shop to try to fix it. Leaks oil, transmission fluid, etc.
Too much to fix
I would not buy this car unless you have money to keep fixing it. The head gasket will obviously go at multiple points, and then everything else under the hood will go as well.
Should have been Recalled
Bought it new. Had $8500 of body damage 2 weeks after I bought it. Insurance fixed it(should have totalled it). Head cover gasket started leaking oil around 65000 miles. Had it replaced at $600. Started leaking again around 80000 miles. Then head gasket blew. Donated it to charity.
It just won't die
I got this car 9 years ago with 25k on it. Sure I've replaced tons of parts (head gasket, alternator, water pump, but not a signle front end part)but I'm not too nice to a car. Decided 2 years ago I'd run it until it died because it's worthless to sell, but the damn thing just won't die. Dents all over, door panel coming off, blown rear strut, but still the thing gets me wherever I'm going reliably and handles the winter better than a 4x4 (and does nice e-brake slides). I'm gonna miss her when she's retired this month, like the really sweet ugly girl you dated that you don't want to admit to.
94K and still runs like NEW
I have had the car since it was new and have only had one major problem out of warranty. The A/C went out at 75K. Had it fixed and it is fine. The Head gasket did go out while it was out of warranty, but Dodge paid for it anyway because it was a design problem. That was at about 40K and it is now at 94K and still going strong. I will take any Civic that has an intake and exhaust no problem.
Best Little Car
This car was bought at a Vehicle Auction sale for the bargan price of $1400. And I bought it from a friend of mine. She has been a Great little car, Comfortable, Reliable and with Cab Forward design....(GREAT LEG Room for all) NO Power but gets me where I need to go with No questions asked.
Good little reliable car
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.
I love my Neon!
I,too, had the head gasket problem but the dealership gave me a real cheap price to replace it because they admitted the older Neons had this problem. Had a couple of other minor problems (erg valve and the coil pack) but they were covered under warranty. I have 104,000 miles on her now and she still runs great! Good acceleration, hugs corners, great fuel mileage, heat the would make the devil hot, great a/c. great radio/speakers and she always starts! Good cold weather car!
Very Disappointed
I have had numerous problems since I bought this vehicle 6 years ago: the paint discolored on the hood and trunk twice; the interior light works only when it wants to; the break lights stayed on continuously; the turn signal broke twice; major head gasket leak: the dealer said the factory was offering a $100 deductable because it was an ongoing problem with this vehicle. No problems yet w/the new headgasket;AC has gone bad 5 times now.
Neons
I love the dodge neons. They are very comfortable and I enjoying driving it. They are very convenient for somebody who is looking for a new car but want something easy to manage and also on a low budget. I would recommend that neon to anybody.
heh
i bought a 1996 std neon for my first car, from a guy at school. i have had a few problems with it nothing real big. not to quick in acceleration wish i would of got a 6 banger now. but one set back is going up steep hills you can have the pedal to the floor and you will barely get going. other than that it drives pretty good. good steering. so all in all i am satisfied with it but advice to you get a 6 cylinder unless you want to be putting along up a hill
Love this Neon
One of the best cars I have ever owned. Hard to give it up! Really fun to drive and seemed like it was built just for me! It fits like a glove! Original owner and simply enjoyed ownership. I know many bad reports but in 7 years and 53000 miles all I had to do was replace a/c evaporator, exhaust gasket, muffler, front brakes and rotors, in addition to regularly scheduled maintenance. Also had an unrepairable wind noise problem with both front windows which Chrysler broadcasted a TSB for, so competant dealer should be able to repair but could not so I had to live with it! Few rattles beginning to develope at 53000.
A trooper!
In my opinion the 1996 Neon is a hands-down winner. After knowing people who had this car and loved it, experiencing the great driving myself, and finding a great deal, I decided to go for it and have not been disappointed. The car definitely has some minor flaws, including crappy paint jobs, but the truth is I've never had to get my car serviced at a mechanic...ever. The things that require service are always minor, and are simple to fix. This car makes several 500+ mile trips per year and I have never been stranded or needed roadside assistance. I had a back-up light problem early on that I thought would be an expensive fix. Turned out it just needed a switch. That's been my biggest issue.
Should have known better
I've only had it a couple of months and the computer is already going on it. I have a 91 Ford Escort with 185,000 on it that runs like a jem. Unless Dodge suddenly improves, this is the last Chrysler product I will purchase. I do like the interior design and my wife likes the way it looks but as far as the engine and overall build, there is much to be desired.
Complete Lemon
Have had an oil leak problem fixed 3 times, but of course not the same problem. Still leaks, have learned to just put oil into it occassionally, cheaper than a third repair. Too much invested to sell, will keep until it completely dies (which should be soon). Also had the timing belt go out, power steering pump die, turn signal fail now twice. O2 Sensor has failed a third time, for a total repairs cost over 5 years of about $1,400.
Horrible Car
Where should I start? I can say for sure that I will never buy another Chrysler again. This car constantly has problems...I have put over $3,000 into it just this year, and I am a broke college student. When I take it to the dealership, they are rude. In fact, just a few weeks ago, my check engine light came on and I took it to get fixed...4 times!! The light kept coming on and they would say they fixed it but they didn't. Needless to say, I am still driving with the light on. Don't buy this car...it was a waste of money for me!
Me and my neon
I got my neon on 96 and sice then I have put a lot of miles on it I'll said about 185000 .didn't have a problem until last year when little by little the card has began to nighmare of asking from smothing every month.1 like everyone else the head gasked started to leak oil, then about3 moths ago my water pum, and timing belt when out and finally last week my gas pump when out.To tell you the true I feel satisfied even though i had to fix it so many times lately because before that it never gave me a problem and believe me I have really abuse my car.
3 more days and its gone!
I have had many of the problems stated by the others, the worst of which was a catastrophic oil leak that cost $900 and 3 trips. Now they tell me there's a "miniscule" radiator hole. Plus, the car shakes and vibrates all the time! I wish I hadn't fallend for the hype back in 1996. Rotten car.
damiler should not have gotten involved
headgasket, and peeling paint
Do not buy!
This is the worst vehicle that I have ever known. Granted, I bought it salvage title due to a small dent. It only had 70k and I figured it was a champ, by the sound of the engine. $3,000 later, I hate myself for it. I've been through every system of this car. The head gasket, the alternator, the fuel pump, etc. I loath Dodge. Never buy a Neon. Reviews like this are common for this model. I am junking it tomorrow for less than I bought it.
Stay Away From A Neon!!!
I used to own this vehicle and then traded it in for a "Honda" product. You just can't compare the two! You name it, I had it go wrong with my Neon! Headgasket (twice!), breaks, fuel indicator...reading full, when in fact empty....Air Conditioning, interior lighting, etc..etc..etc!! Unless, there are significant improvements, I suggest scrapping the Neon all together!! And avoid all the consumer headaches!!!!
neon is nothing special
For a long time it was a great car. It is still pretty reliable. My problems are with the paint, and the durability of the accessories. The door panels keep falling off and breaking. The windows haven't worked right for a long time, The antenna fell off. The gas tank door broke one day. The car is horrible in the snow. It's a reliable vehicle. The gas mileage has decreased, but it still gets 25-32 mpg.
Great Car
I am the original owner of my 1996 Dodge Neon Highline Coupe. I've had it for 5 years now, and 70,000 miles later, I'm still very happy with it. Yes, I've had the head gasket break too, just like everybody else, but I took care of the problem, and haven't had anything go wrong since, besides a tail light bulb burning out ($1.00 replacement). I drive it hard, and it's been so reliable that I am not even thinking about trading it in yet. I'm planning on keeping this car for at least another 2 or 3 years. It's been a great investment!
not worth it
I don't know where to start with this car. I have had it for 4 years. It has blown 2 head gaskets, had a transmission go out, engine light is constantly on, put 2 new batteries in it, it leaks oil very badly and it wouldn't pass emissions this year...I could go on. Surprisingly, though, through all of that, it has never totally crapped out on me and left me stranded. I'll give it some credit there. This particular year model has a problem with the engine and head gasket so, don't buy it. You people who wrote a positive review about this car are crazy.
Took My Abuse
My cranky teen just went past 125,000 miles. It lasted through 11 years of spotty oil changes and benign neglect, but I may have to finally let it go. Had 2 major repairs in that time: Electronics replaced (controlling gauges, radio, etc.) and head gasket repair. Had to rig a fix when the plastic shifter connections broke. Now the transmission/clutch is slowly going, and it stalled on the highway last week. Air conditioner has to be refilled each year and does not last long. Struts gone last year. Paint, 3 speakers, wheel covers, and outside plastic door trim went long ago. She was ugly but got me where I was going; now it's just not worth the cost to fix.
A Fun Lemon to Drive
I bought my lemon....I mean Neon in 97' off of a lease. Problems began to surface immediately. I replaced the passenger power window. The brakes made these ungodly noises. It sounded like a garbage truck but this is normal. My battery cable disintegrated, followed by water flooding the rear passenger cabin's floor every time it rained (bad weather stripping). Luckily this was under warranty. After the warranty, no major problems until 85,000mi. The head gasket blew leaking oil into the radiator, plugging it up. I sold it for way less than it was worth. It was fun to drive and race around in, but not reliable and very disappointing.
too many reparis
Edmunds lists the 5 year cost of repairs at about $600. In six years, I've spent almost $2500 just on engine repairs! This is all after the 3-year warranty ran out! I've tried to get satisfaction from the company and they are totally unapologetic (customer service at corporate headquarters in Michigan even hung up on me when I asked to speak with a manager!) about the shoddy repair history. Though it's fine when it's not in need of repair, the frequency and expense of repairs means that I have purchased my first and last Chrysler product.
OK So far !!
I bought my Neon last Dec. from a very well know dealership for selling "BAD CARS" i did not know when they sold me the car. So far all I have replaced on my neon is the brakes and a signal bulb. My car is at 93,960. It still runs good, alittle hard sometimes, but overall nice- When I bought it they said I had a new head gasket kit done, etc., so I hope they did not lie to me because if anything goes wrong like the other people? I will be in court...
The noen that has oil leak
The paint is pealing off the body after 30,000 miles. The head gasket leaks the compnay know it but will not help you to fix it.
Heed these warnings!
read this page before, bought the car anyway, and so far i've had the head gasket replaced once, the air conditioned "recharged" once and will need replaced this summer, and now i found out there's been a brake recall on these cars! Too much hassle and $$$ for this fairly so-so car.
I've Been Duped
Trouble from the beginning, that summarizes the ownership of this Neon. I've had the entire AC replaced twice. In warranty the first time, out of warranty the second time. Now, at 39,000 miles (I only drive it to work and back about 100 miles a week) the head gasket went out. Cost me $1405 to get it fixed. I went to Edmunds and found out it's only worth about $1600. Yes, I was duped. But, you can avoid it by staying away from Chrysler.
waste of money
this is the worst car i've ever owned. it spent more time in the shop than on the road. everythingwent wrong from the head gasket to the transmission to the brakes and the air compressor. after 2 years of owning the car i was finally hit head on in which he dual side air bags NEVER EVEN INFLATED!!!! good riddance to a horrible vehicle.
Please Stay Away
Original owner 85,000 miles went thru 2 head gaskets under warranty and Head Gasket is leaking at present time. (no warranty) Had Transmission replaced under warranty.(Lucky) This car is slowly falling apart one piece at a time. Paint on trunk is falling off, interior not holding up well. I will not go near a chrysler product again.
I like it better now than 100k miles ago
This car is a warrior, I deliver newspapers with it in Minnesota, and it keeps on running. Routine maintanence is easy, albeit a bit crowded. I never though 6 years ago I'd be still driving it and it would still act and look like new.
Piece of junk
stay away.. tons of oil problems. Also alot of electrical problems, that dealers can't fix. Such as speedometer, gfuel gauge etc. sometimes they work but most of the time they don't. The only good part about the car is the interior-It has held up very well.. Stll in excellent shape
Neon Sport
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.