Used 1997 Dodge Neon Consumer Reviews
Great Cars
Ive owned this car for 7 years and for what I have had to put in it you cant find a better car.
Don't buy this car!
Like others, I bought this car b/c it was cheap. But the build quality is horrendous. Huge oil leak, squealing brakes, leaky trunk, a/c that isn't cold, turn signals don't work intermitantly, black rubber seals on door panels stain my clothes, side panel fell off after glue wore out, and such a rough transmission. Just a terribly executed small car.
My best investment
I bought my Neon new in '97. Aside from normal maintenance such as tires, brakes, etc., the single only repair I have had to make was replacing my starter at 90k miles. I love my Neon and would gladly purchase another. Key point: take care of it. My oil was changed regularly with protective additives routinely. I haven't even had so much as a belt break. I drive about 200 miles a day for work 4 days a week now, and I am thankful for this car and its dependability.
Affordable, but still disappointing.
Head gasket went out at 50000 mi, they told me it was expected and commmon. Very disappointing. The car is very doggy in the low rpm range, probably due to the 3 speed automatic transmission as much as anything. The windows are frameless and do not seal very well, hence there is a lot of wind and road noise. Decent daily driver, good mileage but nothing to be too excited about. The price was right.
Good little car.
I purchased the Neon for my girl friend. But found that this little car quite fun to drive. Aside from the little noises, the drivers door opening sensor not working (Even after having dodge fix it.) This little car is a brisk accelerater. Ihave currently begun modifying the car, starting with a cold air intake, and next is my exsaust.(Manifold is shot, as is my muffler.) I purchased the car with 62000 miles on it.