1997 Dodge Neon Review
1997 Dodge Neon Review
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Used Neon for sale
Appraise This CarDodge Neon model years
Dodge Neon types
- Sedan
- Coupe
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Zippy engine, cute styling, roomy interior
Cons
- Cheap interior materials
What’s new
Sport trim level disappears in favor of Sport Package for Highline models. Twin-cam engine is optional on Highline models. Federal side-impact standards are met for the first time. More work has been done to quiet the 1997 Dodge Neon's boisterous demeanor.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1997 Dodge Neon Sport 2dr Coupe and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$148/mo for Neon Sport
Neon Sport
vs
$179/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
Neon has virtually redefined what it takes to compete in the small car market since it debuted in 1994 as an early 1995 model. Featuring likable styling, a zoomy go-fast engine, and plenty of room for four, the Neon has become the benchmark for manufacturers looking to build inexpensive small cars.
The new Ford Escort and Mercury Tracer are more refined than this Dodge, but still can't match the Neon for sheer driving fun. The Toyota Tercel is forty horsepower and a personality off the mark. Nissan's Sentra is bland in comparison. Chevy's Cavalier feels heavy and ponderous; ditto the Pontiac Sunfire. The Toyota Corolla is a fine car, but can't compete with the sheer value offered by the Neon. Neither can the Geo Prizm. Mazda Protege and Honda Civic suffer the same problem.
What about reliability, though? Well, if the surveys conducted by several independent firms around the country are any indication, the Neon suffers from hit-and-miss quality. Edmund's has received mail from folks who think it's the greatest car they've ever owned, and from others who wanted to know if their problems qualified for any lemon law protection. Overall, the impression we've gained is a favorable one, though we are hesitant to recommend this scrappy compact to those who've traditionally driven imports with Japanese badging.
The Neon combines practicality, performance and personality into one very affordable package. For 1997, the Neon gains side-impact protection that meets the 1997 federal standard. Also new are revised alloy wheels with bolt-on wheel covers and fresh exterior and interior colors. Oil pan revisions supposedly result in quieter operation, and evaporative emissions have been reduced. Oddly, the tasteful Sport trim level has been replaced by a Sport Package available on Highline models. Availability of the DOHC 2.0-liter engine has been expanded to the Highline trim level, and can be purchased on the base Coupe as long as the Competition Package has been specified.
Order the Sport Package, and you'll receive a new front fascia with fog lights, rear spoiler, 14-inch wheel covers, graphics, and Tango interior fabric. Sounds like a Hot Wheels makeover to us, blending two equal parts of 1996's dorky Expresso Package with the formerly respectable Sport trim level. We think Sport Package intenders should consider our favorite, which is the base sedan or coupe equipped with the Competition Package. Add air conditioning, and you've got a livable version of the car that Chrysler sponsors in amateur racing events nationwide. The Neon Competition is the most fun you can have for $15,000, aside from a used Mazda Miata.
If Chrysler Corporation can quell consumer fears about the reliability of this little car and keep prices in line, there really won't be any point in shopping around. Just drop in to any Dodge dealer and drive off in one of the best small cars available today.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1997 Dodge Neon.
5 star(27%)
4 star(25%)
3 star(27%)
2 star(12%)
1 star(9%)
58 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
3.5 out of 5 stars
Save Yourself.
don't do it., 02/22/2010
1997 Dodge Neon Highline 2dr Coupe
Chipped paint, burns oil like crazy, coolant leak, fuel pump is going out, serpentine belt is squeaking, the backseat is a joke -- really, nobody can fit in this car. There are some good things. I love the acceleration. Love the manual trans. I like how it handles and parking it is great. But there are so many other better cars out there. You may get it for cheap -- but it will cost … you more in the long run.
1.25 out of 5 stars
poor car
gman, 02/27/2002
1997 Dodge Neon Highline 4dr Sedan
too many repairs to the transmission.costly repairs to the struts.poor electrical system and noisy interior.
3.13 out of 5 stars
Disappointing
Euly, 05/09/2002
1997 Dodge Neon Highline 4dr Sedan
Everyone had told me Neons were crap
but that 97 was the year they started
getting better. I realized that this
wasn't true. I love my neon because it
is fun to drive but I have had numerous
problems with it. The EGR valve was a
big issue because the car would
completely shut off while I was slowing
down. I also don't like driving on a
windy day because it feels so … flimsy.
It is a very unsafe car. Buying from a
very dishonest car dealership did not
help the situation either.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Great Vehicle
h j, 09/26/2008
1997 Dodge Neon Highline 2dr Coupe
I just purchased for a sweet 16 gift, i rebuilt and went through everything on the car. i have been driving it to make sure it is a safe car for her, This is a great compact car, smooth ride, great handling, great on the gas mileage. it is a very comfortable car to ride in
1997 Neon Highlights
Sedan
Sport
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 29 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $148/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 11.8 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalPoor
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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