1998 Dodge Neon Review
Price Estimate: $774 - $1,290

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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Zippy performance with 5-speed. Handles the twisties with aplomb. Good build quality. Great value.
Cons
- Loud interior. High-silled greenhouse results in that "sitting in a bathtub" feeling. Sketchy reliability history.
What’s new
An R/T appearance package debuts. Improved option packages, LEV emissions and next-generation airbags round out the changes to the 1998 Dodge Neon.
For sale nearby
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 40 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 Chevrolet 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 Japanese imports.
The Neon combines practicality, performance and personality into one very affordable package. For 1998, the Neon gains depowered airbags that are certified to the new federal standards. Evaporative emissions have been reduced, making the Neon classify as a Low Emission Vehicle in California.
Order the R/T Group, and you'll receive a new sport fascia with fog lamps, racing stripes, sport suspension, sport-tuned engine controller, 14-inch wheel covers, four-wheel disc brakes and Tango interior fabric. Your choice of colors is limited to Flame Red, Intense Blue or Bright White, and remember: the stripes can be deleted. Sounds like a recipe for fun, considering the 2.0-liter DOHC and sport suspension. The Neon Competition and R/T are 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.
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota
$130/mo for Neon R/T
Neon R/T
vs
$164/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Dodge Neon Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Sporty looking, decent on gas, and reliable.
4 out of 5 starszanderlion, 10/03/2012
1998 Dodge Neon Sport 4dr Sedan
I own a black 1998 Dodge Neon Sport Sedan with an automatic transmission.
I'm not sure how many owners its had.
I bought the car in October of 2011 from a mechanic for $1600. The car has 135,280 miles. I noticed oil was leaking out the gasket seal. So I had my cousin replace the seal.
And the leak stopped. My cousin also put new spark plugs in, and he noticed a couple of spark plugs were … drowned in oil.
I give the car it's routine oil changes every 3 to 5000 miles. I never had any trouble starting it, even in the coldest winter last year, it started fine. The car handles the snow ok. I had to replace a fuel pipe, because it rusted through.
In conclusion, I think it's a reliable fun car.
Good car
4.38 out of 5 starsNathan, 03/02/2002
1998 Dodge Neon Highline 4dr Sedan
I've had my 1998 Dodge Neon for five months now. So far its been great. I got in a wreck in which I went sideways into a twelve foot ditch. I came out completely fine. The car came out with a dent in the hood, a cracked bumper, and the driver side door was lowered a little bit. I got it fixed and now it is as fun to drive as ever. Even though it is an automatic it still gets great … acceleration. It has a big engine sound to it too. It's pretty fast for a 4-cylinder.
Couple things people dont know
4.38 out of 5 starsjimalee2000, 04/24/2010
1998 Dodge Neon Sport 2dr Coupe
I bought my car at an auction last year. I have driven it every day and had no major problems other than: The 4 cyl has a not so known issue of the valve cover gasket leaking oil into spark plugs. This was found by a mech telling us so I have yet to replace gasket. I take the plug out clean it and it's good to go for a few months longer. Secondly is I have to put oil in it cause the … oil pan gasket is bad. BUT knowing those two problems I am ok with it. It is known for bad heads and often blow. I haven't had that issue yet! But the engines are so easy to find it is good to work on.
278,000 miles and still going strong
5 out of 5 starshuskers57, 01/31/2011
1998 Dodge Neon Highline 4dr Sedan
I bought my Neon new in 1998 and have had only one major issue and that was with the defective head gasket. Other than general maintenance, it has been a great car. I just put a set of 75000 mile tires on it and I talked to my mechanic and he said it should hit 400,000 with no trouble.
Have always used Catrol Syntec and I get about 30-35 in town and around 40 on the highway. I have had … a few trips (recently) where I hit 45-48 mpg.
Other minor issues include the leak around the driver's side tail light and my sunroof motor went out.
Could not have spent $17,600 any better way.
1998 Neon Highlights
Sedan
R/T
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 29 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $130/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 11.8 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Safety
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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