Used 1998 Dodge Neon Sedan Consumer Reviews
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Sporty looking, decent on gas, and reliable.
zanderlion, 10/03/2012
1998 Dodge Neon Sport 4dr Sedan
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
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
Nathan, 03/02/2002
1998 Dodge Neon Highline 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
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.
1998 Dodge Neon for sale near you
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- Highline SedanMSRP: $4,9951,782 mi away
278,000 miles and still going strong
huskers57, 01/31/2011
1998 Dodge Neon Highline 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
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.
Good Bang for the Buck
King Piper, 11/08/2004
1998 Dodge Neon Sport 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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.
Its had its problems...
neon1998c, 05/31/2011
1998 Dodge Neon Highline 4dr Sedan
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
My 1998 Dodge Neon has had belt issues where the water pump locked up and the timing belt jumped. Then a month later the serpentine belt shredded completely and had to be replaced as well. The car rattles a lot when I drive it, and shakes bad when it idles. My Neon doesn't have much power to it either. Its got bad acceleration, (it doesn't pick up speed quickly). Also my dome light and my shifter light don't work, (I changed the dome light and yes have checked the fuses and light switch, I don't know how to change the shifter light.) Over all, I wish I had a different car, or a better Neon :(
98 Expresso, DOHC
DOak, 09/08/2003
1998 Dodge Neon Sport 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
My Neon leaked oil like a sieve from after merely 5000 miles. Head gasket replaced under warranty at 49000 miles, and is ready for another head gasket again, with no warranty this time! I know of 20 year old cars with original headgaskets in their engines. This was to be my daughter's car, but I don't trust it. As far as I'm concerned, the car is really a pile of junk and has turned me off to any potential new vehicle purchase. I can do better buying a used vehicle someplace.
1998 4dr poor man sports car
daniel lipe, 07/30/2015
1998 Dodge Neon Sport 4dr Sedan
2 of 7 people found this review helpful
hi I own a 1998 4dr five speed manual dodge neon its absolutely amazing well one its not your typical neon I have your standard 2.0 DOHC 16v but the difference is its got stage 2 fuel injectors and stage two fuel pump and stage 3 racing clutch and I hollowed out the caddy and cut off the muffler and installed a 200$ exhaust tip on it and it truly sounds amazing no not a car fartin in a tin can sound its fast and furious sound quality but one thing I cant figure out is it gets 48 mpg highway and 39 in town but according to the specs its 41 and 32 my neon is so fast it suprizes me ive never lost to a race best example I can think of how fast she is I smoked a 08 mustang gt and 2014 jeep and and suv mercedezes and 2001 turbo charged five speed Toyota celica ive that's just some examples here is a good one this guy has a 90's model hatch batch civic or accord not sure but we raced one day and he didn't win or loose we stayed neck and neck and after the race we pulled over and talked and he asked how much cash I put under the hood he said he has dumped 3gs so far and I said none I bought the car with 112000 on body and 60,000 on motor for 1400 bucks I used to have all the paper work on all the performance parts installed but 12/08/14 my house burnt to the ground lost everything and even two of my dogs but long story short I can do 0-60 on a good 4.8 secs flat but average is 5.3 to 5.0 secs fastest ive had the car is 135 rev limiter is set at 7500 I cant do 90 in third gear with tac at 6500 rpms yup super high geared oh and one more thing I have a aftermarket racing spoiler on it 700$ bought off a friend for 100$
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Fun but big-time TROUBLE
Paul, 07/24/2008
1998 Dodge Neon R/T 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
When I found my Neon R/T, white with blue stripes, I thought I had gone to heaven. And there is no question that it is a fun car to drive when it runs but I have had nothing but trouble since I bought it. I have had the engine rebuilt twice and numerous things replaced, much more than I would expect even for a car that has over 150,000 miles on the odometer (I bought it at 94,000 miles). The trunk and right rear seat area leaks buckets of water in every rain or snow storm. If it wasn't for the consistent 30 mpg I would dump the car ASAP.
shoulda bought a ford
nkcmetro, 05/29/2002
1998 Dodge Neon Highline 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my neon new 4yrs ago. i liked it tell 15000mi when the struts whent bad.from 15000mi to 38000mi I have replace the following; headgasket,1000$ in machine work, head, lifters, rings, pistons, oil pump, timming belt, rotors, fuelpump, ecu, ing. system, inst. cluster, torque converter, and last but not least the wiper motor. the piece still needs a blower motor and window cranks. dodge sold me a piece of crap, they know it and dont care. I HATE DODGE!
Dodge Neon: Good Car at a Good Price
K-man, 06/04/2002
1998 Dodge Neon Highline 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have owned my used 1998 Dodge Neon Sport(highline) since I bought it in Feb. of 2002, and have been happy with it since. I bought the car as a replacement for my 1992 Geo Tracker that was totaled in a side impact crash in Dec. 2001. So far, I have been very happy with my Dodge Neon. It runs good, it is comfortable, gets fairly good gas mileage, and is fun to drive. It also looks good (big plus to me and one of the reasons that I bought a US car insted of a import) and has a great accelartion great handling, and a great stereo!
Best first car!
Kyle, 04/20/2010
1998 Dodge Neon Highline 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had my neon for about a year now. I had it given to me from my parents at 98,000 miles and it now has 101,000 so you can guess that I am happy with it. I love the gas mileage and the dependability, I am not to fond of the power though. Getting on the freeway is not very fun. Overall I am just happy that I got a car that doesn't need to be in the shop every few months.
I am scared to drive my car
VeryDisappointed, 07/03/2002
1998 Dodge Neon Sport 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car new and have had nothing but problems with it. It has 34,000 miles on it and I already had it break down on me SEVERAL times. The transmission was replaced before the car even hit 30,000 miles. I am scared to drive my car most of the time because I am scared of what may happen.
Absolutely the worst car I've ever had!
JMc, 08/05/2002
1998 Dodge Neon Highline 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Absolutely the worst car I've ever had, and the worst dealer/factory service I've ever experienced...! Problems too numerous to list here. Quality control, vehicle integrity, and customer satisfaction are NOT Chrysler strong points. Premature failure of the automatic transmission at 8,000 miles. After several repeated repair attempts over 15 months by the servicing dealer, the transmission problem(s) were never corrected. A plea for assistance to DCX Canada was brushed off by a form letter boasting about how qualified their dealer service personnel are to solve technical problems. Not true. Chrysler has yet to learn the meaning of "customer satisfaction".
Die NEON Die!!!!!
OCO13, 05/30/2002
1998 Dodge Neon Highline 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I do not recommend this vehicle. I have had nothing but problems. It has blown two head gaskets and the head gasket is leaking again, which is a costly repair might I add. It runs poor, and drives horrilbe.
Years have passed
Capt M, 11/25/2002
1998 Dodge Neon R/T 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have driven this car for 5 years and it has been wonderful. It performs better than cars costing twice as much. The only minor complaints are: head gasket went out (replaced by dealer) and that it is a bit buzzy on high speed interstate driving. Otherwise, I would recommend this car to anyone!
Al Court's Evaluation
Alan G. Court, 02/04/2003
1998 Dodge Neon R/T 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Neon has plenty of pep. I find no fault with the appearance. My major concern is the space between the steering wheel and the driver's knees when there is no tilt wheel. I have Parkinson's and it takes 5 minutes for me to extract myself from the car.
98 Highline-Loved it & its xtra warranty
biogirl, 07/29/2003
1998 Dodge Neon Highline 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I'm finally getting ready to trade in my 98 Neon Highline. I liked it more than I thought I would. Never thought I'd buy Dodge after my parents' Caravan fiasco, but was short on money. Salesman did not have what I like to call "Hey Little Lady Syndrome". I was smart & got the extended warranty. thru 100K miles - definitely worth it. Never had a problem until about 99,975, when my head gasket, A/C, rear main seal?, and another oil seal went. The service staff at a nearby dealership took care of it without any "Hey Little Lady Syndrome". They even invited me into the garage to show me what was wrong so I didn't think they were scamming me.
Not that shabby
Frenchgrl9, 09/12/2003
1998 Dodge Neon Highline 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Although I did have to have a few things replaced in the car like everyone else, I was fortunate that it was under warrenty. I recently was in a wreck and the car kept me from being seriously injured. I have a neon rental car now! This one drives even better than the first and is making me think that I might try a newer neon again. I have been informed by reliable mechanics that the newer neons do not have the same problems as the others.
I got the best one!
YukiHyo, 09/17/2003
1998 Dodge Neon Highline 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My car is probably the best Neon ever made. I have driven it pretty much into the ground, but it's still going. I had NO problems until well over the 100K mark, but it's now starting to show its age at 183K miles. Until about a year ago, the only problem was a battery that quit at 116K.
My first car won me over
neonkinpatsu, 05/15/2005
1998 Dodge Neon Highline 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Crap on Wheels
DantheMan, 01/03/2004
1998 Dodge Neon Highline 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We've put about $4000 into this car, repairing things that should not break. Sun roof-4 times Head Gasket Front Transmission Seal Real Oil Seal Oil Pan Gasket Thermostat Water Pump CD Player Plus, you get to hear the eletrical sounds as they pulse through the radio. The windshield wipers sound cool, the ac has a high screetchy noise, whereas the redefrost is a low hum. No, I'm not kidding. Whenever you turn something on, you HEAR it on the radio. Stay away. Stay far away.
Reliable, Fun car
moneyshot, 11/05/2005
1998 Dodge Neon Sport 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
pretty good!
cgiven3, 03/28/2004
1998 Dodge Neon Highline 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great first/second car. It saw me through several trips back/forth from Louisiana to Illinois, including all my belongings! Roomy, fuel efficient, low-maintenance, and affordable!
I Keep Giving it One More Chance
neondeb, 04/01/2004
1998 Dodge Neon R/T 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is fun to drive, very sporty, great gas mileage (29-30). However, we had 22 service visits in first 3 years, 20 of which were for Service Engine Light! They never really knew why, but kept replacing things. After 50K miles, it mostly stopped. AC died at 50,300; after all our trouble, they did a courtesy adjustment. Sun roof has issues. One bad thing...slow- speed (20 MPH) front end collision (fender bender) completely crushed hood/fender/radiator/AC condenser! Too much damage to bother fixing, so sad to see it go.
Good Car!
Robert K., 04/12/2004
1998 Dodge Neon Highline 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is an excellent daily commuter. Nothing fancy. It runs good and the air-conditioner is great. The only negative is the headlights which become foggy over time.
Great Tow Vehicle
pacerpapa, 08/08/2004
1998 Dodge Neon Highline 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This vehicle was purchased to be towed behind our motorhome and used upon arrival at our destinations while travelling. It served us well for six years without a single problem. Just changed out the OEM battery after six and one-half years. No other repairs have been needed.
Piece of Junk, but still kinda fun
Nathan, 03/18/2006
1998 Dodge Neon Highline 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
I Heart It
LuvMyNeon, 01/14/2007
1998 Dodge Neon Highline 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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!
Perfect first time, long time car!
ch_burne2, 09/17/2011
1998 Dodge Neon R/T 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Ive had this car since about 07, when I acquired it from my mom who was the 2nd owner (originally bought from a dealership). Ive been driving it since I was 16 so its been through a lot. Aside from regular maintenance this car has been very low maintenance. Ive had the oil changed about every 5k miles and a few tune-ups but this car has not asked for much more. In terms of repairs this is what Ive had to have done: -brakes a couple times in 7 years -fuel pump twice (wear in the fuel line which was unnoticed) -various parts of the cooling system Still has the original clutch after 13 years! This car lasts forever if you care enough.
very safe car!
BLUEGREENNEONLUVR, 04/07/2003
1998 Dodge Neon R/T 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I think this is a GREAT car, I was in a accident where i was hit in the rear really hard, and the persons car went up under my car and just scratched my rear I feel so safe in this car,I lost my other car in an accident, this was my second car, i really like it allot. Nice design, my husband has a sound system in it and it sounds great! It good on gas,handles well. I recommend it.
OK car, but not built to last
april, 05/29/2007
1998 Dodge Neon Highline 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Best car I've owned
Allen, 10/18/2007
1998 Dodge Neon Sport 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought the 5speed manual version new in fall of 1997, for my 50 mile commute. Has never quit on me. No repairs, just normal maintenance. The dealer called me in to replace the head gasket early on. Now has 233,000 miles and it just keeps going. I check my gas mileage every fillup, and it's averaged 35mpg. This car has got to rank up there as one of the best automotive values in history.
dawn
Dawn, 01/17/2003
1998 Dodge Neon Sport 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
runs good looks good
fun for cheap
98neonrt, 02/20/2003
1998 Dodge Neon R/T 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
my experience has been good with the 98 neon r/t. just look at it for what it's wortha cheap car. build quality and dash components need some work. performance and fun are high points. car corners like a dreamonly 2500 lbs dodge has done a great job with suspension. the dohc requires premium gas, but you get better gas mileage (29/38 mpg) and more power from the engine (150hp.) the seats may feel tight for normal people, but just right for small/skinny people. abs, sun roof, dohc, etc. are some good options. the rear windows didn't come as automatic, though. 5th gear whines and can get a little loud. it's a darn good car for the price.
HEAD GASKET
neonrt, 01/08/2003
1998 Dodge Neon Highline 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Dodge seriously needs to get off the butt and recall the dodge neon head gasket. Im getting ready to replace mine, but the repair is costly and i really dont want to do the work but im not going to pay someone for something that i can do. Dodge on the other hand has had many complaints though different people and still no response from dodge. Its bullshit and dodge needs to show customer support. I will never buy another dodge and i hope that if you have a neon and have replaced the head gasket, to call dodge and complain, also if you have a neon and have not replaced the head gasket, get ready to do so!
It Keeps Going
Jimmy W, 06/05/2003
1998 Dodge Neon Highline 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this 1998 Neon from a friends son to have as a highway vehicle. I bought it in non-running conditon with under 100000 miles on it and it was in POOR shape. I towed it home, replaced the head with one I found on eBay (for about 250.00) and some other parts (total cost was under 350.00 + my time). After shampooing the interior several times, new floor mats and a clay bar + wax job the car has ran 20,000+ miles without ANY PROBLEMS!! I don't even bother to change the oil, i just make sure it is topped off and that the car idles fine. It isn't the prettiest thing on the road but I can't believe how this car never dies. A Great buy for anyone...
Dodge Neon
Robert McLacklin, 06/15/2003
1998 Dodge Neon Sport 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had much fun driving this vehicle the last month. I purchased it from Regency Dodge and am very pleased with it thus far. I plan to purchase my next car or truck with them in the future.
20 years later, it has it where it counts.
Jerry S, 04/21/2017
1998 Dodge Neon R/T 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Not a bad time for a 20th Anniversary review. For a car with 250+ miles, this little machine still goes. We bought it as emergency transportation when our minivan's tranny blew and my wife still calls it her baby. When we bought it, it was dirty and needed some TLC. The speedometer hadn't worked for a while. It turns out a little soldering on some contact points fixed it. The job took about an hour and cost nothing. Brake pads have been replaced twice since we've had it, it takes about an hour per axle to replace. It could use new paint, but its tough to justify the cost. But....at 20 years old and 250k,....when you step on the gas, it jumps. When you're on the highway, you can take it to 80 mph without any vibration or shuddering. There is no play in the wheel, it feels like a new car when changing lanes or cornering. There is no roll when you take a corner faster than you should. We've since bought an 08 Corolla and the driving feel is night and day. The Corolla has that econo car feel.. light, like its going to be blown off the highway. The Neon feels like it grips the road. Ours has no power anything, not even cruise control, (our kids couldn't figure out how to get the manual windows down) but its clear that Dodge put the money in the motor and the chassis. Very, very well built.
- Performance
Dee's Car
Katie, 04/20/2022
1998 Dodge Neon R/T 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
One year off from Dee's 1997 Dodge Neon in It's Always Sunny. First car. Love it more than anything. Bought it at 143000km and went until 170000km before an oil change with no problems. She is so reliable. Love her to death.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
dawn
dawn, 01/17/2003
1998 Dodge Neon Sport 4dr Sedan
0 of 2 people found this review helpful
runs good looks good