Used 2003 Dodge Neon Consumer Reviews
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Eh
Frankly, this car really didn't light my fire. I really would've rather gone with a Ford Focus or Mazda Protege for the money.
Owner
I like the comfort and the sound system. When the air conditioner is on, it seems to drag a little. Drive's good in pouring rain, not much hydroplaning.
Great Little Car
Somewhere along the way I heard the Neon is a throw-away car. Something to get you from point A to B...no frills. Well I was wrong! This car has been wonderful the past year. The little car really has some get up and go for a 2.0! Nothing like the doggy 1.9 liter in a Ford or Saturn. It gets good gas milage about 26mpg. The radio sounds great! Not tinny like in some cheaper cars. This car is as dependable as it is fun! I live in MN where it has gotten to -15 and the car still started with no problems. It even handles good in the snow and ice.
easy to love
No problems at all as of yet. Very easy to maintain. Decent size for me and the boys.
Lovin' my R/T
Overall I have been very pleased with the purchase of my R/T. It's loaded including side impact air bags, key- less entry, traction control, pwr moonroof, CD changer, etc. and the price tag was still under $20,000. It also has good gas mileage, sporty looks, more spacious interior than I was expecting and can handle my aggressive driving habits. The only downfall....it doesn't hold it's value!
SRT-4 = Compact muscle
This car performs better than many cars that cost much more. It may have the shell of the Neon econobox rental, but it's a totally different animal under the hood. Do not buy one of these cars unless you want to feel some g-force while under full throttle. They are true performance vehicles. I've had 0 problems with this car. I'm still amazed after 1-1/2 years of ownership :wink:
Don't buy a dodge
Had to replace both front wheel bearings at 34,000 74,000 and 100,000 miles. Thats right 3 times. Transmission and radiator at 90,000 pads and rotors 3 times and many check engine light problems
It would be nice IF
This car with a manual transmission cannot pass a gas station without stopping for a drink.When I first drove it my gas milage was 16 MPG a far cry from the sticker that claims 39 highway & 30 city.By shifting so that I'm driving in 4th gear at 30 miles an hour.I finally got 30 MPG but half was highway in 5th gear & I can Hear the transmission complain. The dealership claims that car is within specs and there is no fix. The key has a computer chip in it so that I cannot make an under $80 duplicate & carry it in my wallet. The radio antenna does not telescope into the car pillar making likely to break off,city reception is poor.
Been in the shop 4 times.
I bought this car to drive back and forth from college and home which is a 400 mile trip. This car was fine for the first eight months of ownership. It has real hesitation starting sometimes, chugs and has been in the shop 4 times because the engine light comes on. I feel this car has faulty craftsmanship and low quality parts.
Little Buttercup
Fabulous fun car that is also practical (4-dr sedan). This is a great commute car when there are no traffic jams. Added custom orange and red graphics (real paint) really dress up this little yellow sedan.
Good Value
Car has worked real efficiently. I drive lots of miles each day and I needed a reliable inexpensive mode of transportation. It has a sporty feel and corners very well for an economy car. The sound system is impressive as well.
More room than it appears to have
After a year of ownership, I am pleasantly surprised by the Dodge Neon. This car has been driven in the winters of Northern PA, has made a trip from PA to FL, and has handled the summer heat of Central Florida. In all conditions, the car has performed flawlessly. The gas mileage is quite good, the ride is comfortable, and there is much more room than I would have expected. Service from the Dodge dealerships has been very good, and I would recommend this car to anyone that is looking for a smaller car with mid-size comfort.
This is a Great Car.
This a great car to drive. It looks like a sports car without the expense of owning one. It has a powerful engine for a 4 Cylinder car. I got my car from 0 to 60 in about 5 and 1/3 seconds. Good on turns. Nice Stereo system, six speakers, cd player, good range on FM and AM stations. Nice trunk space.
Visibility quite poor
For shorter drivers I feel as if I'm sitting on the floor, I cannot see hood and visibility, frame thickness between windows, has almost cost me 3 wrecks in 1 1/2 years. The gas milage they advertise is not quite accurate.;-( And it has locked me out with car running with the electronic door lock settings! Please keep spare key handy!When cold the engine has a loud tick as if ready to throw a rod and the brakes squeal when wet or cold. They say this is normal? Why only front power windows? And the front window keeps coming off track. Glove box too small can barely fit gloves and owners manual inside! And a real neck breaker to view cd changer.Impossible to clean between front seats.
Neon
Performance is great with 5 speed manual tranny. Car is a looker. MPG is acceptable (getting 30 mpg overall). This ain't a Corvette, so saying performance is poor... bad logic! If you want racing speed, buy the Vette at $ 31,000 more! The car has a 7 yr, 70,000 warranty on the engine and tranny, so take it to the dealer under warranty, if you maintained it properly!? With cash back and lease incentives this car cost me $ 11,000 brand new! About six thousand less than a Honda Civic! Have 53,000 miles with only normal maintenance costs, plus $320 for new bushings in front suspension. Amazing how people buy a low sticker price car then expect BMW performance!
Excellent, Inexpensive and lots of style
I have had this car for 16 months and 23000 miles. Ride and handling are very good. Very reliable, awesome styling, especially for a single mom with two boys ages 13 and 9. They LOVE this car. Mileage is great; I routinely get 30+ mpg and that is normal driving, no highways. This car is a 5 speed. I'm smiling all the way to the gas pumps! For a front wheel drive sporty car, it is the best handling car I've had in the snow and winter weather. And this car does not have ABS either.
my 2003 neon
I recently bought a 2003 neon. I have never really liked neons in the past, so I was sure that I wouldn't want one. When I saw this car for the first time, I actually was impressed. The body style and interior were nice. The car drives good, and it has more power than I expected. I am very satisfied with this car.
Not bad
Almost 2 years of ownership and no major problems. The rear brakes squeak when damp--dealer says they all do that. Gas mileage consistently 33. Most comfortable seats of any car I've owned--drove 12 hours straight without an ache! Sound system is awesome for the car's price. Ride is decent. Visibility out is poor--wide A-pillar; high spoiler. Very solid--not a squeak or rattle. Great highway cruiser.
Great Value
I think this is a terrific little car, 28,000 Miles and no problems. Good gas mileage, handles well, much roomier that expected. For the price this vehicle should be at the top of every list!
A sporty gem
I recently purchased a 2003 Neon SXT. I found this car to be value-packed and priced better than many of the imports. It feels like a more substantial car than the Nissan Sentra and Mazda Protege' and costs thousands less (with available 2K rebate) than the 2003 Toyota Corolla (still a very dull car, particularly the interior) and Honda Civic.
SO FAR SO GOOD !
This is my first NEON , not my first chrysler product. I bought it for the price ( I work for D/C ) employee discount and all that . so far so good . it has 9500 mi only a loose door check I fixed it myself witha 10mm socket. it is getting about 34 mpg now , it has gotten better it was 31 when i first checked .
Fun Car At Great Price
The car only cost me $ 11,500 after rebates. A Honda Civic EX was $ 5,000 more! The car is quick with the manual tranny, looks sportier than Honda and others in this class of cars. No mechanical problems after 24 months and 22,000 miles, handles great (in snow). Where can you get a new car so cheap, with many of the gadgets offered on cars costing several thousand bucks more, and look better than all the competition in the market segment? I get about 28 mpg average (60% city).
2003 SRT4
The SRT4 is really fun to drive and by far the best bang for the buck in performance. Hands down. I have owned one for two years now and the car has performed beyond my expectations, leaving a long list of other "quick cars" in the dust. Just to name a few, I have embarrased drivers of Mustang GT's, Camaro V8's, WRX's, 350 Z's, G35's, Sentra SER's, and Audi TT's. Some of these cars put up a better fight than others. The SRT was even able to keep up with such hot rods as the Audi S4 (4.2L V8, 340 HP) and the new Mustang GT (V8, 300 HP). Some will doubt this, naturally, but it is true in my experience. However, the car is a hot rod and should be driven with care, especially in bad weather.
SRT-4 is AWSOME
This is the ost fun I've had for years.
Neon Love
I am a 2 time owner of the Neon R/T model. First was a 99 R/T sedan, which I loved. The car was great, only issue was the head gasket. Now I've had my 03 for over a year and I'm as in love with this car more and more every day. Reliability GREAT, Looks GREAT, Performance GREAT, Options GREAT. I love to drive, but I also have a family. This car puts a smile on your face through the twisties and hulls the family in class and comfort. Class is something the 99 fell short on, but not this little lady. Buy one you won't regret it.
I miss my 2000 5M Neon!
I had a purple 2000 Neon with the 5 speed. I bought it for commuting, but quickly discovered that it was a blast to drive. The interior is very intuitive and the cupholders are wonderful. The sound system was incredible for a base model. Why do people trash Neons and their owners???
SRT-4
Fun to drive! Awesome power that requires some skill to maximize. Handling is excellent with a touch of understeer. Finish and fit seems to be very good. This is not a quiet car to drive. It sounds like it runs, fast! I did not find the exhaust to be objectionable after a 1500 mile drive returning from Florida where I purchased it.
So far so good
My neon so far has been alright. However at 42 miles I noticed a small transmission lea k so I took it to the dealership to have it looked at and it turned out that the casing around the transmission was to porus and it was seeping fluid though. TO repair the problem they had to replace the whole transmission I am a little scared that I might have gotton a lemon but I am remaining hopeful.
Daily commute rocks!
We paid over MSRP in April 2003 when these just came out. We weren't planning on a new car, but I was compelled by the performance and my wife had the same reaction to the styling. (Ours is yellow). We took a test drive, and the first thing we noticed is that this is NOT a Neon. The build was very tight. Special attention went into these cars. With limited production, Dodge wanted to make a statement. The SRT line was unveiled And we had to have it. Words to describe this car: Practical, economical, exhilarating, and reliable. We had to justify using this as a family car. A) the back seat was very roomy, and the trunk was spacious. B.) We get 29-30 MPG hwy and 25-26 daily driving.
Good car for me.
Bought new at the beginning of 2003, now have 110000 miles on it. Haven't had to much trouble with it in 6 years, had transmission replaced at 60002 miles under warranty, had to have steer rack replace six months ago since there was a loose passenger side tie rod(it was probably from hit a curb in a parking lot several years), and am currently have the alternator replaced. I'm not one to keep up with the maintenance schedule, fix it as it needs it. Most of the few other things that I have done are all normal things that wear out with mileage. Over all been very reliable, did have to have in towed a couple of weeks ago, one of the original rear brakes locked up, but it has been 110,000 miles.
My very first new car
I bought this car after owning a full- sized Dodge van. I'm 6'3" tall, about 340 pounds...and I FIT! My girlfriend has a Hyundai and I'm cramped. I've taken the Neon on long road trips, the AC is FANTASTIC, get a little better than posted mileage (about 34 on a 4sp auto) on road trips, and have had no problems, other than some annoyances when it was new that were fixed immediately by the dealer. Because of the engine design (short piston skirts to save weight), however, it does tend to get a bit of piston slap when it's really cold outside, but it does go away in about 30 seconds or so after the car idles. Not harmful, just annoying. It gets lots of attention when it does that! :-)
Great Car
We have two 2003 neons and even though we have had bigger and better vehicles the gas mileage and economy of these cars is better than any truck or suv. Fun to drive and you do not have to watch the fuel gauge go down rapidly after it reaches half full.
2003 Neon SXT
Wait for the promos / discounts and grab one. Features vs. Price - this car is an exceptional value. Fun to drive and responsive. Great sound system and inside much roomier and better thought out than it's competitors. Don't listen to the reviewers touting the imports - cost vs. value vs. cost to own - this car rates at the top. The sticker may say 16k, but wait for the right promo and you'll grab one for 11k - see if Toyota will give you this much car for that price - not on your life!
This car is alright
I got more than I bagained for with this vehicle. I tried looking for all that I wanted with the Civic, Corolla, Focus, and Jetta. It gave gave me all of that with a nice price. Yeah there is noise but it is awesome to drive.
03 SXT
I am glad I bought a 2003 NEON SXT. I am within my budget. It is the second most inexpensive vehicle in this category when compared to Civic LX, Corolla S, Protege LX, Focus SE, Lancer, and Elantra GLS. I was going to buy an Elantra, but the insurance was to high. The fuel rating in the sticker said 33 MPG. I think it's less than that. I have to refill the gas tank for every 265 miles driven. I may sell my NEON in exchange for a fuel economy car.
First New Car
I studdied alot of cars and this one just stood out. All of the features and rebates made this car a real winner. The performance is great with the 5 speed and i love the standard six cd changer. All in all the best $14000 I ever spent.
My first car was a disaster
Needed a car to get to work and college. Bought a used 2003 Dodge Neon from dealership with 54,000 miles on it. Ran great for the first few months. Then it idled rough so I replaced spark plugs and wires. Ran good for a while. Had trans flushed at 62,000 miles and things went downhill. Radiator ruptured two months later. Trans fluid leaked out, coolant fluid contaminated the trans. Replaced radiator. At 68,500 miles had AAMCO inspect it. Said trans was good but needed to replace motor mounts.The day before Thanksgiving the transmission went(71,000 miles) Mechanic says the coolant fluid that got in the trans, destroyed it. Thought it would be an easy maintenance first car. Boy was I wrong!
So far so good
I bought this car in Feb of '03. Now with 40k miles, no problems to report other then my 3rd synchro going out and multiple torque mounts breaking on me. It's really a love/hate thing with this specific car. Either you love it cause you're an OG neon owner like myself, or hate it cause it got caught with the old Neon stigma. Truthfully I don't think I will ever part with it. I love it that much!
Dodge Neon SXT 2003
Just bought SXT, traded in a KIA.... need I say more. So far so good, love the sportiness. Only have 350 miles on it, but I already love it. Owned a 98 Neon Expresso and 99 Neon R/T, new, after other non-dodge products.... we went back to the most reliable....
SRT4
This car is amazing, I tested the SRT4 against the Civic Si and Focus SVT and they couldn't even come close.
mostly positive
I purchased a 2003 sxt 4 door in october. I haven't had any problems with the car. The gas mileage really needs to be worked on. I have a friend who drives a 1995 neon and she gets better gas mileage than me. Even the chevy cavy's got better gas mileage. The car handles curves and turns like a dream.
A GREAT FIRST NEW CAR
I bought this 2003 neon back in Oct. 2002, and haven't had any problems as of yet. I would say to all this is a very good car to consider.
Good Buy for the money
Alot of car for the money. Gas mileage could be better
Great little car
I'm 6'3" tall and I fit in this small car. It was one criteria when I purchased it. Great sounding audio system. The automatic is a bit doggy, but I'm not a race driver. Easy to park with little front end thanks to the cab forward design. Taken it on long trips and even slept in it overnight. Wish it had power rear windows, though. Lots of head and legroom for tall people. Safety rating---I ride a motorcycle and no matter how it fared on the safety tests, it's better than a bike. Has enough power to get out of its own way, so hopefully accidents can be avoided. Handles well in high winds and stops quickly when necessary.
Red Rocket
This car is awesome. It is very fun to drive. Very good value for the price. Its NOT a NEON!!! It may resemble a neon, but you will have to drive one to truely understand.
Wow
For the money this car cannot be ebat
Solar Yellow to my Eyes
Purchased 2003, 11 miles, Solar Yellow SXT 5spd at invoice and revieved what I wanted on trade-in. I just can't keep my eyes of the Solar Yellow paint. Interstate driving was smooth and enjoyable at 75mph. Stock stereo decent. Slate interior attractive. I found seats to be comfortable, and plenty of places to store items. Easy access in & out of the back seats. Plenty of trunk space. Keyless entry nice bonus. Will use Royal Purple synthetic oil @ 3000 miles to add years to engines life. Two thumbs up from me. :)
Great Car
I drove the heck out of this car for 13 months before trading it for an 04 R/T which I only did because I found out the R/Ts were discontinued. I traded an '00 Neon for the '03. Fabulous, and terribly underrated by automotive writers too heavily biased against American cars.
The best first car ever!
I love, I mean love this car! wicked fun to drive, and so easy to handle. I fell for it when my eyes saw it, so cute and really reliable
LOVE IT!
After purchase, I dropped it 2 inches and put on rims, intake, and exhaust. I took it to VA and got 34-36mpg in it. The intake and exhaust really brings that little motor to life. This is my second Neon and I think I'm hooked.