Used 2004 Dodge Neon Sedan Consumer Reviews
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neon-oh yeah!
Please convey to Chrysler....this car is a "must" to stay in the line up! Americans will want to stay with this American design.
very cool
really cool car; fast too.
- SXT SedanMSRP: $4,575501 mi away
- SRT-4 SedanMSRP: $11,495598 mi away
- SXTMSRP: $3,995635 mi away
prefer it to my 87 celica gt
I consider the Neon to be among the most under-rated cars on the road. It's faster and handles better than the poor man's Porsche that I drove from '90- '93, and has gotten me up many a steep slipery slope in winter. It's the second one I've owned, the first was a '96 and very satisfactory, and this '03 is better in every way.
Great Car, No Problems!
I bought my car in July of 03. Its an '03 SE model in Black (not much different from the '04 SE) I'm a college student & I needed a car that was reliable & that could handle being driven on 6 hr long road trips between my school and home, aswell as a car that looked & felt good to drive. When I test drove it I knew this was the car I wanted. Ive had no mechanical problems. I've added a spoiler & CD player, plus other things that I will install shortly. Interestingly enough, if I had to do it again I wouldn't buy it, only because after I got my car I noticed other cars that looked sportier, but I definitely don't regret getting my Neon!
Awesome car but...
Awesome car, I love it. It's fun to drive, sporty, and fast. Bought the bright silver, looks great in the sun, rims are nice, don't look too stock like, interior nice enough that it doesn't look cheap.
Great car
It has a lot of pep for a 4 cylinder. It has a roomy back seat. Front seats are comfortable and visibilty is great for a short person like me. I like the tilt wheel and automatic door locks. The air conditioning is very efficient and the service I receive from the dealership is excellent.
Dissapointment Abound
Less than 1 year and it has been in the shop at least 7 times. The worst being after 6 months I was told that the engine came off the motor mount. It was a good thing they finally found it after several tries. I recently took it for the power outlet kept shorting and blowing the fuse for the locking system. They told me my phone was to powerful to charge in it and that I would have to pay to get a stronger outlet installed. ARE YOU SERIOUS. Needless to say after several attempts to get my care properly repaired I am giving up. Time to SELL
it's pretty good
My neon gets me from point A to point B, i would like the faster SRT-4 but for now this car ROCKS!
What am I doing in this car?
I thought the last car I would be seen in is a Neon, but my opinion changed after looking at a Stratus at a Dodge dealer, deciding it was too much money (at my yearly mileage, leasing is not a good option) and test-driving a Neon SXT. With a power sunroof, 15" alloy wheels and an above average stereo, I was impressed. Very little wind noise with all the windows closed. Great handling, decent pickup and turning on the air conditioner didn't make the car bog down. I was aware of the other cars in my price range and was satisfied that this was the car for me.
Disappointed
We have had the car 10 months. In the last 2 months we have had the car back to the dealer because of airconditioning or transmission problems. They are uncertain and have had to bring in a chrysler specialist to help find the problem. This is the 3rd trip back, total days w/o car 15days. When the airconditioner is on the car seems to continuosley hesitate and jerk as if the car is gonna die out. We are afraid to drive anywhere long distance. Cute car, fun to drive, disappointing outcome.
Ooomph says it all
Great lil stylish car that just happens to have a lil oomph. With the overdrive you feel as though you should be in a higher gear than what you really need to be. But it's great once you get use to it. But then again I say that about all manual transmissions.
Good car for the money
Great Car for the money, and very sporty when you opt out for the SXT model with sport appearence package.
29/36 mpg? yeah right!
I drive me neon sxt to and from work, all highway. At night when there is no traffic I set the cfruise control at 70, and the best gas mileage I ever got was 31 mpg! I cant believe dodge claims 36 on the highway; not even possible. Other than that, this car has been good to me, except that the trade-in value after a year already puts me $4,000 in the hole on my loan.
sporty
great power fun to drive
Disappointed
This car is nothing but trouble. My speedometer chip, cam sensor, both front window motors , a rear door motor, have all gone out and now it always over heats. My best friend bought one too and her transmission went out at 50,000 miles. All this car is good for is looking at. Don't buy this car unless you like paying rapair costs all the time. I will never buy a dodge again let alone a neon. These cars have major problems and the dealers are very dishonest people too.
N/A
This vehicle is very comfortable and well equipped for city traffic. Also this is a very good all around driving machine.
2004 Dodge Neon
I just recently purchased my Dodge Neon and so far I have been pleased with its performance. It's nice and roomie on the inside for me and my friends. I think that the front seat comfort is better than backseat comfort. Sound system is great for my ears. I like having 6 disc CD changer as well as tape and AM/FM radio capabilities. It's gas mileage is not as good as previous car (Ford Festiva), but I will get used to it. Plus, I now drive slower to keep the RPM's down and use gas more wisely.
A step up from my cavalier
I had a cavalier for four years...lasted me from 97,000 miles to 129,000. I just bought a 2004 neon sxt and I am getting more for my money. For 18,000 (the same price as a sedan cavalier) I am getting a six cd changer, spoiler, sunroof/moonroof..options that would have pushed the price to 20,000 on a cavalier. And I got a great warranty!!! couldn't go wrong.
Nice Car
The car is fun and has good handling going around curves. The car also has a decent sound system.
First Dodge
Just picked up my Neon yesterday. I must admit I never could see myself owning a 4 cylinder engine car, but this one has a lot of pep. The salesman put me in the showroom car and then when we figured my 6/2 frame could fit in it. I went outside and picked out my graphite colored car. So far I have driven back and forth to work. But this week I get a chance to really drive it.
Not a happy camper
Needless to say I have had my Neon SXT for A month and so. I have been to the dealer close to the 4th time, Same Issue. Go figure. I have received the worst customer service from the dealership. then they expect you to give them good reviws on the customer review letters HAHA. Main Issue has been the fuel gauge. DOES NOT READ Correctly. A few rattles which I really don't care. Let's see if i can get it replaced. By the way I agree with the Trunk lid Review, it feels like it is gonna break your rear window.
GREAT LITTLE NEON SXT
I have had my car about 2 months now.I like it very much. Quite alot of room inside so you dont feel cramped. The trunk also has alot of room. The ride is pretty smooth. Seems to handle well in rain. Havent tried snow yet. Im very happy with it and think I made a good choice.
Sporty Fun
Always loved Dodge cars. Previously owned the last 1999 2 door Neon Coupe with very standard features, but I liked it. My new 2004 Neon SXT Sedan is definitley a step up and found vast improvements, especially with audio & smoother ride. Very stylish with fog lamps and rear spoiler. Enjoy driving this vehicle very much. Trying to learn the CD controls is a bit of a challenge. The best feature is the smooth braking. Money-wise, it was a good deal, especially if you can get rebats like I did ($3500), plus with a trade-in, the final cost was lower than what I paid for my 1999 Neon brand new. I can't complain, I love this car.
fun compact
dodge has taken a good car and made it better. The second generation neon is not as performance minded as the first, but it is far more comforatable to drive, and is far more refined.
A Good Buy
I bought this car brand new off the lot in April 2004. The features are great for the MSRP, including a great stereo, ice cold air, and power windows up front. While the rear windows are crank, it's not a big deal because they're easy to roll down with only a few cranks. The build materials seem pretty durable and tight so far as I have put about 4500 miles on it and there hasn't been one rattle or squeek. The suspension seems like a good comprimise between a touring ride and good handling. The engine can be what some would consider choppy at idle, but it has a nice sound and a great sweet spot right around 4000 RPM.
Homer
Very fun to drive. Good controls layout and excellent stereo.
TWICE AS NICE
I purchased my first neon in 2000 and was pleasantly surprised. It handles great in the snow. I was in need of a car for my 21 year old daughter and bought her the 2004 neon. I thought the reliability, design, comfort and price was perfect.Great colors to choose from. The neon had all the options/safety features I wanted for a car. My daught loved the car, even more with all the compliments she received.
At 11K - So Far So Good!
I purchased my Neon SXT back in March of this year, and thus far, all is going well! The basic design, comfort and build quality are excellent for the price point. The seats and interior room house my 6'3" frame quite well, and the dash layout is a model of organization (if not materials quality). The auto tranny is awful however, and the gas mileage has never risen to my expectations for the car. Beyond all such simple reviews however, has been the car's durability and build quality. While I have only placed 11,000 miles on the odometer, those miles have been squeek, rattle and mechanical failings free. If the car remains reliable, I would wholeheartedly reccomend this car!
First New Car.
I was shopping for a new car and went to many other dealerships. I saw this vehicle and thought it was very sporty. I drove the car and the ride was smooth and the features were very good and good space for traveling.The deal I got was incredible and this dealership in Philly,pa bent over backwards to please.
sharon's car
i love my car--- i do alot of driving it handles the road well. its very comfortable to drive. it does fit a 6'5" tall guy.
Great little car
Purchased as a commuter car, This little car has a lot of features. great buy for the money
DOWNSIZED
I RECENTLY FOUND IT NESSESARY TO DOWNSIZE FROM A 2003 MALIBU LS TO THIS 2004 NEON SXT. THIS LOWERED MY PAYMENT BY ABOUT $100.00 A MONTH. WHAT I DIDN'T KNOW WAS THAT IT WOULD COST ABOUT $200.00 A YEAR MORE TO INSURE, AND I LIKED THE 70,000 MILE DRIVETRAIN WARRANTY UNTIL I FOUND OUT THAT THE ROUTINE MAINTENCE WAS SOMETHING THAT COULD VOID THE WARRANTY IF NOT THE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE WAS NOT FOLLOWED.
2004 Dodge Neon SXT
At 26000 miles the check engine light came on. Other than that everything has been fine so far. I get oil changes when its due.
Great Little Car!
Have had great fun with this car....super looking exterior, comfortable interior, good gas mileage. Very reliable, none of the ittle glitches you sometimes get with new cars. The dealership is excellent as well, convenient, friendly.
Good for the money... I guess
I got the car 2 years ago because I needed something more reliable to drive to work. It has done a fair job for much, much less then a Mazda.
Great for the price
The power-to-weight ratio is great. I replaced the air filter with a K&N direct replacement, then pulled the OEM exhaust off and added a Flowmaster 30 series exhaust, and brought the intake air temperature readings down by 4.7k-ohms. The result? Basically, I bought a new '04 Neon, and added the $135 in parts above to it, and now I get about 40 mpg on 89 octane, not to mention the fact that I can run a 15.7 in the quarter-mile. The power/economy side of this car is very attractive. The interior is roomy for a compact, but not too flashy. The ride is comfortable and handling is tight. The external body lines are somewhat outdated, but acceptable, Overall, this is a great car for the money.
New to me '04 Neon
I got this '04 SXT used with 85,777 miles on it. I test drove it twice and loved it. Was easy to back into the space on the dealer's lot on the first drive. Only had to take it back 1 time for a diagnostic code 0340. The dealer also programmed the door remote I purchased elsewhere and gave me another when I took it in for the 0340 code. It has been fun to drive. It is a bit noisy on the highway and rough roads, but come on, it is not a Lexus. I am not regretting buying it. I have an '05 PT Conv and the dash is almost identical. I did get the 6 cd changer in the Neon - love it. It's a little low to the ground, but will get bigger tires/wheels when tires need replacing.
Used 04 Neon -84000 miles
I got this Neon used. It was time to get something in better shape than my 94 Camry. After a second trip back to the Dodge dealer for electrical issues (it died periodically for no apparant reason) it has been pretty much flawless. It was a bit sluggish - but it is only a 4 banger, so I tried putting in a K&N air filter and what a difference that made. It is not the quietest interior, but just turn up the CD player volume a little more. I've been very pleased with getting this as a second vehicle for running around town in.
Not so good
Have had this thing for about 2 years and bought it practically new(7000km) it now has 71,000. It has definintely not been my favorite car. I quality is very lacking. There are so many squeaks and things it drive me nuts. Power is on the weak side for me and I find the brakes are not the greatest either. The stock tires were garbage. I have a number of problems I don't feel I should have had. The engine is the most unrefined thing I have ever driven. Lots of vibrations at idle. In my opinion this is a cheap and cheaply made car. I would not buy another.
Fun To Drive, Big Go-Cart
The 2004 Neon was a vast improvement over previous years of this vehicle I had owned. It looked sporty and it still had the fun driveability that I had loved in this car. I have experienced no maintenance problems, but I did opt for the 70,000 7 year optional warranty just in case.
reliable car
This is a car has a very low maintenance but expensive parts when they got to be replace. I had to replace the tires only 1 time @ 75,000 miles, change the plugs and wires, fr brakes once. Now I got to replace the fr. struts. I think this is not bad after having 95,000 miles on the car.
Cute But Fragile
This car does not fare well in accidents, even minor fender benders. My car was totaled in a 35 mph collision that caused both airbags to release. Repairs to the fragile exterior were expensive and negated the savings of the initial purchase price. The car handles well, though, and has s spunky little engine.
Econo Dodge
I had a wonderful bright red neon. Unfortunately I got in an accident (not my fault) a couple weeks ago and due to the low value of the car the small damage to it totaled the car. Although, my car was hit and it spun a 180 and ran into a curb and all I've got is a bruise on my leg. Pretty good I'd say. If you're a safe driver and you want something reliable and cute with great mpg, get a neon (especially if you're a bit low on cash). I only had the base model and it was a great little car.
Sealer fail
Trouble with motor mounts, A/C, radio, and failure of paint sealer.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Dont do it! Cheap tranny!
i got this car with only 50,000 miles on it had tranny serviced car automatic was shifting rough and getting stuck and shifting. had this problem fixed before and it came back after a year! Besides that no other issues car only has 70,000 miles on it
Decent at first
Decent little car at first but now with 60K miles on it, it's becoming a nightmare. We've had to replace (under extended warranty): Radiator (it blew mixing trans fluid and coolant together), transmission, 2 transmission solenoid packs, lower control arm bushings, radio, motor mount, coil pack, fuel pump, rear wheel cylinders and now something is clunking and popping in the front end....again.
Has a Weak Link
My wife's 04 SXT still has under 70,000 miles on it. Recently, the radiator blew. This sent transmission fluid into the engine, and coolant into the transmission. New radiator install, $350. Tranny rebuild $1,800. The transmission shop said, "We see this all the time." Dodge counts on you being a foolish American consumer, wrapped up in keeping up with the Jones'. My 92 Toyota Tercel with 170,000 miles on it is not a chick magnet but when a lady wants to go out for the night, rest assured I can get her there. Shame on you Dodge, I am sure this is only the start of Neon failures.
So far so good!
Had this baby for little over 2 years and I love it, not sure what most people are complaint about if you keep up with normal maintenance it should be fine in my two years of owning it I've put almost 30,000 miles on it and haven't had a thing go wrong with it except changing the battery. Great car to start with as long as its an 02 or newer neon. I'll agree with the others, I wish they kept making it I would buy another one :)