1997 Plymouth Neon Review

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List Price Estimate:	$512 - $1,210

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Plymouth Neon model years

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Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Fast, sporty, basic transportation. This good looking car costs less than most of its competitors and is much more fun to drive.

Cons

Vehicle overview

Into its fourth model year, some of the Neon's light is beginning to wane. Initially considered to be one of the best new compact cars on the market, the Neon's sales are beginning to suffer from poor reliability scores, excessive wind noise, and the increasingly good cars being offered by the competition.

Despite this, we still like the Neon. It is undeniably cute and it bests all of its competitors in the fun-to-drive category. It offers more interior room than most of the cars in the compact class, and has nice interior ergonomics. Front seats are comfortable and the rear seats can actually be occupied by adults. Highline sedan models can also be fitted with an integrated child seat, a definite bonus for young families or grandparents who cart their grandkids around often.

Our favorite Neon is the Base model equipped with the Competition Package. This is basically the same car that is used in Neon Challenge races sponsored by Chrysler Corporation. By choosing it, you'll get the 2.0-liter DOHC engine that makes 150-horsepower, a power bulge hood, quick-ratio steering, aluminum wheels, performance tires, four-wheel disc brakes and some cool graphics. Throw on a set of antilock brakes and get ready for some serious canyon running.

Unfortunately, the reliability bugaboo haunts the Neon at almost every turn. 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.

For 1997 Plymouth address the Neon's most nagging complaint; noise. By installing a structural oil pan, Plymouth hopes that the added rigidity will quiet the Neon's rattly chassis. Other changes for the 1997 Neon are cosmetic; new wheels, new paint and new interior fabrics for the most part.

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 Plymouth dealer and drive off in one of the best small cars available today.

1997 Highlights

The 1997 Neons are made quieter with the addition of a structural oil pan. Other changes include new optional radios, a new seat fabric, new wheels and wheel covers and a few new paint colors.

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 1997 Plymouth Neon.

5(37%)

4(31%)

3(15%)

2(17%)

1(0%)

3.9

19 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

Good Car!

happy,happy,05/16/2002

2dr Coupe

One of my favorite cars, (I have 7) Never lets me down. Bought used at 43,000 miles. In 35,000 miles I have fixed..... NOTHING! I do my own maintenence, oil plugs, etc. It's faster and handles better then my antique Italian sports car! (No, it's not a Fiat!) My only complaint is wind noise, so far I've been too lazy to adjust the window angle so it's my own fault.

Fun and Comfort for a small auto

Mit,09/24/2002

Expresso 4dr Sedan

I have had this Neon since 1998. Brought it with 10,000 miles on it. This car has been put to the test and has held up. Of course Head Gasket went at 52,000 miles. So I replaced the timming belt at same time. Has had couple of other small problems but with 88,000 hard miles this car has held up. If you can find a auto with no repairs needed you are just lucky. All

My Perfect Car

Neon Lover,10/02/2002

2dr Coupe

Since I was 15, I wanted a Neon. At the age od 20 when I finally got a license and save dup I purchased one. It was a 2 door 1997. My Neon was perfect. It was there whenever I needed it; for late night food runs or appointments at the salon. I didn't have any real problems other than getting new spark plug wires. It took me from Alabama to Miami and back on several

great second car

spyklee,08/27/2004

2dr Coupe

i purchased my neon spring of 99. 2.0 SOHC 4 5spd. has good power, i have not exp. any major problem, 2 biggies though, 1 paint pealing, has primer issues with certain colors, mine is white, 2 valve cover seals for spark plugs eroded away, causing oil residue in spark plug section easy fix. car is great to get around town in, it is fun to drive. although on long road

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Features & Specs

See all Used 1997 Plymouth Neon specs & features

Safety

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Side Impact Test
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Not Tested
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Not Tested
IIHS Small Overlap Front Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test
Poor

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More about the 1997 Plymouth Neon

Used 1997 Plymouth Neon Overview

The Used 1997 Plymouth Neon is offered in the following submodels: Neon Sedan, Neon Coupe. Available styles include Expresso 4dr Sedan, Highline 2dr Coupe, Highline 4dr Sedan, Expresso 2dr Coupe, 2dr Coupe, and 4dr Sedan. Pre-owned Plymouth Neon models are available with a 2.0 L-liter gas engine, with output up to 132 hp, depending on engine type. The Used 1997 Plymouth Neon comes with front wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 5-speed manual.

What's a good price on a Used 1997 Plymouth Neon?

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Which used 1997 Plymouth Neons are available in my area?

Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 1997 Plymouth Neon for sale near. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a used car from our massive database to find cheap prew-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the Used 1997 Plymouth Neon.

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Find a used Plymouth Neon for sale - 8 great deals out of 11 listings starting at $14,439.

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Find a used certified pre-owned Plymouth Neon for sale - 4 great deals out of 13 listings starting at $8,373.

Find a used certified pre-owned Plymouth for sale - 1 great deals out of 16 listings starting at $11,626.

Should I lease or buy a 1997 Plymouth Neon?

Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.

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1997 Plymouth Neon Review

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Edmunds' Expert Review

Vehicle overview

1997 Highlights

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 1997 Plymouth Neon.

Most helpful consumer reviews

Features & Specs

Safety

People who viewed this also viewed

Used 1997 Plymouth Neon Overview

What's a good price on a Used 1997 Plymouth Neon?

Which used 1997 Plymouth Neons are available in my area?

Can't find a used 1997 Plymouth Neons you want in your area? Consider a broader search.

Should I lease or buy a 1997 Plymouth Neon?

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