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Used 1999 Plymouth Neon Consumer Reviews

3.7 out of 5 stars
38 reviews

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We have a limited number of reviews for the 1999 Neon, so we've included reviews for other years of the Neon since its last redesign.

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Pros
Cons
4.38 out of 5 stars

Best Car I've Had so Far!

Ana, 07/12/2010
1998 Plymouth Neon Highline 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

I'm seeing a lot of comments about the head gasket breaking and i have never had that problem before. the car makes a lot of noise when you accelerate but once you get to your speed it drives great. its a fast little bugger! on the highway it starts to shake at about 70 but is ultra smooth. have never had to replace anything major expect the radiator and cooling fans. for the past 3 years the FM reception doesn't work but i don't really mind even though I'm thinking of replacing the radio. the only thing i really dislike is that after having it for 6 years it has started to rust on the roof and the paint is chipping off. it doesn't give it an appealing look.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

The Neon's not so bad!!!!

Neon Lover17, 03/22/2004
1998 Plymouth Neon Highline 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Yes, I had the common head gasket problem, but it was fixed at no cost to me, and I had an oil leak, so what, I fixed it for $20. I've had no other problems with it, and I've put over 100K miles on the car! So all the one's who's bashing the neon are over exaggerating. The car has a a problem or two, there is NO SUCH THING as a car with no problems. There just isn't on out that is maintenance free! You can look 'til your eyes fall out, you just won't find one!

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2.38 out of 5 stars

Think Twice before buying

buyerbeware, 11/16/2003
1998 Plymouth Neon Expresso 2dr Coupe
3 of 4 people found this review helpful

Like some of the others, I have had gaskets replaced numerous times and still they cant' get it right. I have had a sun roof that has been replace 3 times and is still broken which is not under warrenty and the dealer will not fix. The engine light comes on very every 3-4 months due to carbon build up on some sensor which the dealer can't seem to fixed. I would not reccommend this car to anyone. Buyer beware.

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2.13 out of 5 stars

I hate my car

Anthony T, 08/19/2008
1998 Plymouth Neon Highline 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I've owned this car as a high school student just to drive around town, to and from school and work and that's about all it is good for. It is not a pleasure to drive, and I hate the way it looks, inside and out. It's a good first-car, but even then I wouldn't recommend it.

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2.5 out of 5 stars

I hate it

jacki_chan73, 11/13/2012
1998 Plymouth Neon Expresso 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

This car is terrible. I have owned it for about a year and a half and it sucks. I have to work on it constantly, and have had to make many repairs. The dash will quit working and the only way to fix it is to push on the glass to get it working, and even then the speedometer goes crazy. It is a zippy car, but it shakes really bad if you go 60 or above, which sucks for long drives. The interior isn't so bad, but if you're tall like me, opt for a different car, leg room sucks and it's pretty much on the ground, I have to practically roll out of the car to get out. I've replaced the tires, spark plugs, battery four times (for some reason it shorted out constantly, really bad wiring)

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3.88 out of 5 stars

Pretty good car

th neon, 07/26/2008
1999 Plymouth Neon Expresso 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I bought this Neon as my first car, and as a teenage guy I wasn't sure I wanted such a wimpy car. Well, I have had it over a year now, and I love it to death. I have had two small problems with it, the starter motor gave out, and the power locks are giving out. Other than that, it has been a great car. I love the stock sound system, the 6X9's in the back are awesome, but I did put in a new head unit, and now it sounds even better. I also put new hubcaps on becuase the stock ones where hideous. (the graffiti interior pattern is also very ugly, but seat covers can fix that). Great car if you want to put a little bit of creativity into it.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Believer

Davkuy, 04/22/2003
1999 Plymouth Neon Expresso 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

When I first went to buy a car I was looking for a used Toyota. The dealership told me about a good deal they had running on Neon's. I almoast turned around and walked out, thinking the Neon was a "disposable car" but I decided to try it. The only 5 speed they had on the Lot was a tricked out expresso with most of the goodies. As soon as I got it out on the road, the car was sold. Recently 4/03 I traded it for a Toyota corolla, (Big Mistake) repairable mistake thank goodness.

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3 out of 5 stars

Ehhhhh

DontBuyThisCar, 05/20/2002
1998 Plymouth Neon Highline 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

My neon was fine when I brought it home but soon after the head gasket had to be replaced because of faulty materials used in manufacturing. I did some research and discovered this same material was used in all neons from 95- 99, so all Neons before 2000 have the potential for this happening to them. After it was replaced, everything started coming apart and I've had about 5 things replaced on the engine. I have had an oil leak since this all happened and the dealership cannot find out why, they have all been a pain in my butt ever since I bought this thing. I will never buy from Dodge again! Beware, if you buy a neon, dont buy one from before 2000.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

It was fun once

Elizabeth H, 05/02/2009
1998 Plymouth Neon Style 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought this car in 2004. I LOVED it for the first 2.5-3 years I had it. At first the only problems I had with it were the windshield wipers (which have never seemed to fit right) and the tires (I've had 2-5 flats a year, which probably have more to do with me than the car). Since early 2008 I've had a lot of problems. In the past year I've had the brakes worked on four times, one of the rotars replaced, the headlights fixed (twice?), etc. Last year I spent $2,000 fixing this car. Also, the speakers don't work, none of the engine lights work, the vents leak air, and the windows won't close all the way. (This may be normal for a 10- year old car with 120,000 miles on it.)

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1.63 out of 5 stars

Never Again

Macon, 03/10/2010
1998 Plymouth Neon Highline 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

It's just not worth the time in the shop to own one. I got mine with 52,000 miles on it. It now has 96,000 and I'm already rebuilding the top end. I've replaced the EGR valve, catalytic converter, CV half shaft, transmission, and many other things. It is the slowest 4 cylinder on the planet with the three speed automatic and I only get about 24 mpg ON A 4 CYLINDER!

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4.63 out of 5 stars

great car

lili mande, 07/03/2002
1998 Plymouth Neon Competition 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

no problems 40000 miles

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2.88 out of 5 stars

Don't buy

Don't buy, 07/27/2003
1998 Plymouth Neon Highline 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I second the other comments about the head gasket going in all Neons made before 2000. Mine went at 60,000 miles and oil still leaks. I've also had poor fuel economy since then. I also have a trunk that leaks when it rains. The reason I will never buy another Chrysler car is the fact that the sun/moon roof has never worked over 30 days. When I first had the car under warrenty they replaced the sunroof 4 times!! Once the warrenty ran out they refused to fix it even though it was clearly evident that it is a defect on their part. Although as a friend told me--why bother if they couldn't fix it the first 4 times who's to say they'd do it right anyways.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Fun to drive

daddysgirl, 08/06/2003
1998 Plymouth Neon Expresso 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have put 126500 miles on it and the only thing to have gone wrong was the ERG valve had to be replaced. But nothing major has gone wrong. All in All it has been a pretty nice car.

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4 out of 5 stars

It's a good, inexpensive car

lisafrag, 09/16/2003
1998 Plymouth Neon Expresso 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have had my Plymouth Neon for five years and it has been a good, reliable little car. It has more pick-me-up than other cars in its class. The head gasket did blow and was repaired under warranty. The other problem I've had is the "check engine soon" light comes on frequently. However, it has mostly turned out to be software updates for the CPU of the car. The other problem I had is that the sunroof stopped working after about three years... it would open and then not close! I just stopped using it. This car is too small for more than one child. space).

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4 out of 5 stars

Good Car

MDH, 09/22/2003
1998 Plymouth Neon Highline 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

For the first 20K miles no trouble. Head gasket started leaking, but was repaired under warranty at no cost. 20K to 83K miles, no trouble. Put on tires, oil changes, wiper blades and a new battery. 50K miles replaced front rotors and pads $65.00 doing the work myself. 83K miles rear main seal leaks bad. $350.00 at the dealer. Auto trans. shifting problem. Dealer said problem was a shaft on trans. shift lever and gas pedal connected to. Told to spray shaft with WD-40 and move it until it moved freely. $0.00 84.5K replaced rear brake drums and shoes. $80.00. I have had good service from my Neon. It gets 30 MPG Highway/city driving.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

Great car

Chrysler fanatic, 09/27/2003
1998 Plymouth Neon Highline 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Since I bought my neon i have had no major trouble from it, just the regular maintenance. I do though have a problem with the wind noise from the window and the engine is underpowered at low rpm's.

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5 out of 5 stars

great

david christiansen, 11/28/2003
1998 Plymouth Neon Competition 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

great drive decent performance good looks nice low ride feals like it corners on rails.

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1.75 out of 5 stars

Voice from the dealer

El, 11/30/2003
1998 Plymouth Neon Highline 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I am a used car dealer and always try to sell quality import and some domestic cars.After i have bought and sold a couple Neons i relized that this vehicle is pain in a ass.Oil leaking at 30000 miles?Blown head gaskets?They are cheap ofcourse to buy,but you have to repair them and you get what you pay for.I refuse to sell these cars and would not recomend them to anyone.The funny thing is.....people still looking to buy them for kids all the time,because they are cheap.Get a Camry

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Great fun, but...

Steph, 08/16/2005
1998 Plymouth Neon Expresso 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought my Plymouth Neon brand new. I loved the blue exterior and the confetti interior. The CD player and sunroof just rounded out my love for this car. I still love to look at it! My only problem is the transmission is slipping and I had to get new air conditioning last summer. Other than those 2 expensive repairs, I have only had to worry about maintenance.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

1998 expresso

fantaR, 02/18/2004
1998 Plymouth Neon Expresso 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought my neon in 2000 and ive had only a couple problems with it. It had 30,000 miles on it and about 1 yr after owning it, the head gasket broke. The dealership replaced it but it would of been spending if not. I really like mine cuz it's sporty and handles really nice. The only other problem is that I it gets really cold where I live and sometimes it won't start in the early morning, it just needs a little warming. But over all I love mine but Id rather have a mustang.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Worth every Penny

GPE, 01/28/2005
1998 Plymouth Neon Expresso 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have just purchased a 1999 Plymouth Neon as a first car. The only thing I have driven before this was a Hyundai Santa Fe and a Pickup Truck. The Neon has excellent gas milage. The only thing that I dislike about it is that it is very low to the ground and mine lacks a sun roof. Otherwise I think this car is great. I love the fabric on the seats. I was expecting somehting plain but this has a design with many different colors.

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3.13 out of 5 stars

Low quality car

Griffin, 02/10/2007
1998 Plymouth Neon Highline 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

My fiancee has this car. It only has 62,000 miles on it and it looks, runs, and drives like it has 162,000 miles on it. It has rusted completely through already in some spots, it sounds horrible, and vibrates and shakes very bad. It only has a 3-speed automatic, so freeway cruising is at over 3000rpm, which makes for a very loud drive. The ride is very rough and unsettled.

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2 out of 5 stars

Unhappy purchase

Jilly, 04/16/2003
1998 Plymouth Neon Highline 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have had nothing but problems with my purchase of my Neon. The head gasket blew at 13,000 miles only. The horn stopped working after a few months. The passenger side window was leaking. My lastest issue is the transmission! I only have 21,000 miles and now there are transmission problems! give me a break.. I have very little power with this car. It was a bad purchase overall.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Great Little Car

drh, 04/21/2003
1998 Plymouth Neon Expresso 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I've found my neon to be highly reliable and fun to drive. My only "problem" with the car has been the repetitive occurrance of the "check engine soon" light coming on. There has never been a real problem - only the inconvenience.

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2.13 out of 5 stars

Think twice!!!!

tiuska, 04/30/2003
1998 Plymouth Neon Highline 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I had only have problems with this car. Once, I almost crash because the car stopped in a highway (problems with the gas pump!!!) less that 18 months after I got it The design is fun but the car is not reliable, everything that can go wrong with a car will be wrong with this one

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2 out of 5 stars

Wait

Mark, 04/29/2008
1998 Plymouth Neon Expresso 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car has givin me nothing but major trouble. I bought it slightly used at 2,102 miles and after 5 days of owning it my sunroof quit. The next 3 years the transmission made gringing noises. This car stinks!

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5 out of 5 stars

I Love this car!!

INDIANSFAN1, 06/07/2025
1998 Plymouth Neon Competition 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

What I liked about this car is that I love the looks and the interior is amazing and I have never had a problem with the head gasket. People really haft to stop hating on this car it’s an amazing first car and just makes me happy to have one in my drive way. One thing I don’t like is how bad it shakes but we can all get over it, And there’s no such thing as a Perfect car. Thanks For Reading.

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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3.88 out of 5 stars

Not a bad car

Craig, 06/14/2008
1999 Plymouth Neon Expresso 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This was my second car ever. Went in, had a fun drive with it, and bought it. Only major issue was the head gasket leak which was caused by a poor design. Replaced the old head gasket with a new MLS one, no problem since. A minor issue was a new valve cover gasket replaced after 75k miles. $30 and 30 minutes in your driveway will take care of this, no big deal. This was my first Neon of two and I plan on buying another. They're fairly common part cars and easy to fix. I love the DOHC engine but the 3-speed automatic can be a slouch at times. Keep up with your oil changes and a Neon will last you a long time.

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2.75 out of 5 stars

1999 Plymouth Neon 4 Dr Highline Sedan

Raj, 08/01/2008
1999 Plymouth Neon Highline 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The first 6 years went fine. In 2005 all the problems started, the car stalled half a dozen times between repeated trips to the dealership. They replaced the head gasket, timing belt, starter cables, spark plugs, ignition cables, rear main seal. Finally, they found a faulty relay due to the AC compressor which also was replaced. In Feb 2007 the vehicle would not start. Guess what? They replaced the fuel pump too. I've spend over $5000 in repairs. Now the vehicle stalls intermittently, the engine hesitates and jerks. The hp is gone. Do not buy this vehicle. It's proof that domestic vehicles are absolute junk. The Neon was so bad it was discontinued after the 2005 model. Nightmare!

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3.38 out of 5 stars

Crap

kristie2021, 07/25/2010
1999 Plymouth Neon Expresso 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I was really shocked to see all the good reviews for a car that was nothing but trouble for me. It recently broke down on me and I had to get rid of it. When I bought it the only thing was wrong with it was the radiator and a gas leak, I had many other problems, I had to replace the battery, the tires(more than 10x), the starter, the water pump, the cylinder, and the spark plugs. The spark plugs went out and stripped my cylinders in my engine, with the motor mounts going bad as well. It was like a domino effect in 2 weeks. The brake line, motor mounts,and then finally the spark plugs. It was a complete and total piece of crap and right before it broke down, there was acceleration on its own.

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3.38 out of 5 stars

OK

Flight, 01/11/2003
1999 Plymouth Neon Expresso 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I purchased my 99 Neon in August of 99. I have had no real problems with it. It is very small and is a tight fit for more than 2 in the back. I am concerned with its saftey and will trade if off soon. She has 81k miles and is still running ok. I do keep my oil changed and the only thing I have had to put on it is tires. There is an odd whistle comming from under the hood, but I think its a belt.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

My Neon

D. Lee, 09/24/2003
1999 Plymouth Neon Highline 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is my first car, but my last choice. I bought it in Ohio where there are virtually no hills. The real test would be the roads in New York my new home. It has surpassed all of my expectations. It handles the roads here with no problems, also easy to handle with the front-wheel drive in the snow, easy and fun to drive and still looks brand new. If you take care of it, it will serve you well. The only problem was the moon roof motor had to be replaced a year later. The overall performance is great unless the air conditioning is on. It is a great first choice. When I decide to buy another car, I will not trade this one in.

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4 out of 5 stars

I love my little Neon

markcherry, 10/09/2003
1999 Plymouth Neon Expresso 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I've driven my car across the country a few times, and after 175,000, it's still running great. For the most part, it's been reliable and fun to drive. I've had to make two semi-major repairs ($500 each), but that seems pretty good considering the mileage. I would imagine anyone who takes care of this car having an enjoyable experience.

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3.63 out of 5 stars

Roxy

NeoNxGrL, 03/17/2004
1999 Plymouth Neon Expresso 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Fun little car to drive-gets great gas mileage. Easy to handle and great first car. Got mine a couple days after Christmas & was my first car. Wasnt my first choice, but once I started driving it, I instantly took a liking to it.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

neons are reliable for single moms

lv my neon, 05/30/2004
1999 Plymouth Neon Expresso 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I love my noen I first got one when i was 16 shortly after got rid of it reasons unknown but after my divorce i was stranded with no car being a single mom with two kids money is tight and i found the neon very afordable only problem they are in the top ten cars stolen as i found out when mine was taken. They should all come with alarms

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3.63 out of 5 stars

My Neon

neonrob99, 05/07/2005
1999 Plymouth Neon Highline 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The only thing that I don't really like is auto transmission and the mirror in the driver's side visor. The 3 speed just isn't quick enough.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

still rolling

neonite, 06/18/2002
1998 Plymouth Neon Expresso 4dr Sedan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

I've had nothing but fun and good luck with my neon. I've put 130,000 hard miles on it and nothing major has gone wrong yet. I feel like the car is a bit underpowered at low rpm's, but it's pretty peppy once you get it rapped up. If I was going to do it over again, I would opt for the five-speed over the auto trans just because it is hard to keep the engine in its power band when you only have three gears. But even with the automatic, if you step on it, it will go.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Fun and Fast

Dan the Man, 04/03/2008
1998 Plymouth Neon Expresso 4dr Sedan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

My Neon has been a blast to drive. From the moment you touch the throttle and hear the engine roar, to the smooth cornering on the back roads of PA, even to an occasional street race or two, this car has some serious get up and go! The fuel mileage on the highway is impressive!

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