Plymouth Neon Midsize | Compact

Plymouth Neon Midsize | Compact 

DESCRIPTION

The Neon is offered in a two-door coupe and a four-door sedan with choice of a 2.0-liter/132-hp 4 cylinder or a 2.0-liter/150-hp 4 cylinder. Also choose between a 3-speed automatic or a 5-speed manual transmission. ABS is optional.

USER REVIEWS

Showing 71-80 of 133  
[May 30, 2001]
John
Model Reviewed: Neon Sport (5 Speed)

Strength:

Power, agility, room, style, sporty stance, cost (mine was top of the line: price is Canadian dollars), ranked Number 1 by Car and Driver Magazine in 1995.

Weakness:

Just two: REAR SUSPENSION with passengers in the rear (major annoyance) and WIND NOISE from front windows not sealing properly (minor annoyance but I have eliminated this for the most part). Could also add three speed automatic as a weekness, but I would avoid the automatic in almost all small cars. Why? Automatics tend to give poorer fuel economy, poorer performance, tend to be less reliable and more expensive to fix, cost more AND not nearly as much fun.

I have read many Neon horror stories. I have had my Neon for 7 years and 184000 km. (You Americans can divide by 8 and multiply by 5 for miles). I STILL HAVE THE ORIGINAL HEAD GASKET. I had all original brake parts until after 170000 km and they never made a noise. I have never had any electical problems. However, I spent significant dollars in trying to improve the suspension. The rear would constantly bottom out on small bumps or depressions with two people in the back. Finally one of the struts leaked out so I replaced all 4 with Monroe's. BIG mistake. These struts were way softer and the car not only bottomed out more easily but the handling worstened. It would keep bouncing after hitting a bump with passengers in the rear. Later I replaced all four springs. I ordered the stiffest available from the dealer. I read on one internet site that the rears are all the same except for changing the ride height. I increased the ride height by an inch and a half, not what I was looking for. That did not help the handling any but it did improve the bottoming out somewhat. I have spent some money on other things, the most expensive of which was a new steering column. The other things have been relatively minor. I'll probably need a new battery by next winter. Still have the original one. This car served a family of four quite well for 6 years. When the 5th member came along it was time for something bigger, BUT NOT A MINIVAN. Bought a 2000 Intrepid last year (no problems yet) but still have the Neon for commuting to work. (Four in a carpool, which is why the suspension bothers me). From personal experience, I would recommend the car. From the horror stories I have seen, I would not recommend. I like the new Neons. I will probable look at one when my Neon drops dead from old age. Will also look at Civic and Corolla. By the way, how can anyone possibly pay $2500.00 to $3500.00 for a head gasket replacement. The gasket is less that $100.00. My mechanic said it would be 3 to 4 hours labour at $30.00 per hr. Any, that's my experience. No horrible dealer stories either. Happy driving.

Similar Products Used:

This was my third car. First was a 1985 Mercury Topaz 4 door automatic(kept if for three reeeaaaly long years and 94000 km, bad car). The second was a 1998 Acura Integra 4 door 5 speed. Much better. Kept it for 6 years and 148000 km. Spent a lot of money on brakes and exhaust, but very little on anything else. How do they compare to the Neon? Let's forget about the inefficient, underpowered, problem prone Topaz. I can still remember being nervous 7 years ago when I wondered what I was doing trading my Integra on a 1995 Neon. However, I was constantly spending money on the brakes and exhaust on the Integra and it was starting to rust after 6 years. The Neon was roomier, had nore stuff, handled better (I kid you not), more fuel efficient (rated 50 mpg Canadian on the highway), and cost less. Plus, my wife wanted a new car. However, reliability was a concern. See below.

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
4
[May 01, 2001]
joe
Model Reviewed: neon 4dr

Strength:

great looking, decent gas economy, ok stero, tight handling

Weakness:

cooling system is to small for this car, to many sensors to fail, is quite noisy, leaks oil around cam position sensor, engine is overal self destructive.

must keep maintained to the letter, get on top of all quirks and noises, don't be afraid to spend money because you will, but if you do this car is reliable and is fun, remember it is a 95 and used. I have personally never sold a perfectly excellant used car.

Similar Products Used:

88 pontiac tempest, tempest was much more powerfull.

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
3
[May 22, 2001]
Erin
Model Reviewed: Neon Sport

Strength:

Peppy, good gas mileage, shifts nice, looks sporty (NEON SPORT) especially with the spoiler.

Weakness:

HEAD GASKET and all of the other things I've had to have done under warranty. In fact, it's going in tomorrow for another servicing under warranty for 6 separate things.

This car was purchased by me in July of 2000. I am selling it next month (June 2001) When it works, it works really well. It has been in for warranty work on the following: engine mounts(2X), speakers(2X), control arm bushings, power sunroof motor was gone, ball joints, spark plug wires, power locks and windows just to name a few off the top of my head. Now its going in for power locks (again), head gasket (leaking oil), ABS brakes haven't worked since day one, leak in the trunk, squeeky door (door check) and probably a distributer cap (stalling every morning good or bad weather) My car is loaded. Its 2 dr and bugundy in color. Has the spoiler on the back. A/C, p/l, p/w, p/b, power sunroof, cruise control, tilt steering, gauge pkg, 150 horse engine (2.0 DOHC)and last but not least It's a 5 speed with a remote car starter. I LOVE my car when it isn't in for warranty. It really does drive nice and I find it's great on the highway. This is a great starter car if you don't mind getting the warranty stuff done. The only thing I hate is that my dealer won't give me a courtesy car when it's in for the head gasket repair. (2-3 days minimum) I think I should be provided with one since it's a common DODGE problem. I find that it's pretty roomy for a 2 dr. I have a 4 year old and a nephew who's 1 and I don't have a problem getting them into the car. If you are a patient person I would recommend this car. I am buying a HONDA as soon as I sell mine.

Similar Products Used:

None

OVERALL
RATING
3
VALUE
RATING
2
[May 21, 2001]
John Manion
Model Reviewed: Plymouth Neon

Strength:

Good brakes with the ABS option. Alot of power with the 5 speed manual transmission. Interior is user friendly.

Weakness:

Wind and engine noise at highway speeds. No trunk release lever inside the cab. Clutch cable is noisey.

The 2000 Plymouth Neon has a poorly designed clutch cable. After 16000 miles the cable creaked and made popping noises when pushed. The dealer replaced the cable under warranty. At 28000 miles the cable was again replaced for the same problem. Now the car has 37000 mile and the cable just started creaking again. Unfortunately the warranty expired at 36000 mile. You can bet DiamlerChrysler will hear of my complaint. Stay away from the Neon at all costs. The clutch cable is of poor design, and the altenative 3 speed automatic is old and outdated.

Similar Products Used:

Ford Focus is an overall better designed car

OVERALL
RATING
1
VALUE
RATING
1
[Apr 28, 2001]
Jerry

Strength:

7 years of no problems and 150,000 miles, what a work horse.

Weakness:

Little light on the engine

i got this neon when it first came out in september 1994. neon highline strawberry, i still have it today 7 years later with 150,000 miles. This car is a work horse. The engine might be light for this 4 cylinder 2.0 liter engine, but i'm not complaining.

Similar Products Used:

None

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
4
[Apr 17, 2001]
Vafa
Model Reviewed: Dodge Neon LE

Strength:

Interior looks great very impressive, not like previous models.
Fuel economy - Price - Headroom - Handling - Lots of torque love it!

Weakness:

Had a recal something to do with cold starts? not serious fix with no hassles took one hour at the dealer.
Noisy clutch cable - cable was loose and rubbing up against metal causing the sound. Took it in under warranty dealer fix the problem in 3 hours.

So far nothing major for problems. Recommend it to everyone at least the 2000 + models previous years lots of problems.
just hit 13 months and 34000 Km sorry don't know miles
lowered it cold air intake and exaust no problems do to mods.
it a great car.

Similar Products Used:

None

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Apr 14, 2001]
Daryn
Model Reviewed: Base Coupe

Strength:

Powerful Engine for its size, roomy, plenty of head room (I'm 6'1"). Gets great gas mileage and has a decent 5 speed manual. AC is frosty in the summer and the heater heats up nice in the winter. Controls are very ergonomic and the cup holders are just perfect (not in the way or some flimsy pop out type from the dash).

Weakness:

Windows don't seal so hot, a bit noisy on the highway, not too many cubby holes to put stuff.

This has been a great car for the 5 years I've had it. The only major problem I had was the typical head gasket, but Chrysler redesigned it and I have not had a problem since. Other than that, I've had no problems. The passenger window hasn't been sealing lately, but I've learned to deal with it, seems like a common problem on frameless windows. I have the base coupe so it's pretty much a no frills vehicle, the only option I got was AC. I've added a few goodies like a cold air intake and a better exhaust (not the loud civic style crap) and that helped give it even more power. I would recomment a neon to others, but I won't buy another because my needs have changed and my next vehicle will be a pick-up.

Similar Products Used:

Chevy Cavalier, Honda Civic, VW Jetta. Not as classy as the Jetta, but way more power and less expensive to fix.

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
4
[Apr 11, 2001]
Susan
Model Reviewed: Plymouth Neon

Strength:

Cute, good gas mileage, great family car

Weakness:

Leaks oil ALL the time. Air conditioner qiut the first summer I had it!!! Back end is too high. Had to replace brakes after only having it six onths.

Don't get me wrong- this is a cute little car, but it seems like everything is going wrong on it. I have tried to talk to people about the head gasket problem, but I never get a straight answer. Also- the air conditioner has a strange problem. I would not buy a Neon again. The best car I ever owned was a 1981 Toyota Celica--- 300,000 miles on it... no serious problems.

Similar Products Used:

Toyota Celica- NOT A CHANCE!!!

OVERALL
RATING
3
VALUE
RATING
2
[Apr 11, 2001]
Robert

Strength:

Looks, power, dependability, low maintnance, sporty, runs like a dream, great potential for upgrades.

Weakness:

Small wind noise in windows, small oil leak from cam sensor-ring gasket, and had to replace an 02 sensor.

I bought this car from a friend. I made minor body repairs (from a wreck), and it has been beautiful. Small oil leak and had to replace the 02 sensor. I do everything myself, so it's extremely cheap for me. Best car I've ever had. You also can make a good 200hp with great gas mileage. Like a small rocket.

Similar Products Used:

None

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Mar 21, 2001]
Stephanie Wood
Model Reviewed: Plymouth Neon

Strength:

The car handles great.
Takes off quick when accelerated.
Plenty of Space in the back seat and trunk.
Dashboard is well lit.

I haven't had any problems with my car since I've purchased it (Thank God).

Weakness:

Very dangerous blind-spot located between the side windows and windshield.
When it rains or if I use my windshield wiper fluid, the water glides the windshield and run into the car (falling onto my leg). There should be a water guard along the molding of the side windows.
Road noise.
Rear of car is too high. Doesn't cause too much of a problem though.
Oil leaking. Not sure from where but will be checking the headgasket very soon.

I haven't had any problems with my car except for a rapid blinking turn signal. I have a base line model (didn't think the extras were important). With that said, people just knew that I'd have major problems with the car but, they were proven wrong. I've just had to get tires changed (no big deal).

Similar Products Used:

None

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
3
Showing 71-80 of 133  

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