1997 Dodge Neon Consumer Reviews
Most Helpful Reviews
Positive Review
This 97 Sport with the DOHC was basically my first car...bought it in 99 when still in high school, and have driven it ever since. Overall, if you take care of this car, it will take care of you. It now has 135,000 miles on it, and the only problem I have is that there seems to be a recurring fuel pump problem. I had to replace the first at 60,000, and will have to replace the current one soon. There's only one rust spot under a wheel well. It's hard to think of a better commuter car...great mileage, decent comfort, good in snow if you know how to drive in it, and enough performance to still surprise yuppies with newer cars on the road next to you! It started in -40F weather this past winter, too. Definitely a good idea to change the oil every 3,000 miles...I think that's been the key to this car's success. This car did everything I asked it to, and more. I didn't get luxury, but I didn't pay for it, either. I plan to upgrade to a different vehicle soon, but I also plan to keep this for a commuter car until it finally dies...I don't want to see anyone else driving it (and I don't want to say goodbye to my youth yet!)
VS
Critical Review
I purchased a 1996 Dodge Neon highline back in 1996 and owned it for about three years and it was my first new car. I had about 39k miles when I finally got rid of it. The car did get great mileage, was actually very quick, comfortable and a good value for the money. Mine did have the blown head gasket at 37k miles and I had to argue with the dealer to get them to replace it. Before that the gas gauge went out and the worst event was rain water coming in through the back taillight lense seal. I had mould through the trunk and the inner cabin. It was a nightmare and I practically begged dealers to take it on a trade. I finally traded in for an Isuzu Rodeo which was an amazing suv until the dealers all closed. Overall it was great until these issues came up and the leak issue was before the warranty was up and they would not fix the vehicle for some reason that I cannot remember. I still see them on the road but those people must have had one built when it was before lunchtime at the factory! I would only recommend this car if you find one already with these issues resolved or if you can do the repairs yourself. I was so happy to get rid of ours though. We are now Mazda an Toyota owners.
1997 Neon Reviews
Showing 8 of 274 reviews.
Can't think of any
Too small. Lousy mileage.
I have had this car for almost 2 years. This tiny 4 cylinder putt putt gets worse gas mileage than an 8 cylinder Bonneville I had years back. I last got 49 miles out of 3/4 tank of gas. It has been checked for leaks & other problems by a very reputable mechanic. He finds nothing wrong with it. I would do better driving a Bonneville with the Neon in its trunk. I'm sure it would fit.
It looks cute, and the high speed trims are great!
Umm………..Everything!
A 💩show, to be sure. That beauty is skin-deep, as it’s so low it feels like your rear end (not the cars) is scraping. Although, it was my first car (2000-2002), so I have a strange sentiment for it. Although, the 1993 Mazda 323 I got afterward was so much better!
Reliable
Low to the ground
I am the sole owner. This car has been taken care of,oil changes,brakes,etc. Unfortunately,it was dinged while parked. Never been in a moving accident. It needs cometics. Great car for going to church,grocery store,train station,etc.I am ONLY advertising because I have MS and it is difficult for me to get in and out of.
Reliable, a good girlie car and loves the snow.
Not built for a big person.
I am the original owner and have taken excellant care if her. She goes in every spring and fall for a check up and replacement parts if needed. The Bean runs on Shell gas only. I bought her new in CA with all the emission controls. A GREAT FRIEND. Take care of your car and she will take care you. Cheers!!
Handling, fun, economy, reliability
The first generation neon is a simple and wonderful car. Basic maintenance will keep it running indefinitely. If you need your car to tell you how to feel and drive for you, this is not your car. But honestly, if you need the car to park itself and drive itself, you need to turn in your license and take a bus. Humans should buy and restore these cars before all American made economy cars are gone. Simple and durable keeps the wallet full. Also if fuel economy is a concern, my 3-speed auto version gets 37mpg city with the A/C freezing me out, 42mph highway. I've owned over 30 cars in my life and driven about everything out there during my career as an automotive master technician. The first gen '95-99 neons are a diamond in the rough.
Great car very reliable have not had any issues with it extremely satissfied does the job well very happy
Great MPG, very reliable, looks good
Not too comfortable, bad primer paint peeled
I bought this car long ago. Still runs great. Put on a timing belt or chain, new tires , new brakes, new shifter cable, and new radiator. That’s it has 245,000 and still going strong. Paint peeled due to dodge bad primer, trunk leaks. Driver window doesn’t roll up and down. But not too bad for 245k car that certainly hasn’t been babied. Love it. Would like to restore paint job someday.
fun and easy to drive
speedometer issue
I'm the 3rd owner of this very basic version coupe. No a/c, cruise, or tilt wheel. Purchased after a complete pro going over in 2007, hasn't given me any problems that can't be attributed to WI winters EXCEPT the dash display/speedometer. This went out intermittently until it pretty much gave up the ghost (who still thinks it's funny to haunt me by working for a few miles when I'm not looking!)This is a known defect. I could change the speedometer and probably have the same thing happen so have driven it for close to 5 yrs without. Worrisome that the gas gauge and tripometer don't work but top it off beforehand. This car has plenty of guts to achieve highway speeds. Love the cable clutch - very easy to learn stick and great starting on hills. Mileage was excellent, more so when I was able to regularly use premium (every 3 tanks). Rust is taking its toll and I'm getting too old to get out of it, especially with no tilt steering.
