Dodge Neon feedback requested

[Bob Woods]

What do you guys think of the Dodge Neon? My daughter wants to buy one.

 

[Palut]

Buy a Civic or Corolla. IMHO, the Neon is hideous and, I personally, don't trust DaimlerChrysler that much.

 

[Palut]

If you're talking new, the Corolla has nearly the same MSRP as the Neon...

 

[pbm]

I also would get a Corolla. If I wanted a domestic I'd get a Chevy Cobalt or even a Cavalier before a Neon. I think Neons are flimsy.

 

[55Test]

Steer well clear of ANY Chrysler product, they've got to be the worst vehicles on the road today.

 

[Al]

DO NOT BUY A NEON

 

[Al]

quote:

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Originally posted by pbm:
I also would get a Corolla. If I wanted a domestic I'd get a Chevy Cobalt or even a Cavalier before a Neon. I think Neons are flimsy.

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Yea you can get an 04 abd naybe an 05 Cavalier at invoice and get $5000 back from GM

 

[labman]

Before I bought my Cavalier 3 years ago, I looked at a Neon. For the same dollar, it lacked a tach, antilock brakes, and had a 1 gallon smaller gas tank. I guess it didn't have DRL either.

So far in 54K I have had to replace the windshield wiper blades as well as gas and oil.

 

[Chris142]

Neon = Headgaskets every 20k-30k due to a bad design.

 

[BIGJ552000]

NEON is BADDDDD

!!!!! My wife had one and we went through **** with a 2000 model one( LEMON law buyback that should of have happened but Dodge didn't think so). NEVER EVER will Dodge,etc. get our money again

 

[Al]

Did you hear enough Bob

She probably wants the SRT-4

 

[manicrodder]

I am a Neon Luvin guy. I had a 98 R/T purchased used with 33K. The head gasket went after warranty expired by several thousand miles. Chrysler repaired it free of charge. The remaining 30,000 I put on this car was at redline as much as possible. I put in a new clutch due to my aggressive driving but had no other problems. It saw oil changes with Amsoil 0w-30(filter 6 months, complete oil change every 12 months)
2000 and later models have no head gasket problems. I traded for a 2003 Neon which was much more refined(Not near as fast or fun) and with dealers incentives considerably less than the competition. I ran the crap out of this car before trading for the cruiser( I was putting a dent in the 70,000 drive train warranty) prior to trade for my GT Cruiser. It had 11K at trade with no problems at all.
Chrysler has a better rep for quality than most think. Many happy owners and Consumers Report agree. The neon gets marked down for spartan build which is really apparent in the SE. My relatives swear by Fords and they repair them a lot in my opinion. However, they arent as strict as to maintenance.
Features may be below the competition but for the money the Neon shows it's tailights to many. Bottom line is I am a "Neon Luvin Guy".

 

[buster]

Japan owns the small economy car class. Focus isn't bad but the Civic, Corolla and Sentra are the way to go. More expensive though. My friend had a Neon that didn't give him any trouble over 90K + miles. A rare case.

 

[Bob Woods]

quote:

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Originally posted by Al:
Did you hear enough Bob

She probably wants the SRT-4

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She just wnats the cheap one with air and auto.

Thanks for all the replies. bob

 

[Al]

quote:

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Originally posted by Bob Woods:

quote:

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Originally posted by Al:
Did you hear enough Bob

She probably wants the SRT-4

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She just wnats the cheap one with air and auto.

Thanks for all the replies. bob

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Did you check out the Cavalier with a 5K rebate?? I can't even imagine considering a Neon when this offer is available. Cavalier is a reliable car. My son put 100+ K on his with very few problems.

You should be able to pick one up for under $11K. This vehicle has the 140HP Ecotech which (IMHO)is a step above the Neon's 2L.

 

[RTexasF]

I just rented a Neon for a 3 day trip. It was the super spartan rental cheapie with about 15K on the clock. I thought it adequate for a rental but I don't believe I'd care to own one unless there was no other choice in the price range.

Aside from the squeaks (driver's seat of all places) and rattles (couldn't narrow down where), it performed well. Mileage was good, it tracked well in high wind and actually had really good zip for a four banger. Yes, I do realize that it was a rental, a privately owned one wouldn't have to endure the torture of "the fleet". IMO there are better choices such as those mentioned.

 

[srivett]

They don't even call them Neons in Canada any more, they go by a list of numbers and letters or something.

Steve

 

[XS650]

quote:

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Originally posted by srivett:
They don't even call them Neons in Canada any more, they go by a list of numbers and letters or something.

Steve

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About 1996 in Taiwan they were called Chrysler Neons.

 

[drive it forever]

The honda civic is american made except the si and the hybrid model. So dont feel guilty if you get one. Sometimes you have to spend more money to save more money.

 

[Jon]

Do NOT buy the neon. Junk. Once described as "a loose collection of parts flying in close formation". A co-worker has one, and although more or less reliable, it's still CRAP (and yeah, he's had head gasket trouble too). You can NOT beat the Civic for bang-for-buck and outright reliability, finish, etc.. The Corolla isn't far behind, I can't say I'm a Nissan fan - good engines, bad electronics. As for the Chevy, it's a "basic" car that WILL rattle, make noise, have drivability problems, etc.. but will also be durable, easy on fuel, and will take loads of abuse. The Civic is still a better car.

If you are looking to save some cash, buy a used (not a fleet or rental) Civic from a dealer, or a Chevy. I'd say AWAY from Fords and Dodges.

Just my 2 American cents.