1995-1999 Dodge Neon: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
Reviews & Ratings
Pricing
Explore
Specifications & Safety
Related to Dodge Neon
Related Reviews
View Another Vehicle
Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1995-1999 Dodge Neon and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Antilock brakes (optional)
- Ride
- Instruments/controls
- Fuel economy
- Passenger and cargo room
- Steering/handling
Cons
- Automatic-transmission performance
- Engine noise
Vehicle Highlights
The subcompact front-drive Neon was introduced as a very early 1995 model, available in identical form through both Dodge and Plymouth dealers. Neons replaced the Dodge/Plymouth Shadow hatchbacks. First offered only as a notchback 4-door sedan, Neon gained a 2-door coupe companion in fall of 1994, as the full '95 model year began. While sedans were sold in base, Highline, and Sport price levels, the coupe came only in Highline and Sport trim this year. Early Neons all carried a 132-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with a single overhead camshaft. Sport models (and later Highlines) could have a dual-cam version that produces 150 horsepower. The 2-door Sport also got a domed hood, rear spoiler, stiffer suspension, and distinct 14-inch cast-aluminum wheels. On all Neons, a 5-speed manual transmission was standard, and 3-speed automatic optional. Dual airbags are standard, with antilock brakes standard on Sport models.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Dodge Neon Sport sedan w/ohc engine/automatic Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 7 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 44 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1995-1999 Dodge Neon. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1995-1999 Dodge Neon.
Year to Year Changes
1996 Dodge Neon:
Neons saw a number of changes in their second full season. Base models got standard 14-inch wheels (replacing 13-inchers) and body-colored bumpers to replace the prior grey units. A lower-priced base coupe joined the lineup. Antilock braking now was optional on all Neons. The 150-horsepower dual-cam engine was included on base coupes with the optional Competition Package.
1997 Dodge Neon:
Changes were few for Neon's third year on the market.
1998 Dodge Neon:
For '98 Dodge dropped the base model, replacing it with the Highline. In the spring, Dodge introduced the sporty Neon R/T. It draws equipment from the Competition Package and adds racy graphics.
1999 Dodge Neon:
Dodge replaced the Neon with an all-new 2000 model of the same name in early 1999. However, they continued to sell some 4-door and 2-door models of the old design throughout '99. Changes to the old model were minimal and included a new Sport package for the 4-door.
Our road test for the 1995-1999 Dodge Neon includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1995-1999 Dodge Neon and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1995-1999 Dodge Neon is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
The base engine is quick off the line with either transmission, but it growls loudly under hard throttle. Even so, it transmits little vibration to the car's interior and cruises quietly. The automatic transmission shifts abruptly during brisk acceleration, and tends to be oversensitive to the throttle. It also downshifts unexpectedly. Although the available dual-cam four is livelier than the base engine, the difference isn't big enough to make it a priority, and it's no quieter, either. Fuel economy is commendable. We averaged 31 mpg with a 5-speed base engine model in a mix of city and highway driving. A Sport Neon with the base engine and automatic averaged 24.2 mpg, with most driving in and around urban areas. Neons feel solid and well-planted on the road. The firm suspension soaks up bumps with little harshness, and neither floats nor bottoms out, though bad pavement can deliver a few jolts. Handling is sporty, even with the base model. Steering is firm, feels natural, and centers quickly, producing agile response on winding roads. Brakes have strong stopping power, too. Passenger space is impressive for such a small vehicle. There's enough head and leg room to seat four 6-footers without squeezing, though rear doors are too small to allow easy entry and exit. The modern dashboard layout offers simple, convenient controls. The Neon's trunk opens at bumper level to a wide, flat cargo floor that reaches well forward to yield good luggage space.
Value for the Money
In all, Neon offers a solid domestic alternative to the imports. Whether to pick a Dodge or Plymouth is a matter of individual choice; except for the insignia on the body, they're exactly the same car. Watch out for engine overheating or blown head gaskets. Both problems are expensive to repair.
In all, Neon offers a solid domestic alternative to the imports. Whether to pick a Dodge or Plymouth is a matter of individual choice; except for the insignia on the body, they're exactly the same car. Watch out for engine overheating or blown head gaskets. Both problems are expensive to repair.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Dodge Neon Sport sedan w/ohc engine/automatic Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 7 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 44 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Dodge Neon includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Dodge Neon .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Air conditioner:
A lack of cooling caused by the A/C evaporator freezing up because the compressor does not cycle off. (1995)
Battery:
Batteries that go dead may be the result of one or more of the following: a glove box without a raised pad that closes the light switch, misaligned doors, a faulty trunklid switch and lamp assembly, or a missing door-ajar bumper pad. (1995)
Brakes:
The front brakes wear abnormally fast on cars with four wheel studs, so heavy-duty linings should be used to replace them. (All)
Brakes:
If the ABS warning light stays on, which disables the ABS, the ABS controller needs to be replaced. (1995)
Climate control:
In cold weather, ice may form in the blower motor housing, which prevents the blower from moving and blows the fuse. The drain tube must be rerouted, the blower motor replaced, and a new fuse installed. (1995-97)
Rough idle:
Faulty valve springs on the 2.0-liter DOHC engine cause rough idle, misfires. (1997-99)
Steering noise:
Unless the power steering fluid is replaced with a revised fluid, the steering system makes noise for the first few minutes when started in cold weather. (1995-98)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $400 |
| Alternator | $300 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $555 |
| Brakes | $295 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $535 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $345 |
| Exhaust System | $290 |
| Radiator | $375 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $450 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $190 |
Our price chart for this generation Dodge Neon details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1999 | |||
| Neon | $2,000-2,500 | $1,400-1,800 | $300-400 |
| 1998 | |||
| Neon | $1,700-2,100 | $1,100-1,400 | $300 |
| 1997 | |||
| Neon | $1,500-1,800 | $1,000-1,200 | $200 |
| 1996 | |||
| Neon | $1,300-1,600 | $800-1,000 | $200 |
| Neon Sport | $1,400-1,800 | $900-1,200 | $200 |
| 1995 | |||
| Neon | $1,100-1,400 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
| Neon Sport | $1,200-1,600 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Dodge Neon include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door coupe | 4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase, in. | 104.0 | 104.0 |
| Overall Length, in. | 171.8 | 171.8 |
| Overall Width, in. | 67.5 | 67.5 |
| Overall Height, in. | 53.0 | 52.8 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2385 | 2416 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 11.8 | 11.8 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 11.2 | 11.2 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.6 | 39.6 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.5 | 42.5 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 36.5 | 36.5 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 35.1 | 35.1 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Neon's basic overhead-cam 4-cylinder engine made 132 horsepower. The optional dual-overhead-cam four, with the same 2.0-liter displacement, produced 150 horsepower. Both engines drove either a 5-speed manual gearbox or optional 3-speed automatic transmission.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohc I4 | 2.0 / 122 | 132 | 129 | 5-speed manual: 28/38 3-speed automatic: 25/33 |
5-speed manual: 31 3-speed automatic: 23.6 |
| dohc I4 | 2.0 / 122 | 150 | 130-133 | 5-speed manual: 28/38 3-speed automatic: 25/33 |
5-speed manual: 25.4 3-speed automatic: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Mexico, USA
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Dodge Neon include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1999 Neon |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 3 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1995-1999 Dodge Neon directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1995:
Fuel and rear-brake tubes can experience accelerated corrosion between metallic tubes and rubber isolator; may lead to brake fluid or fuel leakage.
1995:
Steering-column coupler can become disconnected when vehicle sustains underbody impact.
1995-96 w/ACR competition package:
Brake master cylinder can leak fluid due to damaged seal; warning light will signal impairment prior to partial brake-system loss.
1996 built in Mexico:
Wiring harness could short circuit, causing various malfunctions, including stalling.
1997:
Airbag could deploy inadvertently when ignition is shut off.
1998:
Rear suspension crossmember on some cars may be missing spot welds; can result in structural cracks in body, and reduced rear-impact crash protection.
1999:
Inadequate welding on some cars could allow pivot tube to separate from lower control arm in front suspension.
Car Buying Resources
Search
Local Listings
Vehicle
History Report
FREE CARFAX Record Check
Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before
you buy.
