1995-1999 Plymouth Neon: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1995-1999 Plymouth Neon and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Optional antilock brakes
- Passenger and cargo room
- Ride
- Fuel economy
Cons
- Automatic-transmission performance
- Noise
Vehicle Highlights
Chrysler Corporation's subcompact front-drive Neon was introduced as a very early 1995 model available in virtually identical form through both Dodge and Plymouth dealers. First offered only as a 4-door sedan, Neon gained a 2-door coupe running mate later in that year. While sedans have been sold in base, Highline, and Sport price levels, until 1996 the coupe came only in Highline and Sport. Early Neons all carried a 132-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. A 5-speed manual transmission was standard; 3-speed automatic optional. Dual airbags were standard, while antilock brakes were standard on Sport models and optional on others.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Neon Sport sedan 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 Plymouth Neon. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1995-1999 Plymouth Neon.
Year to Year Changes
1996 Plymouth Neon:
Base models now rode 14-inch tires (formerly 13-inch), and body-colored bumpers replaced the prior gray bumpers. A less-expensive base-model coupe joined the lineup, making each body style available in three levels: base, Highline, and Sport. Initially standard on Sport models, antilock brakes and a rear spoiler dropped to the option list on all Neons. The 150-horsepower engine was available on base coupes equipped with a Competition Group, which included 4-wheel disc brakes, aluminum wheels, quicker-ratio power steering, a stiffer suspension, heavy-duty radiator, and a tachometer.
1997 Plymouth Neon:
Neon Sport models disappeared after 1996, but a new Expresso package included fog lights, a rear spoiler, 14-inch wheel covers, and special body graphics.
1998 Plymouth Neon:
The Base model was dropped for '98, leaving only Highline and Competition trim levels.
1999 Plymouth Neon:
An all-new Neon debuted in early 1999, but some 4-door and 2-door models of the old design remained on sale throughout '99. DaimlerChrysler expected to drop the Plymouth-badged Neons after the 2001 model year, as part of the phaseout of the Plymouth brand.
Our road test for the 1995-1999 Plymouth Neon includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1995-1999 Plymouth Neon and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1995-1999 Plymouth Neon is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Base-engine acceleration has been surprisingly swift: about 8.9 seconds to reach 60 mph. We also averaged more than 31 mpg, driving mainly on expressways. However, it idles noisily and growls loudly during acceleration. The optional dual-cam engine feels only a little livelier than the base engine--not enough to make it a priority. Automatic-transmission shift action is too abrupt with either engine. Ride quality rivals that of many larger cars--especially with 14-inch tires installed. The Neon's suspension takes bumps and potholes in stride, soaking up most of them without disturbing the occupants unduly. At the same time, a Neon handles more like a sports car than a small sedan. Body lean in hard cornering is minimal, and the Neon's tires grip tautly. The car feels solid and well-planted on the road. Firm, responsive steering feels natural and centers quickly. Four 6-footers fit without squeezing in the spacious interior, which belies the car's outer dimensions. Visibility is excellent to the front and sides but because the rear parcel shelf is high the view to the rear is somewhat obstructed. The Neon's trunk opens at bumper level, and the split rear seatback folds down to expand the cargo area.
Value for the Money
All told, whether it's wearing a Plymouth or Dodge badge, Neon ranks as good value--and a sensible choice--among subcompact cars. Watch out for engine overheating or blown head gaskets. Both are expensive to repair.
All told, whether it's wearing a Plymouth or Dodge badge, Neon ranks as good value--and a sensible choice--among subcompact cars. Watch out for engine overheating or blown head gaskets. Both are expensive to repair.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Neon Sport sedan 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 Plymouth Neon includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Plymouth 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:
The A/C evaporator freezes up because the compressor does not cycle off, causing a lack of cooling. (1995)
Battery:
Batteries that go dead may be the result of one or more of the following: a glovebox 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)
Blower motor:
In cold weather, ice may form in the blower motor housing, which prevents the blower from moving, which blows the fuse. (1995-97)
Brakes:
The front brakes wear abnormally fast on cars with four wheel studs, so heavy-duty linings should be used to replace them. (1995-97)
Dashboard lights:
If the ABS warning light stays on, the ABS controller may need to be replaced. (1995)
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 Plymouth Neon details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1999 | |||
| Neon | $2,000-2,600 | $1,400-1,800 | $300-400 |
| 1998 | |||
| Neon | $1,700-2,200 | $1,100-1,500 | $300 |
| 1997 | |||
| Neon | $1,400-1,800 | $900-1,200 | $200 |
| 1996 | |||
| Neon | $1,200-1,600 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
| 1995 | |||
| Neon | $1,100-1,500 | $700-900 | $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 Plymouth 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. | 52.8 | 54.8 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2384 | 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
Most Neons got a 132-horsepower, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with a single-overhead cam. A dual-overhead-camshaft version of the 2.0-liter four could be installed in the Neon Sport (and later in other models), delivering 150 horsepower but just a bit more torque than the base engine. A 5-speed manual gearbox was standard; 3-speed automatic transmission (no overdrive gear ratio) optional.
| 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: 31.4 3-speed automatic: -- |
| dohc I4 | 2.0 / 122 | 150 | 131 | 5-speed manual: 28/38 3-speed automatic: 25/33 |
5-speed manual: 26.1 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 Plymouth 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 Plymouth Neon directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1995:
Corrosion at fuel and rear-brake tubes may lead to brake fluid or fuel leakage.
1995:
Steering-column coupler can become disconnected when vehicle sustains underbody impact.
1995-96 including "ACR competition" package:
Brake master cylinder can leak.
1996:
Wiring harness in Mexican-built cars could short-circuit; can cause 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:
Front-suspension lower control arms may have been inadequately welded and could separate.
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