Overview & Reviews
An R/T appearance package debuts. Improved option packages, LEV emissions and next-generation airbags round out the changes to the 1998 Dodge Neon.
- Zippy performance with 5-speed. Handles the twisties with aplomb. Good build quality. Great value.
- Loud interior. High-silled greenhouse results in that "sitting in a bathtub" feeling. Sketchy reliability history.
User Reviews:
Showing 1 through 10 of 63.00-
Sporty looking, decent on gas, and reliable. - 1998 Dodge Neon
By zanderlion - October 3 - 6:29 amI own a black 1998 Dodge Neon Sport Sedan with an automatic transmission. Im not sure how many owners its had. I bought the car in October of 2011 from a mechanic for $1600. The car has 135,280 miles. I noticed oil was leaking out the gasket seal. So I had my cousin replace the seal. And the leak stopped. My cousin also put new spark plugs in, and he noticed a couple of spark plugs were drowned in oil. I give the car its routine oil changes every 3 to 5000 miles. I never had any trouble starting it, even in the coldest winter last year, it started fine. The car handles the snow ok. I had to replace a fuel pipe, because it rusted through. In conclusion, I think its a reliable fun car.
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Couple things people dont know - 1998 Dodge Neon
By jimalee2000 - April 24 - 11:50 amI bought my car at an auction last year. I have driven it every day and had no major problems other than: The 4 cyl has a not so known issue of the valve cover gasket leaking oil into spark plugs. This was found by a mech telling us so I have yet to replace gasket. I take the plug out clean it and its good to go for a few months longer. Secondly is I have to put oil in it cause the oil pan gasket is bad. BUT knowing those two problems I am ok with it. It is known for bad heads and often blow. I havent had that issue yet! But the engines are so easy to find it is good to work on.
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Best first car! - 1998 Dodge Neon
By Kyle - April 19 - 11:18 pmIve had my neon for about a year now. I had it given to me from my parents at 98,000 miles and it now has 101,000 so you can guess that I am happy with it. I love the gas mileage and the dependability, I am not to fond of the power though. Getting on the freeway is not very fun. Overall I am just happy that I got a car that doesnt need to be in the shop every few months.
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Fun but big-time TROUBLE - 1998 Dodge Neon
By Paul - July 24 - 12:04 amWhen I found my Neon R/T, white with blue stripes, I thought I had gone to heaven. And there is no question that it is a fun car to drive when it runs but I have had nothing but trouble since I bought it. I have had the engine rebuilt twice and numerous things replaced, much more than I would expect even for a car that has over 150,000 miles on the odometer (I bought it at 94,000 miles). The trunk and right rear seat area leaks buckets of water in every rain or snow storm. If it wasnt for the consistent 30 mpg I would dump the car ASAP.
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Easy to work on, and great gas mileage - 1998 Dodge Neon
By maw96usa - June 4 - 3:51 amI bought this car for its gas mileage abilities and I have not been let down. Ive been getting around 32-34mpg in town and 38-41mpg on the hwy. I drove it from Colorado Springs, Colorado to Bakersfield, California for less than $90.00 with gas at $3.50 a gallon. As a home mechanic I also appreciate how easy the car is to work on. At 150k miles I really went through the engine and replaced the timing belt, water pump, oil pan gasket, power steering pump, valve cover gasket set, thermostat, and it was all really easy to get to with out much trouble at all. I tell friends and family that if I get another car itll be another Neon!!!
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Reliable and efficient commuter vehicle - 1998 Dodge Neon
By BrianH - February 3 - 12:55 pmBought 5/1/2006 with 25k miles (yes, 25k). Had to get A/C compressor replaced (normal for age) and replaced a malfunctioning EGR valve. I was aware of the issues before purchase. I bought the car for $4,300 and I considered it a decent deal despite the fact that its a Neon. Ive put on 14k miles since purchase without issue. The oil is relatively clean after 3k miles (mixed hwy/city). The shifter isnt the most confidence-inspiring one around, but Ive driven much worse. I averaged 28-32 mpg between May and November, but once the weather got colder my mpg dropped to 25-28 (also let my car heat up for 10 mins in mornings). Significant interior noise and rattling.
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I Heart It - 1998 Dodge Neon
By LuvMyNeon - January 13 - 6:39 pmI have had my Neon since May of 2006. Purchased it with about 89,000 miles on it. Was previously owned by an elderly couple who traded it in for a newer car. I have only had one repair that is not considered a normal repair, (misfire in a cylinder) cost was about $130. I love the car, it is my first car and it is super fun to drive. Other repairs were I had 3 belts replaced (timing, power steering, alternator belts). Other than that, it is a great car. I feel comfortable driving it and Im 6ft tall. Just wish it had power windows and locks. My only complaint is the fact that you almost feel the road when driving, and the rotors need to be replaced. I love my Neon!
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Reliable, Fun car - 1998 Dodge Neon
By moneyshot - November 5 - 2:12 amThis car has been an amazing vehicle. I have had it since new. It had a head gasket leak at 45000 miles, but the dealer took care of it for free. The sunroof broke on it 6 times. Those are the only problems I had with it. I had it in Germany with me, and spent lots of time in the governor (118 mph). I now have 120000 on it, and havent even had to replace the altenator, or anything else not mandated by the owners manual.
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Best $5K I ever spent - 1998 Dodge Neon
By ETPHONEHOME - May 17 - 1:37 pmI purchased the car used for about $4K. I knew it had an oil leak when purchased. I had to change the head gasket and drive shaft seal, and also decided to change the water pump. Another $1K invested. The head gasket was known design defect that was fixed, and Ive had no leaks since. The car now has 160K miles on it and still runs great. No problems. Its fun to drive. It has a good interior and great head room for persons under 6 ft. Im getting 36 mpg (70- 75 mph) in warmer months with good Mobil gas...generic gas about 3 mpg less. Best $5K I have ever invested. An excellent basic commuter car.
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Fun to drive - 1998 Dodge Neon
By Doug - January 7 - 2:00 pmI bought the car to comute to work ($4200/63K miles). Ive done zero maintance in the two years Ive driven it (no oil changes). It has never broke down. I wash it twice a year whether it needs it or not. Its been the cheepest car Ive owned.
