The Good
The 1997 Dodge Neon offered a surprisingly peppy performance for its segment, especially with the DOHC engine, appealing to emotional buyers seeking a "fun to drive" experience. Its distinctive, youthful design was another strong draw. Practically, it provided good fuel efficiency for its time and represented excellent value with a low initial purchase price, making it an economical choice for budget-conscious owners. It was also easy to maneuver and park.
The Bad
Known weaknesses for the 1997 Dodge Neon include notorious head gasket failures, particularly in early models, and problematic automatic transmissions prone to premature failure and shifting issues. Other concerns involve cheap interior plastics that rattle, significant road noise at highway speeds, and less-than-stellar braking performance, especially with standard rear drum brakes. Electrical gremlins and water leaks are also frequently reported.
1997 Dodge Neon: Quick Overview
- Engine Options: The 1997 Dodge Neon primarily offered two 2.0-liter inline-four cylinder engine options:
- SOHC (Single Overhead Cam): Standard on most trims, designed for economy and everyday driving.
- DOHC (Dual Overhead Cam): Available on Sport and ACR trims, offering more spirited performance.
- Horsepower:
- 2.0L SOHC: Approximately 132 horsepower.
- 2.0L DOHC: Approximately 150 horsepower, delivering a noticeable punch for its class.
- Fuel Economy: Fuel economy was respectable for its era, typically ranging around:
- City: 24-28 MPG
- Highway: 29-37 MPG (depending on engine and transmission, manual generally higher)
- 0-60 Times: The Neon was surprisingly quick for a compact car of its time.
- 2.0L SOHC (Manual): Approximately 8.5-9.0 seconds.
- 2.0L DOHC (Manual): Approximately 7.5-8.0 seconds.
- Towing Capacity: The 1997 Dodge Neon was not designed as a towing vehicle. While some very light utility trailers might be technically possible with an aftermarket hitch, its towing capacity is generally considered negligible or not recommended by the manufacturer, typically under 1,000 lbs if any rating exists.
- Trim-Level Features:
- Base: A no-frills entry-level model, often equipped with manual windows, manual locks, and an AM/FM cassette stereo. Power steering was sometimes optional or not included.
- Highline: Added more convenience features such as air conditioning, power steering, and often included power windows and locks as options. Interior appointments were slightly upgraded.
- Sport: Featured the more powerful 2.0L DOHC engine, firmer suspension tuning, unique alloy wheels, fog lights, and sportier interior accents like bolstered seats.
- ACR (American Club Racer): A track-focused variant, exclusively with the 2.0L DOHC engine and a manual transmission. It came with stiffer suspension, four-wheel disc brakes (rare for the Neon), quicker steering rack, and often deleted features like air conditioning, cruise control, and power accessories to reduce weight, appealing to enthusiasts.
1997 Dodge Neon Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 1997 |
| Make | Dodge |
| Model | Neon |
| Trim | - |
| Style | Coupe 5-Speed Manual |
| Type | Coupe |
| Category | Compact Car |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | United States |
| Manufacturing City | BELVIDERE |
Dimensions
| Doors | 4-Door |
| Curb Weight | 2441 pounds |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | - |
| Overall Height | 54.90 inches |
| Overall Length | 171.80 inches |
| Overall Width | 67.50 inches |
| Wheelbase Length | 104.00 inches |
| Standard Seating | 5 |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | 2.0-L L-4 DOHC 16V |
| Engine Size | 2L |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual |
| Transmission Type | Manual |
| Transmission Speeds | 5-Speed |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | Non-ABS 4-Wheel ABS |
| Steering Type | Rack & Pinion |
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | $10,800 |
| Invoice Price | $10,131 |
| Delivery Charges | - |
Vehicle History Report
Specifications
History
Events
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Analysis
What Problems Does the 1997 Dodge Neon Have?
head gasket failure on the 2.0L SOHC engine. This problem was particularly prevalent in early models (1995-1997) and often manifested as coolant leaks, overheating, or oil contamination, requiring significant repair. While later revisions to the gasket improved the situation, many 1997 models had the original design.
Another major weak point is the
automatic transmission. These units are notorious for premature failure, harsh shifting, slipping, and general unreliability. Many owners reported needing transmission rebuilds or replacements well before 100,000 miles. For this reason, manual transmission Neons are often preferred.
Electrical issues are also common, including faulty window regulators (especially the front ones), intermittent dash lights, malfunctioning sensors (like crankshaft position sensors), and temperamental wiring causing various warning lights or component failures.
Water leaks into the cabin or trunk through door seals or taillight gaskets are not uncommon, leading to potential mildew or electrical problems.
Brake components, particularly the front rotors and pads, tend to wear quickly, and the rear drum brakes can be problematic.
Suspension components like struts, bushings, and ball joints often require replacement as mileage accumulates, contributing to a noisy and less controlled ride.
Regarding
recalls, the 1997 Neon had a few. One significant recall involved the
airbag system, where the airbag warning lamp could illuminate due to a faulty wiring harness, potentially disabling the airbag system. Another recall addressed the
fuel tank module, where a faulty fuel level sending unit could give inaccurate fuel gauge readings. Owners should check if these or any other minor recalls were addressed, though at this age, most active recalls would likely have been resolved or are no longer actively pursued by owners.
Overall, the long-term reliability of the 1997 Neon is mixed. While the basic engine block can be robust if the head gasket issue is permanently fixed, the automatic transmission remains a major concern, and continuous small electrical and mechanical issues can accumulate, making it a challenging vehicle to maintain without consistent attention.
How long will the 1997 Dodge Neon last?
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
Built-in Tech & Entertainment: Standard equipment was basic, typically an AM/FM stereo with a cassette player. A CD player was an available option on higher trims. There was no advanced infotainment system or digital displays beyond the basic instrument cluster. Connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB were non-existent. Air conditioning and power steering were often optional on base models but standard on Highline and Sport trims, providing a basic level of comfort and driving ease.
There were virtually
no modern driver-assistance features. Aids such as cruise control were optional on certain trims, but there were no systems like traction control, stability control, or any form of parking assistance. The driving experience was purely mechanical and driver-controlled.
Safety features for the 1997 Neon were standard for its time, focusing on passive safety:
- Dual Front Airbags: Driver and passenger airbags were standard across all trims, providing crucial protection in frontal collisions.
- Seatbelts: Three-point seatbelts were standard for all outboard passengers, with pretensioners for the front occupants.
- Side-Impact Door Beams: Integrated into the doors to provide some protection against side collisions.
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): ABS was an optional feature, typically available on higher trims, which improved braking control in slippery conditions.
Regarding
Crash-Test Ratings, the 1997 Dodge Neon generally performed adequately for a subcompact car of its era in tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It typically received:
- Frontal Impact: Often scored 3 or 4 stars for both driver and front passenger protection, which was considered respectable for its class at the time.
- Side Impact: Side impact ratings were generally lower, or not as extensively tested for small vehicles of this period, reflecting the less advanced side-impact protection technology.
It's important to remember that these ratings reflect the standards and comparisons of the mid-1990s and would not compare favorably to modern vehicle safety standards.
What Colors Options are Available?
1997 Dodge Neon Prices and Market Value
1997 Dodge Neon Cost of Ownership
1997 Dodge Neon Fuel Efficiency
1997 Dodge Neon Safety Rating
NHTSA
IIHS
1997 Dodge Neon Warranty
Basic
Powertrain
Rust
1997 Dodge Neon Insurance
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 1997 Dodge Neon Compare to Other Coupe?
In terms of
Performance, the Neon often stood out. Its optional 2.0L DOHC engine, producing 150 horsepower, was genuinely peppy for its class, often outperforming the base engines of the Civic and Corolla, and feeling more spirited than the Escort or Cavalier. This made it a "fun to drive" option that its rivals sometimes lacked.
Regarding
Features, the Neon was competitive but not groundbreaking. It offered standard airbags and optional ABS, similar to its peers. Interior quality was generally considered below that of the Civic and Corolla, with more hard plastics and less refinement, though comparable to the Escort and Cavalier.
Reliability is where the Neon significantly lagged behind its Japanese competitors. While the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla were lauded for their bulletproof reliability and longevity, the Neon was plagued by well-documented issues, particularly head gasket failures and fragile automatic transmissions. The Ford Escort and Chevrolet Cavalier also had their share of reliability woes, but the Neon's specific major engine and transmission problems were a significant drawback.
For
Price, the Neon was aggressively priced, often undercutting the equivalent Civic and Corolla models, positioning it as an attractive budget-friendly option.
Recommended Alternatives:
- Better Alternatives: For superior reliability, refinement, and resale value, the
Honda Civic (specifically 1996-2000 models) and
Toyota Corolla (1993-1997 or 1998-2002 models) are undeniably stronger choices. They offer comparable fuel economy, better build quality, and significantly fewer major mechanical headaches, making them more sensible long-term investments. - Similar Alternatives: The
Ford Escort and
Chevrolet Cavalier are similar in terms of being domestic economy cars with comparable price points and similar compromises in refinement and long-term reliability compared to their Japanese counterparts. They might offer similar "bang for your buck" if considering initial purchase price, but won't necessarily be more reliable than a well-vetted Neon.