2002 Dodge Neon Overview, Reviews, Ratings & Specs

Brandon on October 22, 2022

Overall, I give the Neon 4 out of 5 stars because for the most part it has always run and almost never left me stranded. Although it does not have a lot of power, I have always liked the ride it gives. Now for the cons. Don't buy a neon if you're not willing to spend the money to have it worked on every 4 months or so. I've owned this car for a year and a half and I've had to rebuild both rear wheels, my EVAP system needs work, it needs new motor mounts, the heater core is leaking, and now the power steering pump keeps throwing the serpentine belt. I even replaced the power steering pump and it's still throwing the belt off. I can't figure out what is misaligned. Apparently, this is a common problem with the neon. The only reason I'm keeping it and trying to fix the problem is because I'm financially unable to buy another vehicle. In short, know what you're getting yourself into before buying this car, and don't expect it to be all trouble free.

Seller on July 24, 2018

It?s a great car has wounderfull speakers radio has USB port an Bluetooth has a steering wheel cover that?s super nice an comfortable to hold

dallas67 on June 11, 2017

Bought the Neon from an elderly woman who was the second owner, who had been elderly as well and died. It only has 46K miles on it. After two weeks the car was running poorly and found out that the transmission fluid was leaking into the radiator. Had to replace the radiator for over $500. Other than that, it seems to run well. ft it sits for a few days the brakes squeak when backing out of the garage.

Kathy on June 6, 2017

This car has gotten me from point a to point b its runs when i want it to its a good car for the first time driver

jf79 on May 23, 2015

Bought this car new February of '02, and currently has only 74k miles on it. At first it seemed like a nice car, but at around the 10k miles the transmission completely broke and had to get a new one installed. At around the 40k miles mark the car began to leak and soak the back floor and back seats when ever it rained. It was eventually found out that the tail light seals had disintegrated and needed to be replaced. Now more recently around the 70k mile mark the car has really bad hesitation when accelerating (unless accelerating slowly). Not sure what the issue causing it is as no codes are tripped using an OBD scanner. My MPG has fell drastically from around 33MPG to like 24MPG. The car also at the moment has a somewhat noisy (makes a thunk sound) transmission (5-spd manual) when engaging the clutch. Also when accelerating the car makes some other clunking sound somewhere underneath the front that sounds like the frame breaking. The shocks sound noisy and may need replaced. A problem the car has always had also, was that sometimes when turning the volume dial down on the radio, the volume will go up instead. For the most part though, the car hasn't had any real bad cabin noises like buzzes and rattles.

This guy on April 27, 2015

I've owned a 1999 neon before this one and I can say your get the bulk repairs from about 70000 to 140000 miles. after that you'll be able to go a while after that though I suggest getting the timing belt replaced along with shocks and struts around this time also. After that, it runs like a charm. I get ~ 35mpg on the freeway going 70 and about 39 going 60. City I usually got around 25mpg. Overall good little car.

Fredtx on August 24, 2014

I bought this car to from a neighbor who had this vehicle since it was new. 134K, well kept, and driven by easy drivers. The history of this car was a rebuilt transmission with in the first 50K, then a couple minor accidents. Finally a battery failure lead them to believe the car was about to die. Hence I got this cheap and picked it up with a dented door, and excessive road noise, along with what felt like the need for brakes. After a new battery, the car appeared to start and run with no drive train issue. Next I did a brake job and corrected all stopping concerns I had. Still road noise, so after rotating tires to ensure it wasn't a tire issue, replaced the front wheel bearings. Now I suspect it is driving like it would have new. Pretty simple car to work on. The down side is this car literally has NO power. When I drive down the road, I commonly find myself driving below the speed limit, and feel as thou I am pushing this car to just do 60mph. If I ever get a speeding ticket in this car I will be shocked. The fuel economy is NO WHERE near the advertised, even combined mileage. The best I get is 28 mph. I can understand why this car isn't manufactured any more nor the PT Cruiser. As for an inexpensive used car for bridging from my recent ride to a new car, or just having a work car to get you from home to work daily, this isn't bad. Better then a golf cart for comfort, only because your not exposed to the elements, and the AC works great. I have had several people offer to buy it from me when I get my new car at the price I got it for. But really I have owned everything from a 1/2ton pickup to a Chevy Astro van, and a Chevette to a BMW M5. This vehicle build was probably taken from a high school shop class wanting to design their first car. If it was really designed by college educated engineers, they deserve to get their money back from the university they attended, and the auto engineering association needs to pull their credentials.

neon owner on December 6, 2012

I bought this car barely used in 2005 with 10,000 miles on it and it has been the perfect car never left me broken down on the side of the road. the only problem I was the average wear in tear for a car. the dodge neon is plain jane car so if your so if your looking for all the bells and whistles find a different car. I finally trade my neon at 230,000 miles for a truck because I needed something bigger.

NSB Reaper on October 26, 2012

just hit 100k and i already am having to have repairs on it from normal wear and tear. I would not be buying another neon again

Neon dude on February 28, 2012

Best money I've spent. This car not only looks sexy but it feels sexy as well. It handles great. Its no race car but it has some kick to it. A great first car for a teenager!