Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!
Most popular vehicles
Popular New Cars
- New Acura MDX
- New Acura RDX
- New Audi Q5
- New BMW 3 Series
- New BMW X3
- New Buick Enclave
- New Cadillac Escalade
- New Chevrolet Equinox
- New Chrysler 300
- New Dodge Challenger
- New Ford Edge
- New Ford Escape
- New Ford Expedition
- New Ford Explorer
- New Ford F-150
- New Ford Focus
- New Ford Mustang
- New Honda Accord
- New Honda Civic
- New Honda CR-V
- New Honda Fit
- New Honda Odyssey
- New Honda Pilot
- New Hyundai Elantra
- New Hyundai Santa Fe
- New Hyundai Sonata
- New Hyundai Tucson
- New Jeep Compass
- New Jeep Grand Cherokee
- New Jeep Wrangler
- New Mazda 3
- New Mazda 6
- New Mazda CX-5
- New Nissan Altima
- New Nissan Maxima
- New Nissan Rogue
- New Porsche Cayenne
- New Ram 1500
- New Subaru Crosstrek
- New Subaru Forester
- New Subaru Impreza
- New Subaru Outback
- New Tesla Model S
- New Tesla Model X
- New Toyota 4Runner
- New Toyota Camry
- New Toyota Corolla
- New Toyota Highlander
- New Toyota Prius
- New Toyota RAV4
- New Toyota Sienna
- New Toyota Tacoma
- New Volkswagen Jetta
- New Volvo XC60
- New Volvo XC90
Popular Used Sedans
- Used BMW 5 Series
- Used Chevrolet Impala
- Used Chevrolet Malibu
- Used Chrysler 200
- Used Dodge Charger
- Used Ford Fusion
- Used Ford Taurus
- Used Honda Accord
- Used Honda Civic
- Used Hyundai Elantra
- Used Hyundai Sonata
- Used Tesla Model S
- Used Toyota Camry
- Used Toyota Corolla
- Used Volkswagen Jetta
Popular Used SUVs
- Used Acura MDX
- Used Acura RDX
- Used Ford Edge
- Used Ford Explorer
- Used Honda CR-V
- Used Honda Pilot
- Used Hyundai Santa Fe
- Used Jeep Compass
- Used Lincoln Navigator
- Used Mazda CX-5
- Used Nissan Rogue
- Used Subaru Crosstrek
- Used Subaru Forester
- Used Tesla Model X
- Used Volvo XC90
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
Don´t listen to vocus and/or protege2,vocus is posting the same crap about GM,so what´s the point?
It´s the way he is,he drives,and behaves.
My 2 cents!
And the Neon and Cavalier couldn't hold up to the way I drive eh? Then how come my Mazda has in 30K been in the shop twice for an ailing transmission and a CD player that wouldn't eject and that's it? Maybe it's the quality of the product, eh?? Get a life dude.
So Mazda is so reliable that it had an ailing tranny,or it was your fault?,pick an answer!!
So who needs to get a life??????
Do you have any job or anything to do in life besides flaming,bashing,and getting into other peoples business????
If you do,it doesn´t show buddy!
I am not trying to be a troll or anything, but I think Chrysler needs to be more in tune with their customers' needs. I also think they should build better cars. After all, it's not like they are cheap to pay for and all. Peoples' hard earned money is being used to purchase these cars. I think these customers deserve a better product than what Chrysler is offering them.
Respectfully,
Larry
And from now on I expect there will not be anymore flames between you and me,so let´s keep it cool.
Take care.
So I have a wonderful experiences,with ALL the Neons we had,and with ALL Chrysler products,BUT I can´t say the same about Mazda,my son had one,and other two friends of our family still drive Mazda,and they all complain about them,for my son the car,the service was terrible,he traded the car for a Neon,and was happy with the car,no major problems.
Now he is driving a Beetle,also a very good car,but in 3,500 miles,it has been in the service dept. already 4 times,for "minor" problems,but so far we feel the car is a very good car,it feels better than the Neon,(it costs more).and it feels much better than the Protege.
So as you can see,I also post my own experiences.
Finally we agree in something!
So I have a wonderful experiences,with ALL the Neons we had,and with ALL Chrysler products,BUT I can´t say the same about Mazda,my son had one,and other two friens of our family still drive Mazda,and they all complain about them,for my son the car,the service was terrible,he traded the car for a Neon,and was happy with the car,no major problems.
Now he is driving a Beetle,also a very good car,but in 3,500 miles,it has been in the service dept. already 4 times,for "minor" problems,but so far we feel the car is a very good car,it feels better than the Neon,(it costs more).and it feels much better than the Protege.
So as you can see,I also post my own experiences.
Finnaly we agree in something!
Larry
Now I am in the market for second car. I gave a another chance to Protege and had test drive couple days back. I also had test drive with Neon. Both were 2000 models. Neon is brand new, ABS, 4 disc CD changer in dash, Auto, AC and other goodies. After $2500 rebate they quoted me 11.7 + Tax+Title. Protege was used and had 20K on it same specs but it also has PW. Price was 12K + Tax + Title.
Any way after the test drive I clearly realized that Protege is overpriced (like CIVIC), nimble car. When I closed the door I actually hear the thin metal sound/feeling. Noen accelerated better, handled better, noise insulation is better then Protege.
So, past four five years Mazda did not have any development except cosmatic changes, in fact quality is constantly going down. Now with 2001 models Ford started to supply engine control modules to Protege which means everything will be worse.
I am strong believer of break in period. A new car must not be driven on highway first 600 miles for proper brake in and brakes have to be applied very cently. After 600 miles to 2k centle driving on highway is a must. Majority of people who have problems with their cars are not aware of this issue. If you dont't pay attetion to this process, any car will have shorter technical life.
I think Neon is best car among overpriced nimble competitors.
AT, AC, 4 Wheel ABS w/track.control, 4cd indash CD
stereo as well and white guages. They look pretty good.
I have been reading this forum since way before I bought this car today. I consider myself a picky, detail oriented and technically experienced person (I don't do maintenance myself but, I read everything about cars, engines, transmissions, brakes etc.)
Today When I took my delivery, I selected the side roads rather than highway to start my brake in period.
Excellent transmission, I don't even feel the shifting. Most refined, bug free transmission in the market (used in Ommi). Runs very smooth.
Above excellent handling. Enter the 120Degree curb with 40mp w/no breaking, not a bit leaning to the side, even my 99 Accord is leaning to the side at the same curb. I like it.
I can not say anything about breaking because I have to baby them for a while for proper break in.
Engine noise is slightly higher than my Accord which you can not feel the vibration when you touch the steering, I can feel a little with Neon but definetely not as much as I red in this forum.
I would not be aware of engine noise if I did not read it here.
Excellent pick up, even tough I am very centle, acceleration is very quick.
So far what I belive at this forum is: between 95 and 99 there was a head gasket and engine oil leak problem. Other than this it sounds like BS from Mazda sales people and others. Warped brakes: driver fault since very few people are having unlike Chevy Malibu.
Static electric: get a antistatic wrist wrap. Nothing to do with the car and watch what you are wearing.
Engine Noise: If it bothers you try to buy Accord next time. (some people are hart to understant, they wanna pay as little as they can but They look for midsize or full size sedan luxury. Get a life please.
Engine hesitation: No cars hesitates without a reason. Change your dealership, get good gas
I dont quite get it comparing Neon with Protege which is 110 HP thincan, nimble car -even his big brother 626 is more nimble than Neon - with over priced tag. If some body tells me honda Civic is overpriced I can justify because of quality. Mazda is coming red numbers for each fiscal year because of low sales and extremely down graded quality because of Ford). I can not see 2000 protege in the traffic anymore despites all the hesitation and other electrical problem posted under Mazda THE NIMBLE CAR problems. Interms of quality and refinement Civic is the leader, in terms of performance and more bang for the money Neon is the leader. Protege, Corolla, Focus (hahaha Ford still using 8 valve engine which is inefficient interms of fuel and performance) are not even in the list.
Reliablity of the car depends on the driver. Hey if you feed your baby with breast milk, he/she will be very healty and have strong immune system.
Brake in is important.
I continue to read, with amusement,the continuing saga of Protege Vs. Neon. Even though this is the DODGE\Plymouth Neon 2 BBS.
You know VOCUS, YOU created the Protege\NEON BBS (last entry 10\10), why not focus, Vocus, (hey! I made a funny!)your "expertise" there? As usual, you patronizing remarks regarding how "I really do like the Neon" are just a mask for who you really are..., a troll with little else to do.
I mean, here's a guy/gal that does not even own a NEON, (but his/her room mate does!), he/she has alluded to us that his/her MAZDA has given them tranny and other problems, yet dominates this BBS with their "experience" with 2K NEONS.
Here's a person who weeks ago promised to leave the BBS ,if even ONE article praising the NEON could be found.When an article was found, he broke their promise, saying that he/she PERSONALLY did not like the source of the article.
Now,tell me,how can anyone believe in the honesty of this person's opinions?
Snowman, you've hit the nail on the head. You bought the NEON after comparing it, dollar for dollar,against the competition.You have also accepted the "problems" that are endemic to the NEON.I find most Japanese cars(in the NEON'S class) to be reliable, but exceedingly costly and boring. A well made toaster or microwave is my analogy in describing them.How good can a company be if FORD (EXPLORER's really are safe! hahah), own them?
As far as break-in,I gonna get flamed for this, but here's what I've heard. Gary Howell, who owns HOWELL AUTOMOTIVE (a large NEON aftermaket tuner), has told me that after rebuilding a NEON engine with new block ,pistons,rings, they do not baby the engine.They rev the engine and use it.
In addition, the techniques that are used today in the milling of engine parts, is far more precise than when engines were built (and had to be broken in carefully) decades ago.
Some things I would do, is run nothing but Mobil 1 synthetic oil(or a similar "true" synthetic) and warm up the engine in the morning.The warming up (let the car idle for 30-45sec then hold at 1800RPM for 1-2mins)helps the heat to expand not only to the block and pistons , but to the cyclinder head and gasket. This allows for uniform expansion of the engine parts.
This is tedious,and may seem strange in the summer, but in the winter, does it really seem that strange to do?
Copperhead,I sat in and drove the Stratus 2001 R/T coupe. Damn! it's nice. It had a 5-speed and all the goodies. Very fast,(7.5sec 0-60 for the auto) and handled great.Think that, or the Supercharged Cougar(if ever it's produced), will be my next "fast ride" The Stratus Coupe uses a Mitsubishi 6-cyclinder (no surprise, as DC owns a large chunk of Mitsubishi), with DC engine management. Sweet car,but the 5-speed rocks, compared to the auto.
In closing,let me invite all to take the time to go back and see all the posts from VOCUS.Then make a judgement call in regards to his\her views toward their favorite subject;
"MY EXPERT,UNBIASED,HONEST OPINION ON THE 2K NEON"
Nuf said.
0-60 in 6.8! Guess you must have the same mods that I have in my 2K ;^) !!
Seriously, I heard 0-60 in 7.8 to 8.3 depending on the magazine for a stock 5spd. 2K NEON. I've modified mine quite a bit, and get wheel spin almost every time (in 1st gear) when the road's lightly wet unless I engage the Traction control.
I liked very much the 2 door Stratus R/T although my twelve and sixteen year old will protest the entry. But hell, they're young, so they can twist into the back seats. A really sharp looking car, and MAMA MIA! what an engine!
I'm sure the coupe with the 5spd is faster cuz' it's probably lighter.
I don't think a bone stock 2K will beat a RT 5sp. Stratus,(straight line race) but would probably leave it in the twisties.
Vocus likes to fight,and flame,we all should read mark194 latest post,he is right!
mark194.-
You are right!
Thanks
My previous cars were a 1985 BMW 318i and a 1996 Infiniti G20, and I highly recommend the Neon to anyone who is sophisticated about driving and wants something in this price range. The car is MUCH underrated in many of the articles I've read, primarily because the cars that were tested had the outdated 3-speed automatic transmission.
I was very careful during the break-in period, and have been rewarded with a very reliable car. The only problem I've had was a passenger-side electric window that had not been plugged in at the factory. It was fixed in 20 minutes.
Compared with the competition, I think the Neon is the better choice. The Focus's design is hideous and unsettling. I cannot stand to look at it. The Civic's a bit boring and lacks the Neon's sporting character, and I think the Neon's ride is actually better. The Corolla is nice but not sporty enough. The Mazda Protege is perhaps the most alike, in that it's also sporty, but I like the Neon's look and handling over the Mazda's. The reliability of the Neon in 5 speed form has been great, in my experience.
I think more people should take this little gem seriously. It's a great car.
Also, someone needs an alignment. Front tires are balding a little on the edges. Guess I should have stuck to the rotations.
Respectfully,
Larry
As for wax it's the 3M one. Damn if I can remember the name, right now...,sorry!As for frequency of waxing, about four times a year. More if you make the mistake of using detergents and dishwashing liquid to wash your car. ("removes grease, and leaves your dishes smelling great"..., duh think it will harm your car's paintjob??).
As for the interior, I always carry a hand vacuum with the a narrow pick up adapter ro get into the small crevices where crap falls/hides.I also find that a layer of AMOURALL on plastic parts , acts as a surfacant (makes a surface slippery) and therefore smudges\stains have a harder time sticking to the plastic on door sills and door panels.Other than that it just being nuts about keeping the car clean.
One last thing. I smoke, but NEVER do I smoke in my car. Damn nicotine makes the car stink! Worse thing for resale.
Hersbird, yeah now I understand.Yeah, the 1st gen NEONS with the DOHC will definitely run.And they'll run even faster with a cold air intake and a good free flow muffler. My 2k with about $400 worth of stuff (not much) is much faster than a stock 2K 5spd. and is livable and easy to drive.
Also, this might shock you all, but I like the Neon better than the Focus myself. The seats are more comfortable than in the Focus. Even reliability seems to be better than the Focus'.
Got a friend who'll I give the tip to.
Thanks
Yep!, you never really know.
I personally think that US made cars are slowly but surely becoming more reliable. Blame competition, robotic,and computer technology.
Also what's amazing is how much Horsepower and torque can be made from a "lowly" four cyclinder if the designers are aggressive enough.
The NEON has the most powerful engine in its class and is a relatively understressed engine. It becomes an absolute terror with just modifications to its exhaust (most pronounced bottleneck) and with it's intake.
There is a myth that ALL Japanese cars are super-reliable and never break down. They all do to a degree, but not with the same frequency as a US made car. I owned them and like them,but love the handling and power of my 2K 5sp. ES
Engine noise aside (which I might add is due to header proximity, it is a refined well made car.
Here's to many more trouble-free miles
Randy
2k 5sp ES with some nice goodies on board
When I compare my 2K Neon to my 85 Bimmer and 96 G20 (both of which I no longer own), I have to say that I like the Neon better than either one. The Neon is about equal to the BMW in seating position, visibility, road feel, steering, ride, etc. (Thanks to CAD/CAM design, no doubt). The Bimmer (318i) was a dog 0-60 and was lousy in the snow, plus it was constantly in the shop. 15 years of technological advances have made the 2000 LX more sophisticated than a previous-generation Bimmer, really.
The 96 G20 was a great car in many ways, but its engine was equally noisy and it had FEWER features than my loaded LX has, which I think is incredible. My Neon has the auto-dimming lights, heated mirrors, etc., plus traction control and remote keyless entry. Oh, and the dealer-installed sunroof creaked on my Infiniti...very annoying.
Can't think of a more interesting car in its class! Truth is, cars are getting so much better in general that one no longer needs to get a luxury car to get a great car. I think the horsepower wars are getting ridiculous and that the proliferation of high-tech features demonstrates that auto companies can't compete on the quality of their cars anymore. It's getting kind of gimmicky. Couldn't be happier with the Neon, for my needs.
and tell me why is the esaust of the car so noise over 110km/h.
Mine has only 380 miles. But I can tell that despite all the negative postings I have red, 2K Neons are very good cars for the price. I paid 11.5K + TT AT,ABS,CD,AC. I was going to buy Honda Civic but I could not justify the difference. They asked 15.3K +TT
Even tough mine is 2K, all the guages are white. I thought this for 2001s.
I took my 2k Neon with 18,000 trouble free miles to my dealer for its PCV valve repair. I was having a small vibration at 65+ mph on the highway so I had the dealer re-balance my front tires while it was there.
I was also concerned about my rotors as they were pulsing when the brakes were aplied. I thought they were warped.
The good news is that I got the car back in 3 hrs as promised by my dealer and the highway vibration is completely gone as well as the pulse I felt under braking.
Can faulty tire balance also cause a pulsation under braking? I dont know, but I think they were related.
I also had a chance to check out some 2001 Neons while at the dealer. They have some awesome new wheels and new colors. I think the wheels were 16" with 195 tires and they make the whole car look more substantial and sporty.
I think they issued the recall to bring all of us 2k owners in with our crappy 14" & 15" steel wheels & hubcaps with those tiny 185 tires to see the new cars and make us want one.
I complained about the 2k tire and wheel packages months ago, apparently Dodge was listening!
But anyway, the neon we purchased is for my wife, I am driving it for proper brake-in period. I have 99 Accord LX 5 spd (runs like Swiss Clock). MD ares 495 traffic is killing me. Driving 5 spd was fun but this traffic is miserable.
I requested quote from my dealer for 2K Intrepid. Because of 0% APR I might switch the cars and end up paying less.
Good luck with your car. Temparature is going up, I have to leave.
I have a 2000 Plymouth Neon LX, I have been very happy with it. The car has 11,500 miles on it, no problems at all. I am planning major modifications to it, but for now I have an AEM Cold-Air Intake which improves performance as well as the sound of the engine. Along with the intake, I have blue-HID look alike headlights, which I think look great considering the car is the midnight blue. My future plans include exhaust, suspension, as well as bodykits. Maybe if I get around to it, I will add a turbo eventually. I plan to keep my car updated here on the posts, so let me know what you think. I live in the Tempe area in Arizona, so tell me if you live here!!
Thanks,
Elias
regards,
normallyaspiratedengineboy4u
Protegextwo keep the grate enthusiast of always¡
Regards
Alex.
What bugswest is working on here is a nicely personalized neon that would spank some serious high dollar iron from over the big ponds.
Neons are not normally "riced" out as say Hondas and Mazdas so often are. Not to say it never happens, just that the 'per capita ehaust tip diameter' is much higher on say, oh I don't know, maybe a Protoge!?
Bugswest- welcome to the NEON board, please take the 'never even sat in a neon' poster's comments with a grain of salt, or better yet a shot of Jack Daniels. All the Mazda fans here are just looking for a recount of horspower, come to think of it the Protoge does look a bit like a pregnant chad.
Either way, I'm excited about the prospect of riding in something with a more comfy ride (the RX's ride is hideous- I feel every pebble on the road!), without sacrificing insane entrance ramp speeds. Can we say "psyched"?!?! The performance, coupled with the easy payments, are what drew us, and of course we're going for the 5spd, even if it means ordering it from the factory. We checked out a lot of '01's after hours (and free of bothersome salesmen) tonight, but it was full of ES's with that god-awful automatic (whimpeeee! It's like driving a Ferrari with training wheels when you opt for the automatic, IMO). We have no gripes about engine noise, obviously, and while we can afford a more expensive car, we're holding out for a North American release of the updated RX-7 and the Neon will make the wait pleasant and fun.
Anyway, thanks again, reply if you think the pre-approved financing will help, and I'll let you know how it goes.
Bev
www.car-truck.com/chryed/buzz/b091400.htm
Drive this car before making the final decision. I drove an ACR when I first was looking back in 1997 and was forever changed. It was before the announcement of a R/T version and I decedied I needed more creature comforts then a ACR offered. That and an ACR didn't get the 150hp motor in a four door (the 132 was what a sedan ACR got). I didn't think I would be able to feel the difference between the sport and and ACR but I could, I cant feel any difference between an R/T and a Sport but the ACR just has everything done right from a performance standpoint, there are just no compromises. A stripped down ARC would have cost amost the same as my loaded Sport, it just shows they are really putting some money in the suspension of an ACR.
Protegextwo
Regards,
Larry