You get what you pay for, and since you don't pay much for the 1997 Neon STD base model, you don't get much. The 1997 Neon STD gains intermittent wipers and power steering as standard ...
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You get what you pay for, and since you don't pay much for the 1997 Neon STD base model, you don't get much. The 1997 Neon STD gains intermittent wipers and power steering as standard features this year, in addition to the already standard cloth seats, power brakes, and dual front airbags. Though the interior is fairly bare-bones, the 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder, 132-hp engine is surprisingly peppy, especially with the standard 5-speed manual transmission. A 3-speed is optional, as are a host of features such as air conditioning, a tachometer, tilt steering wheel, and a Competition Package, which offered a twin-cam 2.0 I4 at 150-hp.
The Neon always gets praise for its great fuel economy, good durable engine, responsive acceleration, and excellent handling. Owner say it is fun to drive and pretty fast. The back seat and trunk are roomy for a compact. But the Neon also gets criticism for head gasket problems, excessive wind noise, peeling paint, and a cheap-looking interior.