1998 Dodge Neon Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
In fevered dreams where you are behind the wheel of a race car, revving your engine in competition with Tom Cruise's character in Days of...
In fevered dreams where you are behind the wheel of a race car, revving your engine in competition with Tom Cruise's character in Days of Thunder, you don't normally picture yourself seated inside of a subcombpact car, but the 1998 Dodge Neon has changed that perception with its new R/T trim. Based on the Neon used in (and winning) stock car competitions, the R/T performance Neon is a race car that anyone can afford. With the twin-cam 2.0-liter, 150-hp engine, a sports-tuned suspension, steering, and springs, and front and rear anti-sway bars, you'll make quite an impression stopped at a traffic light. Striping, R/T badges, and interior leather trim complete the package.
For more sedate drivers, the Neon comes in either a sedan or coupe, in Highline and Sport trims, which also offer the twin-cam engine as an option. In 1998, base model Neons disappear and are replaced with the Highline. The Dodge Neon always gets rated highly for the way it handles the road and its great acceleration, even with the base single-cam, 2.0-liter, 132-hp and 3-speed automatic. While it can struggle up hills, it adapts smoothly to curves. Most drivers agree it is more fun to drive than similar subcompacts. Plenty of room inside for four passengers, an easy to read and reach dash, and lots of trunk space make the Neon comfortable to ride in as well.
Owners say the 1998 Neon's engine and soft suspension make it easy to speed (judge for yourself if that's a good or bad trait) and maneuver. The rounded front and high rear deck give it a sporty look, though the rear deck does cause blind spots. What most owners don't like is the poor reliability of the Neon, the cheap-looking interior, loud road noise, and lack of convenience options.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 1998 Dodge Neon appreciate its great gas mileage, sharp handling, and fun driving experience. Many are impressed with its performance, especially for a car in its class, while some drivers noted issues with reliability, like frequent repairs and interior comfort. The air conditioning problems and cramped rear space were common points of frustration among some reviewers."
After all this time it still accelorates great and handles beautifully. The five speed transmission is geared perfectly for the 2.0 Liter DOHC four cylinder engine. The suspension hold tight to the road and ducks into to turns leaving you feeling in perfect control of the road. The paint on this trim has stood up much better than that of the other '98 Neons. As of 2006, other than routine maintenance, I've only had to replace the head gasket, a coolant hose, an A/C hose and a clutch cable. While the head gasket work was done (at 98,000 miles) I had the water pump and timing belt replaced. Overall I would say that this rates as very low maintenace for a U.S. built car. Consider with that that the car was also used during most of its life in areas that salt or sand the roads during the winter. This car was the first car I purchased coming out of college. I bought it because it was the best equipped cars for the money at that time. Maybe it's me, but it seems like that car helped shaped the paradigm of releasing a high performance trim for every compact model. My car has been from the Canadian border to the Mexican border and Atlantic to Pacific with no major problems. After sitting outside for two years while stationed overseas the only thing the car needed was a new battery.
February 10, 2007Damn Fine Car, 216000 miles and it still runs like a champ. Not a sports car yet... but give me some time... it will be... great on gas... 25 to fill it from empty... steering is tight like tiger... fun on the corners.... wouldn't trade it... love it!! Buy one!
November 21, 2008Bought used from 1st-time 10-year owner. Still runs well. Acceleration isn't as fast as I'd like, but that's okay. Gets great gas mileage (about 35-40 mpg). Unfortunately, I couldn't drive it until I bought a pedal extension for the clutch (I'm 5'0). Not stylish at all, but very cute. Inside, the radio is confusing and all the buttons look the same, but I guess I'll get used to that.
May 30, 2008What owners say
After all this time it still accelorates great and handles beautifully. The five speed transmission is geared perfectly for the 2.0 Liter DOHC four cylinder engine. The suspension hold tight to the road and ducks into to turns leaving you feeling in perfect control of the road. The paint on this trim has stood up much better than that of the other '98 Neons. As of 2006, other than routine maintenance, I've only had to replace the head gasket, a coolant hose, an A/C hose and a clutch cable. While the head gasket work was done (at 98,000 miles) I had the water pump and timing belt replaced. Overall I would say that this rates as very low maintenace for a U.S. built car. Consider with that that the car was also used during most of its life in areas that salt or sand the roads during the winter. This car was the first car I purchased coming out of college. I bought it because it was the best equipped cars for the money at that time. Maybe it's me, but it seems like that car helped shaped the paradigm of releasing a high performance trim for every compact model. My car has been from the Canadian border to the Mexican border and Atlantic to Pacific with no major problems. After sitting outside for two years while stationed overseas the only thing the car needed was a new battery.
February 10, 2007Damn Fine Car, 216000 miles and it still runs like a champ. Not a sports car yet... but give me some time... it will be... great on gas... 25 to fill it from empty... steering is tight like tiger... fun on the corners.... wouldn't trade it... love it!! Buy one!
November 21, 2008Bought used from 1st-time 10-year owner. Still runs well. Acceleration isn't as fast as I'd like, but that's okay. Gets great gas mileage (about 35-40 mpg). Unfortunately, I couldn't drive it until I bought a pedal extension for the clutch (I'm 5'0). Not stylish at all, but very cute. Inside, the radio is confusing and all the buttons look the same, but I guess I'll get used to that.
May 30, 2008Great power to weight ratio....great for racing whether autocross or drag racing
April 18, 2008I loved my dodge neon and almost everything about it. It was a 98 so of course it had some mechanical problems, but it is definitely a car you can put some work into and make special without spending a ton of money.
April 1, 2008The performance works well, and the build quality is great. My car was garaged all its life for racing and it even still has the fire extinguisher in it. The appearance is good with only 2 doors and has a low gas mileage, and having a stick shift car is pretty fun to drive while in university.
April 12, 2011I like driving it; it really gets up and go when Ii need it to
January 30, 2008Fast and decent handling straight from the factory. 4 wheel disc brakes make this car stop on a dime at higher speeds. Mine personally came from the factory stripped and bare bones aside from a/c and power steering. Lots of aftermarket parts available and this car has quite a bit of potential for a tuner car
October 22, 2009This is a 1998 Dodge Neon ACR. Bought it with only 73000 miles. I have enjoyed every minute with this car. I have been modifying since Day One.
April 4, 2008A great used car...IF the head gasket has been replaced. Mine was, and the car has been a good little daily driver/city car. I got the car car from the original owner with 130K and it has performed well. Yes, it rattles, and one of the power windows needs to be fixed, but overall..it gets GREAT gas mileage and is fun to drive.
January 26, 2010Trims & specs
Base MSRP $11,855 | Seating 5 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity 11.8 cu ft |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP $11,600 | Seating 5 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity 11.8 cu ft |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP $12,955 | Seating 5 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP $13,795 | Seating 5 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP $11,800 | Seating 5 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity 11.8 cu ft |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP $13,280 | Seating 5 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP $13,995 | Seating 5 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP $12,055 | Seating 5 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity 11.8 cu ft |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
