Why does my Plymouth dodge neon have thumping noises going into reverse?
My automatic trans makes a thumping noise when I only come out of park into reverse and a slight thump noise coming into reverse from neutral
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1998 Dodge Neon Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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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.
Published Aug 9, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 1998 Dodge Neon
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by Anonymous
Oct 29, 2012
i like the ease of use and repair excellent on gas as long as you can fight the need to bury the throttle to the floor overall a great car for beginning enthusiasts or veterans wanting a change of pace Oct 29, 2012
by Brad M
Apr 12, 2011
The 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.Apr 12, 2011
by Nick B
Oct 28, 2010
I loved this car. I have owned three of them and besides the head gasket which I replaced as soon as I purchased the vehicles, they are awesome and very reliable. "Fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun /Oct 28, 2010
User rating:
by Anonymous
Oct 29, 2012
i like the ease of use and repair excellent on gas as long as you can fight the need to bury the throttle to the floor overall a great car for beginning enthusiasts or veterans wanting a change of pace Oct 29, 2012
by Brad M
Apr 12, 2011
The 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.Apr 12, 2011
by Nick B
Oct 28, 2010
I loved this car. I have owned three of them and besides the head gasket which I replaced as soon as I purchased the vehicles, they are awesome and very reliable. "Fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun /Oct 28, 2010
by Anonymous
Aug 13, 2010
my 98 neon is super clean no tears burns or fade in the intior.the body is strait with no body damage the paint is all original no rust it is smoke gray. the motor is a built 420a going for the sleeper stock look.Aug 13, 2010
by Anonymous
Jul 02, 2010
Purchased a black two door with the DOHC engine and 5 speed manual - NO A/C and NO power options this car is so light and quick it's the perfect sleeper/tuner. Better than a NA Cobalt SS! Nice interior, good looks, great on fuel - I installed H&R racing springs, Eibach sway bars, cross drilled and slotted rotors, and a K&N air filter and wow this car is light, tight, and full of might! Jul 02, 2010
by Adonis F
Feb 19, 2010
Performance was pretty good. downright impressive if compared to a civic. build quality could have been better and ditto to some cues of the appearance. cost of ownership was decent because i did most every repair myself. not too bad on gas and it was a fun ride that surprised many.Feb 19, 2010
by Anonymous
Jan 26, 2010
A 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. Jan 26, 2010
by Matthew R
Jan 11, 2010
good auto cross car....
WAY to fun to drive
35+ MPG
15.5 @ 89 mph with very minor (cheap) modifications
handles almost as well as our SRT-4 (which has slicks on it)
hard to find one w/o rust
7800 rpm calJan 11, 2010
by Jamie C
Oct 22, 2009
Fast 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 carOct 22, 2009
by Sean Y
Oct 04, 2009
this was the first car that I owned it was a great starter car i had this car for everything, it got great gas mileage as well as it had a nice stereo system that I had put it myself and it had nice dark tinted window that I had put on there as well, drove very well as wellOct 04, 2009
by Alex P
Oct 01, 2009
well lets see, i had it doin 120 it just forever getting there, got good gas milage, was pretty much a fun little car to drive. I would have liked it better if it was a manual though, that would mean burnouts hahaOct 01, 2009
by Ken M
Sep 30, 2009
It's a fun good handling car with a little bit of power. Easy to work on and a blast to drive good high 2.0 DOHC motor that screams from 4000 rpm all the way to the 7250rpm rev limiter. It only makes 150hp at 6500rpm but will pull to the rev limit. The trans is a close ration 5-spd which can get you the 130mph govener with out a problem. It get about 28mpg no matter how hard you drive it.Sep 30, 2009
by Cheri A
Sep 22, 2009
Dodge Neons are not very aesthetically pleasing. My car has been very good to me--no break-downs/never been towed. Slow acceleration, and not sturdy at speeds higher than 60 mph. The body is solid, no frame damage or rust even though it has never been stored in a garage. It is very good in the winter and reliable. Sep 22, 2009
by Ken H
Aug 09, 2009
Love the black. It handles like a go cart and the sound system kicks. It has 150 hp stock but the power is about 160 now. Just put underglow and interior lighting in the car. The car gets a lot of looks.Aug 09, 2009
by Jonny K
Mar 03, 2009
best car ive owned to date until i get my talon running. one of the fastest non turbo cars in cloud at the time. wish i would have never sold it regret it everyday for selling it to someone i didnt knowMar 03, 2009
by Danny S
Jan 17, 2009
I loved the way the car ran when i was done with it. It was impressive in the power department and it handles like a dream after lowering it. I did tend to break thing when racing if i did not make sure i changed drive train parts cv joints lug bolts spider gears but i fixed all of that with custom turned cv's and a possie track differential other than that i loved my little 5 speed neon. last official track time i ran a 11.43 on 150shot and 22 lbs of boost i don't really want to go in to details maybe latterJan 17, 2009
by Anonymous
Jan 05, 2009
The air conditoner has never worked properly, and is now broken alltogether. It's good on gas and when is kept up is speedy. But we find that it requires more oil changes than most cars and it is scary to drive in high winds. LOL.Jan 05, 2009
by Rob B
Nov 21, 2008
Damn 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!Nov 21, 2008
by Diana W
Nov 17, 2008
I like my car because it does not take a lot to fill up. It not that bib so many people do not like riding in it. I do not like my car because it sits to low to the ground, and is not good for the snow. But overall I LOVE MY TWEET-MOBILE.Nov 17, 2008
by Matthew S
Sep 18, 2008
fun to drive, great performance for its size, comfortable interior, cool look on the outside(most people dont like the "bug eyed" head lights, but would it really look right with anything else?), the spoiler on the sports give them a better look, and the fog lights are nice, just slap some cool aftermarket rims on there and it'll be a nice car to drive around town in!Sep 18, 2008
by ZAndrew L
Sep 18, 2008
It is like a tin can when you roll it. Worst car ever. Safety systems in it are a joke, and it gets real light in the rear when you approach high speeds, which for it is anything in excess of 35MPH. Needs to be going down hill to break 80MPH.Sep 18, 2008
by Corey S
Sep 10, 2008
Well, this was and is still my first car. My dad gave it to me, and he had bought it off of a friend. It's autocrossed and tracked it's whole life, along with being his and my daily driver. The car itself handles superbly, and it has a great amount of get up and go, for only being a 2.0 SOHC. It's the ACR, so the gears are more power band centered, and the lower weight is great for throwin it into turns. I would highly recommend one of these to anyone. The car is a joy to have, easy to maintain and upgrade (hell, a manifold automatically nets you 10HP), and just all around a great car. Mine has a B&M short throw kit in it, and Mopar performance springs...... yea, that's all I've got money for for now. Sep 10, 2008
by Stephen R
Sep 10, 2008
Its good. I get really good mileage and i love driving stick. I used it for pizza delivery and hopefully i will take it to college soon. Woo woo woo woo woo woo woo. It is very fun to drive. Ummm 9 more words... hello im stepghad yep k byeSep 10, 2008
by Brian S
Sep 03, 2008
DO NOT TRY TO RICE THIS CAR, because you will look like a moron. Not that type of car. Great car for handling , and learning new stuff. Just watch out for the head gaskets on it (know for blowing them). The handling on it is nice, only thing is front wheel drive. Nice for first car, easy to learn how to work with under the hood and all.Sep 03, 2008
by Kat W
May 30, 2008
Bought 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, 2008
by David M
May 07, 2008
Miss the care but not for everyone. It is a great car that I missed because I loved how it handled but I had to fix it all the time!May 07, 2008
by Edward H
Apr 18, 2008
Great power to weight ratio....great for racing whether autocross or drag racingApr 18, 2008
by Scott R
Apr 04, 2008
This 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.Apr 04, 2008
by Caitlin D
Apr 01, 2008
I 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. Apr 01, 2008
by Jeff K
Mar 28, 2008
I think that my car is very reliable. I also think that if you take good care of a car it can last a long time. Just as mine has its tenth birthday this year. I love it in the winter, its so easy to handle and to have fun in it. I've only had minor problems with it. Mostly from the previous owner not taking care of it. Other wise its ok. Mar 28, 2008
by Anonymous
Mar 23, 2008
Good acceleration and handling, takes corners very well...little cramped in the back seat even with the four door but great on gas and can be fun.Mar 23, 2008
by Jessica B
Mar 10, 2008
it is a lower setting car so the seats are low on the inside too, has great handling especially when someone pulls out in front of you. The wing on the back was put on there as a styling accessory.Mar 10, 2008
by Amber K
Jan 30, 2008
I like driving it; it really gets up and go when Ii need it toJan 30, 2008
by Anonymous
Feb 10, 2007
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.
Feb 10, 2007
What users have asked
spark plug seals don’t fit!?
i have the first gen neon.i bought multiple valve cover gasket sets because i have a misfire. well everything this was going good, everything fit, except the tube seals. i’ve lubed them i’m and still nothing. the seals that NEEDED to be changed where all melted and cut up because of overheating. there are tiny bits of rubber still. i’m not sure if thats what is causing it to not fit. the seals is literally the same size as the hole!?
9 views
No dash panel no headlights cranks but won't start
Turn key instrument panel doesn't respond gauges don't work headlights won't come on at all now plus car turns over won't start but for just a sec panal starts to work gauges work go to start it will almost start then gauges quit and back to just cranking
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98 neon no start
98 neon crank no start was going down the road died restarted went a ways died and won't start replaced cam sensor still no start
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Need HELP plz 98 Dodge neon 2.0 dhoc
Bought car had to put in new wiring harness the car has power to everything it all comes on battery is good I've checked all the fuses and plugs made sure everything is good even checked all the vacuum hoses but now the car won't crank over also put on two new belts
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Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 1998 Dodge Neon?Compare this car
1998 Dodge Neon Pricing
Original MSRP
$11,600 to $13,995Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-only
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-only
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-only
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-only
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-only
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-only
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent