transmission fluid in engine coolant
I just got a 02 dodge noen and i just seen that there looks to be transmission fluid in the engine coolant and radiator. Wondering what would cause it. Thank You
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2002 Dodge Neon Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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More reshuffling takes place with the 2002 Dodge Neon, as it gets a new base model and an SXT trim. The SE and ES trims still exist, but were sold to fleet companies and not to the general public. The SXT is essentially the ES with a rear spoiler and some extra options. All models, except the performance-oriented R/T and ACR trims have a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder, 132-hp engine. The R/T and ACR have a performance-tuned version of this at 150-hp.
Also new in 2002 is a 4-speed automatic, which replaces the weak 3-speed option. All models still come standard with a 5-speed manual, which is preferred for maximum engine and acceleration performance. A slightly redesigned grille appears in 2002.
The 2002 Neon gets high marks for its handling in tough road and weather conditions. Although the redesigned suspension and longer wheelbase make the car more stable and nimbler, some critics feel it sacrificed its unique look from the first generation of Neon. Still the roomiest sedan in its class, with extra head and legroom for backseat passengers, it continues to fall short on convenience options. Owners complain about a lack of cupholders in the back seat and no power rear window option. While the easy maneuverability and awesome engine power earn many fans, a cheap-looking interior, and headache-inducing road noise are big detractions. While repair issues are still mentioned, they don't seem to be as numerous as with the previous generation of Neons.
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2002 Dodge Neon
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by Maggie V
Feb 05, 2021
Love Neons dependable cars overall and great gas mileage Feb 05, 2021
by Clinton I
Sep 02, 2020
This is one of my favorite cats of all time.Sep 02, 2020
by Anonymous
Oct 07, 2014
It was a fun little car to drive. It came with the adjustable suspension which was either moderately comfortable or extremely hard. Cornered very well and even made it through a couple Atlanta "blizzards" with no problems.
Not the safest car out there and it was "very loud."
Overall I wish they'd made more of this trim.Oct 07, 2014
User rating:
by Maggie V
Feb 05, 2021
Love Neons dependable cars overall and great gas mileage Feb 05, 2021
by Clinton I
Sep 02, 2020
This is one of my favorite cats of all time.Sep 02, 2020
by Anonymous
Oct 07, 2014
It was a fun little car to drive. It came with the adjustable suspension which was either moderately comfortable or extremely hard. Cornered very well and even made it through a couple Atlanta "blizzards" with no problems.
Not the safest car out there and it was "very loud."
Overall I wish they'd made more of this trim.Oct 07, 2014
by Tim R
Nov 08, 2012
I disliked everything I bought it cause its all the bank would give me I had it 6 months enough to build some credit than I bought a sexy fast Buick!! the oil pan feel out at 45000 miles the engine leaked the tranny jerked it was slow up hills the seats were uncomfortable I needed a cyropracter after words I guess the outside was kinda nice the interior was ugly engine knocked all day gas mileage was 250 a tank and had a 12 gallan tank its a good car for a teenage girl but not me I hate how it broke down at 45000 miles the stinking oilpan fell off while going 65 it almost blew up from that overall its a cute little car for teenage girls that is a peice of junk mine was my friend had a 2005 neon it was way better she hasn't had any problems maybe I just got a bad oneNov 08, 2012
by Anonymous
Jun 28, 2012
Great little car for Students. Great Car with great gas mileage best car I have owned had it over 10 years and still running strong Over 150,000 miles. Sadly time to trade it in and get an SUV I shall miss the NeonJun 28, 2012
by Kris K
Aug 26, 2011
its a fun car with good handling and good style too. not running on all cylinders but still a peppy ride. i own it and it is awesome. it is a very fun car. the price is good and it is reliable.Aug 26, 2011
by Justin G
Feb 23, 2011
performance - comes with upgrades from the factory, easy to mod, and lots of aftermarket. Handles great, brakes are good, just needs a bit more pep.
build quaility - i wont lie, it is a neon, but if you know its flaws and address them properly, these cars will last a long time.
appearance - nice lines added from the body kit, agressive open front bumper to give it a sporty look. Dual exhaust with chrome tips for an added sophisticated look.
cost of ownership - one of the cheapest cars to own and maintain. follow the service manual and you wont have hardly any issues
fun factor - since its the r/t its ready to go the track and have fun, especially if you like autocross. even spirited driving is a blast on the highway.Feb 23, 2011
by Anonymous
Dec 04, 2010
i own an 02 neon sxt would love to have the money to redo this car and put srt-4 on it but im told certain parts fit. i have tinted windows done, chrome pedals, speed style hood, neon rain gaurds and neon mudflaps,and euro taillights. Dec 04, 2010
by Lisa M
Oct 28, 2010
Well I love my car, however it is way to under powered. Reliable it never lets me down knock on wood! Bit of a gas pig lol but my go-kart is for sure fun to drive!!! Plus I love to beat civics!Oct 28, 2010
by Anonymous
Jul 15, 2010
The performance is great with acceleration, braking and handling. the built quality no need for repairs it did hear a big noise sometimes the appearance it looked sport and the color great silver the gas mileage a great saver and maintenance easy to maintain judt keep it up to date and it was fun to drive. Jul 15, 2010
by Kristian I
Feb 24, 2010
Fast accelarating, excellent handling and very firm braking.
Very good gas mileage - 35mpg!
Sporty looking exterior and cosy interior!
Cost of ownership is really low since it is an American vehicle. Does not have any major mehcanical problems.
The car is really fun to drive and it has a lot of room for all your friends.Feb 24, 2010
by Mélanie B
Dec 18, 2009
4 cyl, 2.0
Timing belt, water pump, idler pulley come with engine mount for only 400$....lol
Interior is mint cond, exterior if good.
Looking for performance mods to put into it. But my rocket ship is coming soon!!!!
That car drive me everywhere i want!!! You want one....mine will be for sale soon... Dec 18, 2009
by Will C
Dec 11, 2009
Overall this car is decent. The performance is alright, it could get up and go more and Ive had issues with the tranny. Its built to withstand a lot of different weather..trust me, I know. The appearance I love and have made it a nice car even though its mostly stock :P.Dec 11, 2009
by Justin L
Oct 01, 2009
Have only had it for a few years, but it's a great car. Hasn't needed work other than basic maintenance and a new battery. Drives pretty much like any other sports car, great acceleration, great braking, excellent handling. Only downside is it only gets about 20ish mpg, which doesn't seem right to me. Could have a couple aftermarket parts, I haven't bothered to check. Was well worth the $6000 I paid for it used at I think 70k miles.Oct 01, 2009
by Justin H
Sep 22, 2009
I love my car. It could be faster, but its nice looking, handles well, and has been quite reliable. Milage is decent. the five speed tranny helps a lot. I have a lot of fun driving my car. as said it could be faster thoughSep 22, 2009
by Renee E
Aug 31, 2009
meet clyde! he is automatic. NO FUN. slow basically. wasnt
my choice of car, but for free, it was good.
in good condition, hasnt had many problems. except the
trunk freakin leaked water because the seal on the tail
light was bad... yeah turns out it happens to a ton of
neons but dodge is too lame to do a recall or whatever. so
clyde smelled moldy for a while haaha.
appearance is perfect, no dings or what not. "champagne"
is not my color choice, but at least the dirt isnt noticeable
LOL.
gas mileage is mediocre... i like to put the pedal to the
metal sometimes n im sure that doesnt help it any. i dont
drive it thaaat often, so oil changes are far apart and i do
it myself anyway.
as for performance... brakes well, handling is a bit touchy
but i dont mind that. acceleration kinda lags, i find myself
goin into overdrive on accident sometimes bc i feel like
clydes not movin much so i jus keep pushing the pedal lolAug 31, 2009
by Jonny E
Jul 09, 2009
The Performance is really pretty good for a small and light car. It has not needed repairs for anything but the speakers are a little rattly. The gas mileage is great and i get about 34mpg and i almost always go about 75 and up so for someone to get more wouldn't be that hard.Jul 09, 2009
by Renee K
Jan 08, 2009
I don't really like yellow, but it has a sunroof, that was the selling point. After some emission problems, it is running fine. Most of the problems were covered under warranty, but I spent the better part of 5 months trying to get it fixed correctly. Chrysler had to send a rep out to review what was being done on it, he was stumpted also. Jan 08, 2009
by Jorge E
Jul 29, 2008
Best model of Neon, low front, high back, looks pretty sport, nice handling, soft breaks, good acceleration, comfortable seats, the transmission feels nice and soft, I like it, you can drive as elegant or as furious as you want, it will be ready for it. The front panel could be better designed, the air panels are a little uncomfortable to adjust, all the parts and the services are little expensive but they worth it, has a little high fuel consumption over the city, but its reliable over highway.Jul 29, 2008
by Stephen S
Jul 08, 2008
Only 1 dislike aside from the whole dodge thing, One year fit only. Replacement parts cost a ton for no reason other then a single mold. other then that theres tons of room in the engine bay for swaps!Jul 08, 2008
by Roy S
Jul 03, 2008
Its great for a daily since i can't afford gas. Its a little rocket for 4 cylinder, and still gives me good mileage. Most people hate these cars, but i only talk cars with mechanics and die-hard car people.Jul 03, 2008
by Allyce F
Jun 28, 2008
i dont like that the back windows are not electric. i like the gas mileage it gets theses days. i wish it had more power and a little heavier so i dont get blowen all over the place in bad windJun 28, 2008
by Rachel B
Jun 16, 2008
2.0L SOHC. Love this car.Jun 16, 2008
by Steve V
Apr 28, 2008
Alot better than a regular neon because it is a Manual Transmission Apr 28, 2008
by Vince O
Apr 11, 2008
What can I say. Dodge built a great car. I'm not a pocket rocket fan by any means but i love this lil car.Apr 11, 2008
by John T
Apr 11, 2008
Eh....it's not exactly a Porsche 911Apr 11, 2008
by Ryan K
Apr 08, 2008
It's A Neon Thing . . . You Wouldn't UnderstandApr 08, 2008
by Michael B
Mar 30, 2008
Haven't drove anything but this, my mom's 2000 Stratus and my dad's old pickup, but it's the best I've drove. Performs on the corners much better than either of them, and from the looks of things, either my buddies are too scared to try to take the curves at the speeds I can, or they can't. Cloth seats are kind of eh...Matching trim on the radio and shifter to go with the exterior color was a nice touch. Mar 30, 2008
by Anonymous
Mar 08, 2008
i like the neon look its stands out among the nissan n hondas in my country the bahamas the car look n run like it was built for speed my fav is a manaul transmissionMar 08, 2008
by Tommi S
Feb 11, 2008
Nowadays cars are built so that the car has more control of driving than the driver. But not Neon, it's a drivers car and definetly a good buy.Feb 11, 2008
by Phillip B
Feb 02, 2008
It kept me warm and dry and was faster than walking. Feb 02, 2008
by Mark B
Jan 17, 2008
This car is well worth the money... runs awesome for a 5 speed... the R/T package is nice..Jan 17, 2008
by Anonymous
Feb 06, 2007
I bought my 2002 Neon RT about 6 months ago with 98,000 kms. I think it is a different car altogether than the base 2nd gen. neons(132 hp). I also owned a 2005 sx 2.0 (neon)for one year. The RT is much quicker, and the handling is beyond the base model. The RT pulls hard right up to the 6800 rpm redline, umlike the base model which loses hp after about 5500 rpms. It is one of the quickest N/A four cylinder cars on the road. There are many aftermarket performance parts available also. It has been a very reliable ride so far, even after spending a few nights in -35 C temperatures, it started without a problem.(not plugged in either). I love the leather interior and the factory sound is impressive. Two things I dislike about this car are: 1. The optional CD changer is mounted so low under the center controls, it is almost impossible to put in or take out a CD while driving. 2. Power front windows, and manual rear windows.(I really hate the roll-up rear windows). However, this puppy can take alot of punishment. I drive like I am in a race wherever I go. I travel about 60 kms each day to work; about half is highway. I reach 190kms/h quite often. I rev this car out in every gear because I love the pull and the sweet note my intake makes as I'm accelerating(I just dropped in a K&N filter and left the top off my air filter box). I know some will claim sucking warm air from the engine compartment will make less power, but I really feel this thing pull harder and it has more low end grunt.
I think it is a good all-around car. It is quick when you feel like kicking your adrenaline up a notch, it corners very sharply, and the interior is very roomy. It also has 4 disc anti-lock brakes and traction control. With good winter tires this car is an excellent winter driver. It is a nice family/sports car. I have two kids and it works well for me. Feb 06, 2007
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Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 2002 Dodge Neon?Compare this car
2002 Dodge Neon Pricing
Original MSRP
$10,705 to $16,980Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side 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-adjustable
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side 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-adjustable
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: chrome
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side 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-adjustable
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: chrome
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side 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-adjustable
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
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 · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent