Used Dodge Neon for Sale near Chicago, IL
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.
4.2 Overall rating
(52 reviews)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.
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!
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.
Great power to weight ratio....great for racing whether autocross or drag racing
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.
-
All Used Cars
-
Manual Transmission Cars
-
Luxury Cars
-
Cars with Red Interior
-
Cheap Manual Cars
-
Hybrid Cars
-
Sports Cars
-
Electric SUVs
-
Cheap Trucks
-
Small Cars
-
Third Row SUVs
-
Three Quarter Ton Trucks
-
Lifted Trucks
-
Manual Transmission Trucks
-
Diesel Trucks
-
Hybrid SUVs
-
Dually Trucks
-
One Ton Trucks
-
Cheap SUVs
-
Lifted Ford Trucks
-
4x4 Trucks
-
Work Trucks
-
AWD SUVs
-
Ford Trucks
-
Chevrolet Trucks
-
Toyota Trucks
-
Trucks Under $10,000
-
Cars Under $15,000
-
Sports Cars Under $20,000
-
Trucks Under $20,000
-
Used Sedans for Sale with Low Mileage
-
Used SUVs / Crossovers for Sale with Low Mileage
-
Used Hatchbacks for Sale with Low Mileage
-
Used Convertibles for Sale with Low Mileage
-
Used Vans for Sale with Low Mileage
-
Used Minivans for Sale with Low Mileage
-
Used Pickup Trucks for Sale with Low Mileage
-
Used Coupes for Sale with Low Mileage
-
Used Wagons for Sale with Low Mileage
-
St. Charles Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
-
Sherman Dodge Chrysler Jeep
-
CDJR of Chicago
-
Zeigler Chrysler Dodge Jeep of Schaumburg
-
Hawk Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM
-
Wickstrom Auto Group Barrington
-
Castle Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Chesterton
-
South Chicago Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
-
Larry Roesch Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram
-
Bettenhausen Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
-
River Front Chrysler Jeep Ram
-
La Porte Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram