1996 Dodge Neon Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
The Dodge Neon is not only a great-value subcompact car, it is highly energetic and actually pretty fun to drive. Its cab-forward design,...
The Dodge Neon is not only a great-value subcompact car, it is highly energetic and actually pretty fun to drive. Its cab-forward design, with a high rear deck, wide wheelbase, and long hood with oval headlights, gives it a bit of flash while also improving its stability on the road.
Because its M.O. is affordability, the base Neon never came with many standard features or options. But in 1996 Dodge added more features and options. A 2-door base coupe was now offered, and if purchased with the racing-inspired Competition Package, could come equipped with a speedy 2.0-liter, twin-cam, 150-hp engine. Base sedans received more features, such as 14-inch wheels, tinted windows, intermittent wipers, and body-colored bumpers. They came standard with the single-cam 2.0-liter engine, rated at 132 hp. ABS was now only an option on all trims, including the Sports, on which it used to come standard.
The 1996 Dodge Neon tried to appeal to poor young hipsters with its Expresso Package (kind of cute, in a conservative, stuffy, white-corporate-businessman way), which turned the Neon into a sportier urban vehicle on the outside, with a deck spoiler, hood bulge, and white wheel covers. The Highline and Sport trims continued to offer more options and more comfortable and supportive seats. All 1996 Neons were surprisingly roomy for a subcompact, due to the cab-forward design.
Overall, owners either love or hate their Neon. They love its semi-sporty look (for a subcompact), its quick engine, its smooth handling in any situation, its durability, and its fuel economy. But a lot of owners have been disappointed by a faulty transmission, head gasket failures, rear blind spots due to the high deck, and road noise.
What owners say
"Overall, owners have mixed feelings about the 1996 Dodge Neon. Many drivers appreciate its good handling, fuel economy, and ease of maintenance, making it a fun and economical choice for commuting. However, some express dissatisfaction with build quality, interior comfort, and the lack of power for long-distance driving. Overall, this car is favored as a reliable option if kept well, but there are enough criticisms to approach with caution."
It is one of the easiest cars to drive, besides its youthful design. It accelerates steadily and is easy to custom. Yet I think the alarm system could be more efficient :) And as a tall person... I can say that the space is incredible, I never had problems with height and length of the seat, nor the steering wheel!
August 21, 2008Great car. I've owned it for 12 years now and she's still running great. It makes surprising good power from it's tiny 2.0L SOHC engine. Fuel economy is great. At 70 to 72 MPH it gets 40+ mpg, in town it gets about 25 mpg. The handling is incredible. It is an absolute blast to drive. Even after all these years it still puts a smile on my face to just look at this awesome little machine.
June 12, 20102.0 sohc single overhead cam. 4 cylinder motor. Aem air intake system. Msd coil pack/msd spark plug wires. Bosch-Iridium-Fusion Spark Plugs. 185/65/14 toyo tires. Xenon body kit/orange neon lights. Real easy car to maintain overall.Fun to drive.
April 26, 2010What owners say
It is one of the easiest cars to drive, besides its youthful design. It accelerates steadily and is easy to custom. Yet I think the alarm system could be more efficient :) And as a tall person... I can say that the space is incredible, I never had problems with height and length of the seat, nor the steering wheel!
August 21, 2008Great car. I've owned it for 12 years now and she's still running great. It makes surprising good power from it's tiny 2.0L SOHC engine. Fuel economy is great. At 70 to 72 MPH it gets 40+ mpg, in town it gets about 25 mpg. The handling is incredible. It is an absolute blast to drive. Even after all these years it still puts a smile on my face to just look at this awesome little machine.
June 12, 20102.0 sohc single overhead cam. 4 cylinder motor. Aem air intake system. Msd coil pack/msd spark plug wires. Bosch-Iridium-Fusion Spark Plugs. 185/65/14 toyo tires. Xenon body kit/orange neon lights. Real easy car to maintain overall.Fun to drive.
April 26, 2010the overall performance of my car is incredible i think the car is one of the best commute cars availible it is pretty peppy i have the sohc and 5 speed tranny it works wonders and one of the most smooth shifting cars i think there is.
October 9, 2009I have driven many vehicles over the years and by far, my 96 Dodge Neon Highline is the best overall. It has been economical, fast responding on acceleration and low maintainance since I purchased it - used. I never had any handling issues and it averaged 30-40 mpg (averaging 300 miles per tank). The rear seat area is roomy and therefore very few arguments were noted regarding: space shared by siblings. Although it may be a little cramped under the hood, making it somewhat difficult for the Sunday mechanic to work on I am still a very satisfied Dodge owner. Theresa
January 12, 2007Good handling, accelerates fast, good braking. it hasn't needed repairs, my a/c just needs to be recharged...my brakes squeak a little. its really a nice looking car, inside and out. it gets really good gas mileage and is really easy to maintain and fix. it's really fun to drive as well.
June 21, 2009I have had this car for 3 yrs. Paid 2k It's a 1996 only had 76k miles on it. Replaced heads,breaks, and trans. So needless to say Its not going anywhere..LOL
April 2, 2008A good reliable car,never had any for of problem with it
January 13, 2008This car's main use is to get me back and forth between school and work. It doesn't have much horsepower. But I guess that's how it gets dang near 40mpg. The front seats are not very comfortable for long trips. The stereo is less than acceptable. Braking and handling are around average for an economy car. Overall, this car is decent as long as you can get it cheap.
October 21, 2008This car isn't bad but i would recommend getting a newer one because past 10 years old they don't do very well. it is still pretty amazing that it is still going but i wouldn't recommend someone buying it.
June 23, 2008
