... Chrysler produce most of their cars for the American market, and drivers over there are more demanding than us Brits. What are usually classed as extras over here are fitted as standard to the Neon. So you have the usual, such as ABS, power steering, electric windows (front only) and central ... Read review
MPV - Front (FWD) - Automatic, 4 Speed Automatic Gearbox - 3301 cc - Max Speed: 111 mph - 156, 172, 174 bhp - Petrol - Available Trims: LE, Limited XS, LX, Limited, SE
Advantages: Handling, extras as standard. Disadvantages: Gear-box, fuel economy.
...it starts to get good. Chrysler produce most of their cars for the American market, and drivers over there are more demanding than us Brits. What are usually classed as extras over here are fitted as standard to the Neon. So you have the usual, such as ABS, power steering, electric windows (front only) and central locking, but you also get electric mirrors (l/h one folds in for garage/car-wash), built in alarm and immobilizer, air-bags for driver ... ...be greedy, it could do with a sunroof, heated front windscreen and CD changer.
Instruments
Nothing ground-breaking here, I can see what I want to see and the controls are mostly well placed. The indicator has a tendency to return too early and not go back on, but I don't know if that's generic or just a dodgy spring on mine.
Lights
First bad point. The headlights are bad enough to be embarrassing. If you're ... more
Neon 2.0 LX 1997 Manual 5-speed gearbox.
I've been driving this car for over a year now, and that's a long time for me, so it must be good. Bought second hand from a dealer, I paid just £1300 for this car, plus a Rover 800 that you couldn't give away (I have the sneaking suspicion that I would have paid less if I hadn't traded in the Rover). As a connoisseur of the second hand car market (twenty cars in twenty-seven years) I know that it's all a game, no matter what you think you've checked, there will be something you'll have to pay out for. So when I buy a car I kick the tyres, take it for a test drive and factor in £500 for the repairs I'll need.
Looks With no particular make or model in mind, it was the look of the Neon that attracted me, a little bit sporty without pretending to be something it's not, and a friendly, smiley look at the front end. And although I'd seen one or two about, they're not that common and I knew very little about it. Closer inspection showed the bodywork to be almost immaculate, a few stone-chips but not a single rust spot, not even on the wheel arches, pretty good for a seven year old car. I've since had a look at a couple of other Neons and it's the same story, so I don't think this is a one-off.
Interior My first impression on opening the door was of space, and certainly in the front there is plenty of it. However, it's not a huge car so something has to give, and room at the back is no more than adequate. Boot space is fine for the weekly shop for a family of five, and the rear seats fold down to get most of the Christmas tree in, but it's not built for loading. Certainly there has been no money spent on the looks of the interior, great swathes of grey plastic give it a basic, impersonal feel but I'm in to minimalist so it works for me.
Equipment This is where it starts to get good. Chrysler produce most of their cars for the American market, and drivers over there are more demanding than us Brits. What are usually classed as extras over here are fitted as standard to the Neon. So you have the usual, such as ABS, power steering, electric windows (front only) and central locking, but you also get electric mirrors (l/h one folds in for garage/car-wash), built in alarm and immobilizer, air-bags for driver and passenger, and air-conditioning. If you want to be greedy, it could do with a sunroof, heated front windscreen and CD changer.
Instruments Nothing ground-breaking here, I can see what I want to see and the controls are mostly well placed. The indicator has a tendency to return too early and not go back on, but I don't know if that's generic or just a dodgy spring on mine.
Lights First bad point. The headlights are bad enough to be embarrassing. If you're driving at night on a road with no street lights, hope that there's someone behind you to light the road ahead. These lights are totally inadequate.
Performance Now we're down to the nitty-gritty, how does it drive? Firstly, starting up has a safety feature incorporated which will stop you hitting the wall when the dick at the garage leaves it in gear. You have to floor the clutch before the engine will start, I think this was unique to the Neon but I believe Proton now has the same system.
My car has started at the first turn of the key every time so far. Engine noise is loud, a bit tinny, and unimpressive. If you want to turn heads you'll have to invest in a decent back-box.
Pulling away in first is a trial, you're changing up before the car has moved and don't even bother racing a milk-float away from the lights; you lose. Second is not much better, this is a car that hates low revs. and if you are used to driving nice and sensibly to protect your engine, you won't get the best from it. It's hammer down and into third as quick as possible, then it takes off. Third will take you from 15 mph to 60 at a decent rate, but of course you'll pay for it in fuel economy. I doubt that I get more than 30/35 mpg but it's my choice, I could get more. Fourth and fifth are perfectly adequate and it is happy to cruise at 80 with plenty left to overtake (continental driving of course).
Handling Ah, this is why I love this car. It sticks to the road like glue, better than any car I've driven. It gives a middle aged man the chance to act like an idiot boy-racer. Cornering, roundabouts, lane-dodging, through town I'm a god. I've read other drivers reviews that say it's a bit skittish in the wet, but I don't find it so, maybe just good tyres.
Reliability This car has over 110 k on the clock so it hasn't been pampered. Never failed to start, never broken down. Went through its MOT needing two tyres and a new back-box. The only thing that has gone wrong is a leaking radiator. That cost me £200 for a refurbished one (couldn't get a new one without ordering from a main dealer).
Costs Fuel economy is poor, perhaps because of the way I drive, but it doesn't burn oil. 1 litre in twelve months. Parts and servicing are higher than average, but not that bad. Insurance group 8.
Bad Points. Small, niggly stuff really. Apart from what I've already mentioned, the ride is harsh and loud both from road noise and from wind at speed. This is caused by the build of the windows, having no arches all the way around. The aerial does not retract and has to be removed physically if you want to use the car wash. Not a big deal but you could do without it.
Overall A fantastic car for the price. So many extras, good handling, looks sharp. This is only the second car I've owned where I could say that I'd definitely buy another.
Advantages: Luxurious Car for Reasonable Price Disadvantages: Fuel Consumption Wind noise
...and feel though!
NB
Chrysler have finally introduced a Neon diesel variant, but I cannot comment on its performance. The recommend to potential buyers comes with several caveat's not least that you can afford the 'on-costs' of running such a heavy car, when balanced with the sheer affordability of a 'luxury' feel. ...
Pidney 19.03.2004 (24.08.2004)
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: very helpful Review of Chrysler Neon 2.0
Advantages: Price, equipment levels, rarity value, 2.0 for the price of 1.6 Disadvantages: Less refined engine than the best of the bunch.
THIS IS NOW MY "END OF TERM REPORT" ON THE NEON AFTER ALMOST TWO YEARS USE. I bought my (new model) Neon LX in December 1999 from new. I have to date covered 18,000 miles in it during which time it has been utterly reliable with no defects on delivery either. It was always on the cards that I would sell this to my uncle after two years, but circumstances, in the guise of some doddering old twit reversing into his car, thereby writing it off, have ... ...by the Smart that I have written about elsewhere - an odd choice I know, but as I say, it's all down to circumstances and the fact that every time I have a "domestic" function to perform - the dump to you - our Micra proves to be by far the more useful. Servicing, although annoyingly frequent by modern standards (6-months or 7.5k miles), is also reasonably priced - the first two being £98 and £128. At least this way, you get a frequent oil change, ...
BNibbles 11.10.2000 (27.10.2001)
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: very helpful Review of Chrysler Neon 2.0
Advantages: safe, secure ,luxurious and fun Disadvantages: bit under powered, and parts are a bit expencive
...old and drive (still) a Chrysler neon LX 2002. there isn't very much to add on the previous comments that was made, but I can highlight some of the points that was made.
if the first question to your mind is : "what does a 23 year old do with a Chrysler neon" well truth be told this is my second Chrysler, and if it wasn't for the first one I would not have bought the second one...
my first Chrysler was totalled by an unfortunate accident that changed ... ...trust me getting into a Chrysler neon safety is one of the most overwhelming feelings you get, my first Chrysler was hit on the side whilst I was standing still, at a 110Km/h (impact speed) and me and my girlfriend got out of the car with a few bumps and minor cuts from the class chatter.... also the front seats tilts away from the impact side providing extra protection. Chrysler also magnificently designed the gearbox, for a low speed "cruse" for ...
mariush123 28.05.2008 (29.05.2008)
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Chrysler Neon 2.0
Advantages: Great Value For Money Disadvantages: Automatic is a fuel guzzler
I'm on my second Chrysler Neon Automatic, my current model being a 4 door, 2000 X Reg, Metallic Silver, 2.0 litre, 16V.
What I like most about this car is the amount of extras you get for your money. This retailed new at around £14,000 with the following features included: automatic gear box air conditioning
ABS
leather seats and interior
electronic front windows
power steering & adjustable steering wheel
electronically adjustable seat height
... ...have always enjoyed driving the Chrysler Neon. It's extremely comfortable and feels spacious, has a great audio system, good storage space, great 'girlie' visor mirrors with little lights, plenty of legroom for the back seat passengers, the blessing that is air conditioning and a seemingly never ending dashboard. It also benefits from some good security features which I won't give away. It's not the most economical of cars if you do a lot of mileage, ...
Sherbert 03.08.2004 (04.08.2004)
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Chrysler Neon 2.0
...I saw a second hand Chrysler Neon for sale on the forecourt. I Knew very little about this Amercican built car as they have only being around in this country for a few years now. A lot of cars these days seem to resemble another make of car but not the Neon. It appears to come across as a sporty type car but at the same time a look of a family car. I've seen a couple of others on the roads with their tinted widows and massive rear spoilers but you ... ...could easily accomodate your family.
So regarding the interior, you are overwhelmed by the amount of space on offer. There is plenty of leg room for five people and with this in mind I thought it must have a tiny boot capacity. But I was wrong and I have no trouble getting a pushchair and weekly shop in the boot. You can also drop the rear seats if you require a bit more room and as a added bonus you dont have to drop the whole seat. It's split ...
bifbails 08.01.2006
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Chrysler Neon 2.0
Road Handling
Comfort
Features
Looks
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