1998 Plymouth Neon
Should You Buy a 1998 Plymouth Neon?
The 1998 Plymouth Neon is a compact sedan that offers a blend of practicality and efficiency, making it an appealing option for budget-conscious buyers. With a 2.0L I4 engine producing 150 horsepower and 133 lb-ft of torque, it delivers a respectable 29 MPG combined, making it suitable for daily commuting. The front-wheel-drive layout and 5-speed manual transmission provide a responsive driving experience, although the performance may not satisfy those seeking a sportier ride. The Neon has a reliability score of 97.3/100, indicating that it can be a dependable choice for those looking for an economical vehicle.
However, potential buyers should be aware of some concerning NHTSA complaint data, including 23 crash incidents and 5 fire incidents, which may raise questions about safety. The most common complaints involve engine and engine cooling issues, particularly between 60,000 to 80,000 miles. While the Neon can serve well for everyday use, it’s essential to consider these factors when making a purchase decision.
This vehicle is best suited for budget-conscious individuals or small families looking for a reliable daily commuter with good fuel efficiency.
Strengths
- +High reliability score (97.3/100)
- +Good fuel economy (29 MPG combined)
- +Affordable maintenance costs
- +Compact size for easy city driving
- +Decent power for a compact sedan
Weaknesses
- -Safety concerns from crash and fire incidents
- -Common engine issues at higher mileage
- -Limited performance compared to sportier alternatives
- -Unknown seating capacity may limit passenger comfort
- -Less desirable in the used car market due to complaints
Known Issues (NHTSA Data)
The 1998 Plymouth Neon has recorded a total of 237 complaints, with notable issues related to the engine and engine cooling systems. Specific concerns include 69 complaints about the engine itself and 15 regarding gasoline engine issues. Additionally, there are 14 complaints related to frontal airbags and 8 regarding front suspension. While the reliability score is high, the presence of crash and fire incidents warrants caution for prospective buyers.
Performance
- Horsepower
- –
- Torque
- –
- Engine
- 2 L
- Cylinders
- I4
- Transmission
- Automatic 3-spd
- Drive Type
- FWD
Efficiency
- MPG Combined
- 24
- Fuel Type
- Regular Gasoline
Dimensions
- Length
- 171.7 in
- Width
- 67.3 in
- Height
- 54.7 in
- Wheelbase
- 103.9 in
- Curb Weight
- 2,471 lbs
- Ground Clearance
- –
Capacity
- Doors
- 2
- Seating
- –
- Cargo
- –
- Max Cargo
- –
- Max Towing
- –
- Max Payload
- –
Estimated Value
Value estimate unavailable. MSRP data not available for this vehicle.