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1996
Plymouth Neon

Starts at:
$9,890
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New 1996 Plymouth Neon
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 2dr Cpe Base
    Starts at
    $9,890
    25 City / 33 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2dr Cpe Base Competition
    Starts at
    $9,890
    28 City / 38 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn Base
    Starts at
    $10,090
    25 City / 33 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn Base Competition
    Starts at
    $10,090
    28 City / 38 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2dr Cpe Highline
    Starts at
    $11,395
    25 City / 33 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn Highline
    Starts at
    $11,595
    25 City / 33 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2dr Cpe Sport
    Starts at
    $12,595
    25 City / 33 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn Sport
    Starts at
    $12,795
    25 City / 33 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

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Expert 1996 Plymouth Neon review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By
Full article
our expert's take

Neon survived the terrible 2s.

Maybe its third year on the market will be a charm.

The Neon twins, Dodge and Plymouth, arrived in the 1994 model year. Thecars offered but one slightly noisy, slightly underpowered 4-cylinder engineand only a 3-speed automatic as an option. To keep the sticker price down,such items as anti-lock brakes were optional and power windows wereunavailable.

Then, too, the automaker promoted that you could pick up a Neon for about$8,500, which was true, provided you equipped it in early cave. Customersattracted by the “Hi” and “Yo” advertising campaigns found they could pick upa nicely equipped Neon for about $12,000–a good price, but more than a tadhigher than $8,500. They responded “Hey!” and “Yow!”

In 1995 Chrysler got caught at times with a few more Neons in dealer stockthan in consumer garages and some members of the media predicted doom andgloom–even before Kirk Kerkorian stepped in.

Enter 1996. Some changes have beenmade, which for the most part are for thebetter.

We tested a 1996 Plymouth Neon Sport coupe powered by a 2-liter,150-horsepower, 16-valve, dual overhead cam 4-cylinder, the engine that wasmissing in 1994, when only a single overhead cam, 132-h.p. 4 was offered.

The 150-h.p. engine provides punch to a car saddled with paunch from itsweaker 132-h.p. kin. The 150-h.p. engine is lively and spirited. You can zipfrom the light and slip into the passing lane. The smooth shifting 5-speedmanual (you’ll still have to settle for a 3-speed automatic) is a goodcompanion that helps get the most power and performance out of the engine.Those who fear a manual will find this 5-speed is a learner’s delight with itssmooth clutch and shift-lever movement.

The combo is not only quiet, it also garners a 28-miles-per galloncity/38-m.p.g. highway rating. The fuel gauge needle moves reluctantly. Tofurther stress fuel economy and driving range, Chrysler is converting the11.2-gallon metal Neon gas tank to a 12.5-gallon plastic one for 1996.

Those looking for a high-mileage commuter for work or a high-mileagetransporter for getting the kids to school will find Neon allows you tostretch the weekly fuel allowance.

Though a subcompact, interior room is impressive. To make the Neon evenmore functional, you need only pull down the seat backs to open the cargo holdleading to the trunk. And those seat backs lay flat so you can slip skis,luggage, golf clubs or grocery bags inside without having to perform abalancing act to keep the contents from toppling.

As for safety, dual bags are standard and ABS is a $585 option. We’d stilllike to see ABS made standard, but Chrysler wants to keep the sticker pricedown. The problem with ABS as an option is that when torn between ABS and astereo/compact disc system, youngsters with limited funds often will opt forsound over safety.

A noteworthy change for 1996 finds power windows now offered in Neon coupesand not just sedans, available since 1995. Again, however, power windows arean option at $265. Youth, especially women, are demanding power windows andpower locks as a safety feature to prevent people from reaching in forpurse–or worse, the ignition keys.

Chrysler says power windows were proposed for the car, but consumers whotook part in product clinics voted against them to keep the price withinreach of youthful buyers.

What Chrysler found, however, was consumers who pay frequent highway tollswere annoyed with roll down/up windows, so optional power windows were added.And though tollway users hollered the loudest, those who want the safety andsecurity of push-button window operation benefited, too.

The base price of the Plymouth Neon Sport coupe we tested was$12,500–hardly $8,500, but still a reasonable figure considering the amountof equipment.

Standard equipment on the test car included energy-absorbing 5-m.p.h.bumpers with fog lights; side door-guard beams; 14-inch, all-season radialtires; power brakes and steering; tilt steering wheel; four-wheel fullyindependent suspension for minimal harshness over bumps; gas-charged strutswith front and rear sway bars; sporty power hood bulge; power dual remotemirrors and door locks; tinted glass; electric rear window defroster; floorconsole with dual cupholders and coinholder; remote hood and deck lid release;driver/passenger vanity mirrors; AM/FM stereo with clock; and body-coloreddoor handles/bodyside moldings.

About all you need to round out the package would be air conditioning,power windows and ABS.

Neon is an alternative to General Motors’ Saturn, which offers two featuresthat Neon lacks–plastic body panels that won’t rust and crinkle in minorrun-ins and traction control.

There have been reports Neon will add a convertible in 1999. Chryslerofficials won’t comment. If Saturn adds a droptop in 1998, Chrysler may dolikewise.

1996 Plymouth Neon review: Our expert's take
By

Neon survived the terrible 2s.

Maybe its third year on the market will be a charm.

The Neon twins, Dodge and Plymouth, arrived in the 1994 model year. Thecars offered but one slightly noisy, slightly underpowered 4-cylinder engineand only a 3-speed automatic as an option. To keep the sticker price down,such items as anti-lock brakes were optional and power windows wereunavailable.

Then, too, the automaker promoted that you could pick up a Neon for about$8,500, which was true, provided you equipped it in early cave. Customersattracted by the “Hi” and “Yo” advertising campaigns found they could pick upa nicely equipped Neon for about $12,000–a good price, but more than a tadhigher than $8,500. They responded “Hey!” and “Yow!”

In 1995 Chrysler got caught at times with a few more Neons in dealer stockthan in consumer garages and some members of the media predicted doom andgloom–even before Kirk Kerkorian stepped in.

Enter 1996. Some changes have beenmade, which for the most part are for thebetter.

We tested a 1996 Plymouth Neon Sport coupe powered by a 2-liter,150-horsepower, 16-valve, dual overhead cam 4-cylinder, the engine that wasmissing in 1994, when only a single overhead cam, 132-h.p. 4 was offered.

The 150-h.p. engine provides punch to a car saddled with paunch from itsweaker 132-h.p. kin. The 150-h.p. engine is lively and spirited. You can zipfrom the light and slip into the passing lane. The smooth shifting 5-speedmanual (you’ll still have to settle for a 3-speed automatic) is a goodcompanion that helps get the most power and performance out of the engine.Those who fear a manual will find this 5-speed is a learner’s delight with itssmooth clutch and shift-lever movement.

The combo is not only quiet, it also garners a 28-miles-per galloncity/38-m.p.g. highway rating. The fuel gauge needle moves reluctantly. Tofurther stress fuel economy and driving range, Chrysler is converting the11.2-gallon metal Neon gas tank to a 12.5-gallon plastic one for 1996.

Those looking for a high-mileage commuter for work or a high-mileagetransporter for getting the kids to school will find Neon allows you tostretch the weekly fuel allowance.

Though a subcompact, interior room is impressive. To make the Neon evenmore functional, you need only pull down the seat backs to open the cargo holdleading to the trunk. And those seat backs lay flat so you can slip skis,luggage, golf clubs or grocery bags inside without having to perform abalancing act to keep the contents from toppling.

As for safety, dual bags are standard and ABS is a $585 option. We’d stilllike to see ABS made standard, but Chrysler wants to keep the sticker pricedown. The problem with ABS as an option is that when torn between ABS and astereo/compact disc system, youngsters with limited funds often will opt forsound over safety.

A noteworthy change for 1996 finds power windows now offered in Neon coupesand not just sedans, available since 1995. Again, however, power windows arean option at $265. Youth, especially women, are demanding power windows andpower locks as a safety feature to prevent people from reaching in forpurse–or worse, the ignition keys.

Chrysler says power windows were proposed for the car, but consumers whotook part in product clinics voted against them to keep the price withinreach of youthful buyers.

What Chrysler found, however, was consumers who pay frequent highway tollswere annoyed with roll down/up windows, so optional power windows were added.And though tollway users hollered the loudest, those who want the safety andsecurity of push-button window operation benefited, too.

The base price of the Plymouth Neon Sport coupe we tested was$12,500–hardly $8,500, but still a reasonable figure considering the amountof equipment.

Standard equipment on the test car included energy-absorbing 5-m.p.h.bumpers with fog lights; side door-guard beams; 14-inch, all-season radialtires; power brakes and steering; tilt steering wheel; four-wheel fullyindependent suspension for minimal harshness over bumps; gas-charged strutswith front and rear sway bars; sporty power hood bulge; power dual remotemirrors and door locks; tinted glass; electric rear window defroster; floorconsole with dual cupholders and coinholder; remote hood and deck lid release;driver/passenger vanity mirrors; AM/FM stereo with clock; and body-coloreddoor handles/bodyside moldings.

About all you need to round out the package would be air conditioning,power windows and ABS.

Neon is an alternative to General Motors’ Saturn, which offers two featuresthat Neon lacks–plastic body panels that won’t rust and crinkle in minorrun-ins and traction control.

There have been reports Neon will add a convertible in 1999. Chryslerofficials won’t comment. If Saturn adds a droptop in 1998, Chrysler may dolikewise.

Factory warranties

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Consumer reviews

5.0 / 5
Based on 1 review
Write a review
Comfort 4.0
Interior 4.0
Performance 4.0
Value 4.0
Exterior 2.0
Reliability 5.0
  • Lasts and lasts

    This vehicle was passed down to me and continues to function as well as a car half of its age. I love how reliable this car is, and has not given me many issues. Just keep up on the inspections and maintenance, and she'll run great always.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 2.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 1996 Plymouth Neon?

The 1996 Plymouth Neon is available in 4 trim levels:

  • (2 styles)
  • Competition (2 styles)
  • Highline (2 styles)
  • Sport (2 styles)

What is the MPG of the 1996 Plymouth Neon?

The 1996 Plymouth Neon offers up to 28 MPG in city driving and 38 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

Is the 1996 Plymouth Neon reliable?

The 1996 Plymouth Neon has an average reliability rating of 5.0 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 1996 Plymouth Neon owners.

Is the 1996 Plymouth Neon a good Sedan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 1996 Plymouth Neon. 100.0% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

5.0 / 5
Based on 1 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.0
  • Interior: 4.0
  • Performance: 4.0
  • Value: 4.0
  • Exterior: 2.0
  • Reliability: 5.0
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