Chrysler
PT Cruiser
Dodge
Neon
Chrysler PT Cruiser vs Dodge Neon: 2016 Comparison
The short answer
The Chrysler PT Cruiser offers fuel economy, while the Dodge Neon excels at power instead. Choose the Chrysler PT Cruiser if you prioritize fuel economy in daily driving, or the Dodge Neon if power matters more for your needs. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
PT Cruiser
Overall
Extremely polarized sentiment, split between nostalgic appreciation for its unique design and practicality, and widespread, severe criticism of its reliability, driving dynamics, and build quality. The vehicle is frequently described as a "future classic" for its daring, retro-styled appearance that generated significant hype and dealer markups at launch. Owners praise its spacious and comfortable interior, upright seating position, and unique character that stands out from conventional vehicles.
Best version to buy
Manual Transmission GT Turbo Model: Specifically the 2005 or older GT trim with the turbocharged 2.4L engine and manual transmission is cited as the most desirable and "fun" version, offering significantly more power and engagement. The naturally aspirated automatic models are overwhelmingly panned as underpowered and unreliable.
Known issues
- ⚠Severe and chronic electrical system failures: wiring harnesses melting (notably near the EGR valve), myriad unexplained electrical gremlins, dash lights dimming when braking, complete failures causing the vehicle to die while driving.
- ⚠Automatic transmission failures: rough shifting, slipping, going into "limp mode," complete failure requiring rebuild or replacement; exacerbated by use of incorrect fluid. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Engine performance and reliability problems: underpowered naturally aspirated 2.4L engine, poor fuel economy (low 20s MPG), head gasket issues, oil pressure sensor failures, stalling, and hesitation. Frequency: very frequent.
Neon
Overall
Overwhelmingly negative sentiment regarding long-term reliability, build quality, and overall ownership experience. The vehicle is frequently characterized as poorly built, unreliable, and prone to catastrophic failures, with numerous reports of major mechanical breakdowns, electrical issues, and subpar interior materials. A recurring theme is the car being a "throwaway piece of shit eco box" that does not last.
Best version to buy
First-generation Neon (1994-1999). Isolated feedback suggests this generation, particularly with the manual transmission, offered the best combination of performance for its time and relative simplicity.
Known issues
- ⚠Catastrophic mechanical failures (thrown rods, broken control arms, major transmission failure): very frequent.
- ⚠Poor build quality and cheap interior materials (mirrors break, door handles snap, seats unsupportive, hard plastics): very frequent.
- ⚠Cooling system problems (overheating, water pump failure, heater core issues, coolant leaks leading to head gasket failure): very frequent.
The verdict
The Chrysler PT Cruiser is the better choice for most buyers.
It has better fuel economy on its best-equipped version than the Dodge Neon, based on the data above. If power matters more to you than running costs, the Dodge Neon is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Chrysler PT Cruiser or the Dodge Neon?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Chrysler PT Cruiser and the Dodge Neon. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Chrysler PT Cruiser or the Dodge Neon?
Both seat a similar number of passengers based on our data. The Chrysler PT Cruiser is classed as a Station wagon, the Dodge Neon as a Sedan, which affects cargo space and ride height for family use.
Which has better fuel economy, the Chrysler PT Cruiser or the Dodge Neon?
The Chrysler PT Cruiser is more fuel-efficient on paper: 9.9 L/100km combined versus 10.7 L/100km for the Dodge Neon, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Chrysler PT Cruiser or the Dodge Neon?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Chrysler PT Cruiser than the Dodge Neon. See the known issues comparison above.