MPGTerminal
48/100
1996Compact CarsRegular

1996 Plymouth Neon

EPA ID: 12768
24
City MPG
28
Combined MPG
28MPG· Average
35
Highway MPG

Fuel Economy Overview

The 1996 Plymouth Neon achieves an EPA-estimated 28 MPG in combined city and highway driving, with 24 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway. Powered by a 2L 4-cylinder engine paired with a manual 5-spd, this compact cars features Front-Wheel Drive drive.

In terms of environmental impact, the 1996 Neon produces approximately 317 grams of CO2 per mile. This figure is measured under standardized EPA test conditions and represents tailpipe emissions only. For context, the average new vehicle sold in the United States produces approximately 400 grams of CO2 per mile, meaning this Neon performs better than the national average in this regard.

The estimated annual fuel cost for this vehicle is $2,150, based on 15,000 miles of driving per year and current national average fuel prices.

Energy DNA

Vehicle ClassCompact Cars
Fuel TypeRegular
Engine2L 4-cyl
AspirationNaturally Aspirated
TransmissionManual 5-spd
Drive TypeFront-Wheel Drive

Green Scorecard

CO2 Emissions317 g/mi
Start-Stop SystemNot Equipped
GHG Score-1/10
Smog RatingN/A
Est. Annual Cost$2,150
5-Year Cost DeltaN/A

Personalized Commute CalculatorEPA defaults to 55% City / 45% Hwy

55% City45% Highway

Adjust the slider to match your daily driving habits. City driving involves stop-and-go traffic under 45mph, while highway driving represents sustained speeds over 55mph.

Your Real MPG
28.0
Impact vs EPA
+$3
/ year
💨

Aerodynamic Speed Penalty

EPA highway tests average roughly 48 mph. Driving at 75 mph increases aerodynamic drag exponentially. Expect your real-world highway fuel economy to drop by roughly 15-20% at interstate speeds.

5-Year Total Cost of Ownership

Estimated Monthly Cost
$528/mo
Includes estimated depreciation, fuel, insurance, and state fees over 5 years. Does not include loan interest.
15,000 mi
Value Depreciation
Est. value lost over 60 months
$14,000
44.2%
Fuel & Electricity
Based on National Average rates ($3.50/gal)
$9,375
29.6%
Estimated Insurance
Based on vehicle class risk profile
$7,900
24.9%
State Registration Fees
Based on National Average DMV base rates
$400
1.3%
Total 5-Year Cost$31,675

Recall Intelligence

Campaign #96V075000·1996-06-10
advisory
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER CAN LEAK BRAKE FLUID DUE TO A DAMAGED DOUBLE LIP REAR PISTON SEAL.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE CAN RESULT IN DIMINISHED EFFECTIVENESS OF ONE HALF OF THE SPLIT BRAKE SYSTEM. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WARNING LIGHT(S) WILL SIGNAL SYSTEM IMPAIRMENT PRIOR TO PARTIAL BRAKE SYSTEM LOSS.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR BRAKE MASTER CYLINDR PISTON ASSEMBLY.

Campaign #96V026000·1996-03-17
moderate
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD

AN ENGINE WIRING HARNESS CAN SHORT CIRCUIT DUE TO CONTACT WITH THE EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION TUBE..

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: SHORTING OF THE WIRING HARNESS CAN CAUSE VARIOUS ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTIONS, INCLUDING ENGINE STALLING.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REROUTE THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS PROPERLY AND ANY WIRE THAT HAS BEEN DAMAGED WILL BE REPLACED.

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Looking for comprehensive historical data?

NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crash History) and broader generational safety trends are aggregated at the model level rather than by specific engine configurations. View the complete historical data profile for all Plymouth Neon configurations.

View Model History

Similar 1996 Compact Cars Alternatives

1996 Dodge Neon

2L 4-cyl Front-Wheel Drive

28MPG
City: 24Hwy: 35$2,150/yr

1996 Hyundai Accent

1.5L 4-cyl Front-Wheel Drive

28MPG
City: 24Hwy: 33$2,150/yr

1996 Geo Prizm

1.6L 4-cyl Front-Wheel Drive

29MPG
City: 26Hwy: 32$2,050/yr

1996 Geo Prizm

1.8L 4-cyl Front-Wheel Drive

27MPG
City: 25Hwy: 31$2,200/yr

1996 Hyundai Accent

1.5L 4-cyl Front-Wheel Drive

27MPG
City: 23Hwy: 33$2,200/yr

1996 Hyundai Accent

1.5L 4-cyl Front-Wheel Drive

27MPG
City: 23Hwy: 32$2,200/yr

Fuel Cost Analysis

Annual Fuel Cost$2,150

Based on 15,000 miles/year and current fuel prices.

Efficiency Breakdown

City24 MPG
Highway35 MPG
Combined28 MPG

Estimated Lifetime Carbon Footprint

(Based on 200,000 miles driven)

63.5 metric tons CO₂
Equivalent To:
🌳 79 tree seedlings grown for 10 yrs
✈️ 5.3 cross-country flights/yr

Data Provenance

Data directly from the EPA National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory. The combined rating is a weighted average (55% city, 45% highway). For official figures, visit fueleconomy.gov.