My wife's 2000 neon is making what it sounds like a ticking sound similar to an exhaust leak. Its coming more from the front of the motor. Motor has a knock also, might be rod bearings. I Haven't been able to pinpoint it. Here is a video/sound cliphttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42PKmk8m3DU.
Is this a normal sound? Its gradually gotten louder.

 

Rod bearings. It should get louder as you accelerate, and at idle. I'd suggest shopping for another engine.