Overview & Reviews
Compact Dodge cars haven't had a glowing history, with names like Aries, Caliber, Neon and Shadow best consigned to the forgotten chapters of automotive history. However, the original Dodge Dart was one notable exception. Not only did it provide reasonably dependable (for the 1970s) family transportation, it also elicited quite a following among car enthusiasts.
It's this enthusiasm that Dodge is trying to recapture with its distinctive new Dart. The days of Darts with available powerhouse V8s are long gone, but with a front-wheel-drive chassis derived from the lithe Alfa Romeo Giulietta, the four-cylinder Dart promises a different sort of fun. Instead of laying down rubber, it offers sharp steering and commendable road holding whether you're taking a spirited drive on a back road or simply running errands around town.
More importantly, the new Dodge Dart offers a degree of quality, feature content and mechanical sophistication that greatly exceeds that of previous small Dodges. When compared to other compact sedans, it's not a class leader, but it's certainly competitive.
Current Dodge Dart
The Dodge Dart is a compact sedan whose basic structure, suspension and steering are derived from the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, a sporty hatchback sold in Europe. This isn't just an Italian dressed in an Uncle Sam hat, though. The Dart is not only much bigger than the Alfa, it's also larger than its myriad "compact" car competitors. Only VW's Jetta comes close. This results in more passenger space and also creates the feeling that you're driving something rather substantial. It certainly doesn't feel like a compact car.
There are five trim levels: SE, SXT, Aero, Limited and GT. All offer a choice of a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission, with the exception of the automatic-only Limited. The base SE model has a 2.0-liter, 160-horsepower four-cylinder engine. Acceleration can be rather slow with this engine, especially with the automatic. We recommend going with the SXT, Limited or GT, as all come with a 2.4-liter 184-hp four-cylinder. The fuel-efficiency-focused Aero features a turbocharged 1.4-liter four with 160 hp that offers more punch and better gas mileage than the base SE. Note, however, that the Aero's automatic transmission is an automated manual design that is considerably less refined than the conventional automatics found in other Darts.
Although the SE comes with just a basic level of equipment, the Dodge Dart nevertheless slathers on an abundance of comfort, convenience and luxury items as you move up trim levels and start checking off options boxes. Although features like blind-sport warning systems and dual-zone climate control have become increasingly common in this class, they still give the Dart a bit of an upscale feel. Several special trim materials and a broad palette of available colors make the Dart a little more distinctive as well.
Overall, we think the Dodge Dart is a competitive small sedan that ultimately falls short of its competitors. We would steer clear of the base model and the Aero model due to their unappealing powertrains, while some drivers have found the front seats to be uncomfortable. On the other hand, the Dart deserves consideration based on its sizable cabin and trunk, user-friendly electronics, big-car driving character and ample feature content.
Used Dodge Dart Models
The Dodge Dart was reintroduced for 2013 and cars from that first model year had different engine availability. The 2.0-liter engine was standard on all trims, while the 1.4-liter turbocharged engine and its wonky automated manual transmission were more widely available. Given that only the GT trim came with the 2.4-liter engine, we'd probably steer clear of a first-year Dart.
User Reviews:
Showing 91 through 100 of 138.00-
great buy - 2013 Dodge Dart
By gunwaleman - December 9 - 2:14 pmI have about 2000 miles on my Dart limited. I am impressed with all the features and how inexpensive it was compared to so many other cars. You would pay thousands more for other cars with the same features, if you can find one with all the features and I am talking about even the more premium brands. Gas mileage is decent. The computer gauge is not accurate. I seem to be averaging 29 on hilly Pa roads and got almost 35mpg on a long trip on I-80 which is quite hilly on the part I drive. The computer was off by as much as 6 mpg a couple of times. I find that the 2.0l engine is adequate for hilly Pa roads. I does downshift frequently but one can avoid that if one goes to the manual mode.
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2013 Dodge Dart Ralleye 1.4l Turbo, 6 Spd Manual - 2013 Dodge Dart
By marysdart - November 29 - 1:06 pmJust completed the first 1000 miles with no problems. Fast, great looking in the Citrus Peel Pearl and black crome wheels and the now standard Racetrack LED taillamps in the Ralleye. Love the tuned dula exhaust. The trbo climes the PA hills with no problems with power to spare and the 38 MPG is great. Lots of fun for a good price. Dodge has a winner. marysdart
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Dart limited 1.4 DDC - 2013 Dodge Dart
By shadowmica - October 28 - 8:59 amI knew I wanted one of these when they first were announced a year ago. After following the development of the Dart I went with a loaded Limited cause I wanted the leather and the HID headlights and the TFT display which is not available on the Rallie at this time. This car has lived up to all of my expectations. The build quality is superb. The options put anything from Japan in its class out of the League. The ride is awesome and even driving spiritedly I get 32 MPGs around town. I came from a 2008 Civic Coupe and while that was a good car this Dart blows it away. Honda felt tinny and cheap while the Dart feels solid and well built. Buy one Period
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I ordered mine... - 2013 Dodge Dart
By donpreuss - October 11 - 1:29 pmI ordered my 2013 Dart Limited with the 1.4 turbo with the 6speed dual dry clutch transmission and every available option from the factory. This car was actually test driven at the factory approx 30 miles to check on quality control. Well, the person who drove it didnt do a very good job in checking for quality. The alignment is off, the 8.4 audio/Nav system crashes at least once a day. Not very impressed with the Alpine sub woofer that you pay extra for. Dodge needs to switch to Bose. This car has a lot of get up and go, and very impressed with the fuel mileage. Love the dash layout options you get with the Limited as well. Hope factory works out the small "bugs" quickly..
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My new 2013 Dart - 2013 Dodge Dart
By jclark2012 - October 11 - 10:38 amI purchased my new Dodge Dart about a month ago. This car is so much fun to drive !! Its sporty but yet has a lot of interior room. The interior is very user friendly . I love the looks of the exterior of the car also. Runs great and gets exceptional gas mileage. I am getting around 42 miles a gallon!! Excellent buy , I love this car !!!!!!
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What a car! - 2013 Dodge Dart
By burdman660 - September 28 - 11:08 amIve only had the car a week but Im so impressed. For the money, you cant beat it. Its sexy inside and out. I love driving it. The 1.4 L turbo is awesome. I have the dual clutch auto and it makes the drive really fun. Get the uconnect 8.4" display. Its really intuitive and makes the car fun and comfortable. The ride and handling is great, the gas mileage and power is great. My only regret is not having the power seats with lumbar adjustment. Other than that, its amazing. LED tail lamps, projector head lamps, upscale interior, 17" rims, awesome power and milage... buy the car, It will shatter your perception of compacts. This is a daily driver that makes the ride exciting.
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Best car - 2013 Dodge Dart
By lovekieshab - September 22 - 11:10 pmLove this car....the best car I have owned and I have owned BMW & Mercedes Benz. I love the gas mileage only fill up the gas tank every 2 weeks and $40 at the most. Great interior and amazing features. Perfect exterior love the back lights.
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2013 Dodge Dart Ralleye 1.4l Turbo Auto Trans - 2013 Dodge Dart
By dleininger - September 17 - 12:55 pmIt was painful for me, but I had to trade in my 2011 Dodge Charger R/T AWD for something with better mpgs and a lower monthly payment. I knew the Darts just came out, and I liked the idea of staying with a Dodge. After some research online I knew I had to have the Ralleye trim. The exterior looks on the Ralleye trim are what sets it apart from the limited. I opted for the $1300 1.4l turbo motor and another $1100 for the auto transmission. Im glad I did because this turbo is FUN to drive! Obviously my Charger had more power, but this Dart is a fun and stylish alternative to a Honda Civic, or Toyota Corolla, etc. The seats are nice and bolstered too, which I really like, very sporty.
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Great car - 2013 Dodge Dart
By dartman2 - September 14 - 11:01 amI have owned my new Dart a little over two months and so far I am very pleased with it. The Dart won out over the focus and cruse because I liked the interior far more. It is simple staightforward, uncluttered and very comfortable. I have the rallye with the 1.4 litre turbo w/manual and I am averaging around 32 to 35 mpg depending on how much city driving I do. The ony complaint I have is that first gear could be taller because you only get rolling and need to shift. Also sometimes there is an annoying little rattle in the floating island bizel...but I am very picky so this may not be noticeable by everyone. Overall I am very happy with the car and glad I bought it!
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Great car for the money - 2015 Dodge Dart
By Michael La Course - September 19 - 5:54 amOne thing you need to keep in mind, I have bought the manual transmission so it is sportier. However the 2.0L could have a little more kick. The voice control is poor, as i had to take it back the day after I bought it (guess anyone can get a faulty unit though) to replace the uconnect. The car drives great and fuel efficiency is great on the highway but could need improvement on city streets (29.8 mpg combined for me, 37 hwy, 24-25 city). Pros: - Great car for the money - Great Safety features - Great factory speakers - nice adjustability of seats - Awesome cargo space - Good on hwy gas Cons: - somewhat slow takeoff - Uconnect issues - instrumentation can be slightly confusing I just bought this car, so the review may still get changed.
