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:

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  #2015DODGEDARTSXT - 2015 Dodge Dart
  By Frank Eckert - July 22 - 12:20 pm

  The dodge dart sxt is a fun sporty,eye catcher sedan.great sound system.the Bluetooth connect is awesome,hands free is great.This sedan just loves the curves in the road,it hangs tight.Im pleased with my purchase of a Dodge Dart 2015 SXT,with only 3700 miles on it.

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  2013 dodge dart ralley - 2013 Dodge Dart
  By Storm thayer - June 29 - 3:00 am

  I purchased a 2013 dodge dart ralley, brand new in November of 2013. I love the style of the car and how it handles,however I have had quite a few problems with it, my first problem was with the fans,drought it to the dealership and they replaced the fan motor, then my low traction light would always turn on do to a bad sensor which I got replaced.now my e brake dose not work do to a rear callaper which is covered so it well only cost me $100 to fix, my air bag light is on and the dealship said it is because if my passenger blatter silicone thing is leaking and they want over $800 to fix! I have had the car for 2 and a half years it has 45000 miles.. And I have to put $900 worth of work Into it just to pass another inspection. Needless to say I and trading it in and never buying another dodge!!

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  Great car with all the options - 2013 Dodge Dart
  By Ron Deutsch - January 16 - 1:04 am

  If youre over 6 foot tall, dont buy one. Overall, this car is an excellent choice.

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  Recently rented this car for two weeks - 2015 Dodge Dart
  By Rhonda Z - November 27 - 3:33 am

  I rented this car for two weeks. I thought the seats were very comfortable, and it was easy to get in and out of the car. Overall I was quite impressed with the car. It was spacious, the trunk held all of my and my daughters luggage with room to spare. And our luggage tests the limits of the checked and carry-on dimensions. The controls were simple and easy to figure out, the mirrors were easily adjustable, and the ride was smooth. The car was not afraid to go very fast on the highway. I was shocked to see how fast I was going (over 100) at one point because it was gliding over the road so smoothly. I had to set the cruise control to keep myself in check. The only negative things I can say is that it is slow to respond if you want to rapidly increase your speed. But for a four cylinder it is more than acceptable. And the car has such a low clearance that it kept scraping on the pavement. I live in the Rockies and no matter how slow I entered and exited my driveway, it scraped. And no matter how slow I creeped through intersections in neighborhoods, it scraped.

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  2013 Dodge Dart SXT / RALLYE - 2013 Dodge Dart
  By Julian - September 9 - 4:20 am

  I bought my dart in 2014 used and absolutely love it. I have had some mini problems with it but i got them fixed by the warranty and all is good. I think that they could have made the speakers better i have a blown one in the left back door. However, i am glad that i purchased the dart when i did because now the new dodge dart sxt/rallye is cheaper now.

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  500 miles in - 2016 Dodge Dart
  By Kaleb Mays - May 4 - 1:29 am

  I bought my 2016 dart SE Saturday afternoon. I had several errands to run this weekend with Christmas just around the corner. We left the lot with 16 miles and now have 486 on the odometer. Interior- most cars Ive owned in the past have had the cheap plastic coverings on the dash along with very uncomfortable armrests in the doors. This car has a nice plush almost pleathery feel in its place. The interior styling on the SE is not flashy but not dull. Performance- for a 2.0 with no turbo its decently quick enough for the driving I will be doing. I commute 700 miles a week for work and dont do many hard accelerations. That being said I was not at all disappointed when accelerating. I reset my mpg average when leaving yesterday for a 180 mile round trip. 75% highway I averaged 35.7 mpg over the trip and hit 45.7 on the average on the highway driving at 56 mph. Technology- I wasnt looking for the fanciest car and I sure didnt get it. Theres no remote start, no xm radio, no touchscreen display or anything most newer cars have. It doesnt even have automatic headlights. But I wasnt looking for all of this Summary- I was looking for a car big enough for me and my family that got good mileage. Thats exactly what I got. After a few thousand miles I will update my review.

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  first newer car - 2015 Dodge Dart
  By Robin Valencia - January 7 - 9:03 am

  I have had my car for 8 months now and love it. Except for the fact that apparently it doesnt like cold weather. I have to let it warm up for awhile when engine is cold or it stalls on me. It is a 2015 with 35000 on it.