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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  Looks can be deceiving.. - 2013 Dodge Dart
  By austiepoo - April 9 - 3:20 pm

  I have the 2.0 autostick Rallye edition. The styling is awesome, I have the black with the carbon grey wheels. It is definitely an eye catcher. The interior is very nice with the red accents in the seats and on the doors. The 8.4 uconnect is amazing and I LOVE having a back up camera because I am a terrible parallel parker! I cant complain about the gas mileage, I am not a conscious driver and like to speed every where I go and I average 22.5 mpg. However I was able to average 43.5 on a trip from Charleston, SC to Charlotte, NC which is about 200 miles. Acceleration from a stop is SLOOOWWW, but that is expected with the 2.0 engine. Over all I love my Dart! You will too!

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  Dodge hits the mark! - 2013 Dodge Dart
  By azrollo - April 6 - 2:02 pm

  I have had this car for a month and love everything about it. Interior is beautiful and very nice for the price class it is in. I am averaging 38.2 miles per gallon (calculated manually)driving mostly hwy at 72 mph. I am very pleased with the vehicle and hope it lasts.

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  Steering Failure - 2013 Dodge Dart
  By jacobsfamily4 - March 25 - 12:37 pm

  Purchased a new 2013 Dodge Dart. Within 2 weeks of owning the car the lower control arm bolt either broke or was never tightened. My steering locked up on me while driving the car. In all attempts to talk with Chrysler, they refused to take responsibility. This was the 7th and final car that we will buy due to their lack of responsibility or loyalty to my family and the danger that they put us in.

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  rallye 1.4 auto stick poor fuel mileage - 2013 Dodge Dart
  By justinmccarter - March 23 - 8:36 pm

  well the first 800 miles of the dash showing 30mpg resulting in a hand calculated mpg of 21.4 mpg on my first three tanks, my truck that i traded in is more fuel efficient pulled 14.5mpg in my brutal commute, leaving my 08 king ranch and moving to the dodge costed me an extra 8400$ gain in loan which stipulated 32mpg would of had that loss consumed in 40k less miles, now with the 22mpg i should see the pay off at about 90k miles i have to drive the car before im left with 5 years of higher monthly loan payments, not worth it, not trying to rant either, fuel mileage really does no good for the car, radio quality poor like bad Bluetooth device but from all inputs fm,xm,cd

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  Best ecobox for under 20k! - 2013 Dodge Dart
  By fire_hawk3 - March 20 - 5:14 am

  I have the Rallye trim with the 1.4L MultiAir and a standard transmission. The styling is amazing and everyday I see it, it puts a smile on my face. The interior further enhances that smile. The exhaust sound is beautiful and turns some heads. While the engine does suffer some lag, once the turbo spools, it gets going! Everything seems solid and sturdy. The Uconnect system is one of the bests! And the best thing about this car: the MPG. Glorious 41 MPGs on highway!

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  Continued engine problems-8th trip to dealership - 2013 Dodge Dart
  By dodgeowner44 - March 1 - 8:27 pm

  Ive owned my 2013 Dart just over 2 months now and have had to take it back to the dealership 8 times for temperature sensor problems with the engine. No fix available. Dealership, Tyson Motors in Shorewood,IL, will no longer document the check engine light re-setting in their computer system. Outside air temp 24 degrees out when check engine light came on this 8th time. Again, only taking it in now once per week to re-set the fault code otherwise it would be daily occurrence given the colder temperatures in Chicago.

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  I just got it. 1.4L turbo - 2013 Dodge Dart
  By kendaddy - February 21 - 12:04 pm

  This is a nice car, and the lease they have now is great. I got the 1.4L turbo. It is a little sluggish of the line, but has plenty of power. Ive been averaging 33-34mpg in it. I got the automatic. It takes some getting use to, but is fun to drive once you get the hang of it. I have no idea really about Reliability, I have 300 miles on it.

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  1.4 liter turbo Rallye with 6-speed manual - 2013 Dodge Dart
  By helilog - February 20 - 2:29 am

  Have owned for 6000 miles, averaging mid 30s mpg overall after accounting for the dash readout error. Turbo engine is gutsy and quick to rev when on boost. Turbo lag is a one-count by the time you count to two the lag is gone. Car has a couple of mild interior buzzes that come and go according to road texture. An exterior trim piece or two are slightly misaligned. Car is good for us for a 500 mile day but the comfy seat cushions could be a bit longer in length to be perfect. Quiet interior, smooth ride, great handling, strong easily modulated brakes, quick and tactile steering. Roomy back seat. Big trunk and the back seat folds down. No maintenance issues.

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  2013 Dodge Dart Ralleye 1.4l Turbo, 6 Spd Manual - 2013 Dodge Dart
  By tndodgeboy - February 6 - 6:20 pm

  I love this car. Very smooth on the road and fun to drive. The mpg is the best. The 1.4 Turbo is very quick for it size. I have everything on my Dart except for leather seats and a sunroof, witch I do not like anyway. I really love the support I get from the seats. This is a very sporty car. I also like the fact that you dont have to change the timing belt until 150000 miles. Dodge really worked in a lot of details in the new Dart. Nice dash, nav system & backup camera and oh yeah, the RaceTac lights. Gota have them.... Good job Dodge!!!

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  Dodge Dart wish it was better - 2013 Dodge Dart
  By savageman - December 12 - 8:01 pm

  Bought the Dart rallye with a 1.4l turbo. From the time we bought the vehicle, it has turbo lag. The engine is not smooth in torque or horsepower and in cold weather running cold is the worst. In order to function at all, it needs to warm up. Ive had my dart in three times for the same problem. It is getting ridiculous and am not happy with Dodge Engineers ignoring this obvious problem that everyone is talking about on the forums.