Road Test: 2013 Dodge Dart

MotorWeek road test review of the 2013 Dodge Dart.

[@SK_727]

I like how Motorweek never got rid of this commentator. He's been with them forever!

[@thebestisyettocome4114]

DJSlurp1200 ; It's his show. Period. So it would be a little hard when he owns the content.

[@CarringtonHollister]

He's a reptilian.

[@ro83]

Djslurp1208 what is there to like about it ? It’s sad he left.

[@SK_727]

Ya I was just saying... didn't know he left though.

[@elkofcanada5003]

@@SK_727 He didn't

[@David-ow9bc]

John Davis is a polished speaker and his wordsmithing is top notch. It is a pleasure to listen to his essentail facts presentation plus his personality puts him on top of his game. Personally I regard him as the best and when he's gone he will be missed

[@priell3]

Good review. Had my Dart for one month, 500 miles. Great car. Fun to drive. Handles great. Plenty of power for the highway. Comfortable, quiet interior. The ride is smooth and quiet especially at hightway speeds - feels like a glider. Sharp styling outside, clean and functional interior. Best in class passenger room. My 8th enjoyable Chrysler product in the past 33 years.

[@waynes.2983]

But the dart was junk.

[@workingcountry1776]

How did it last because i almost never see these on the road any more.... i mean, i see neons more lol

[@neztanizaki2346]

Buying one soon and I absolutely love the way it drives. I'm used to driving vans and fill sized trucks, so it's a nice change of pace. Stylish car, comfortable interior, and smooth ride.

[@codyking5612]

I have one it’s nice the suspension is very nicely damped and tuned and has a very smooth ride after 50,000 miles and 8 years

[@fernandorocha8459]

Great car this Dodge Dart 2013

[@Mr_57ChargerRT]

And 3 years later the Dodge Dart was discontinued.

[@carfan5824]

allpar300_ M very 😢.

[@superperior]

Just not the market for dodge cars when toyota and honda already dominate. Tbh i love my dart and how it drives and looks compared to all cars in its class. I like the handling compared to the corolla and getting just as good gas mileage compared. Right at 31 mpg. About 90k miles always kept up on maintinence

[@jacobwong2230]

Why

[@applepoop10]

Because it was a giant POS of a car.

[@Detah_]

Yeah just as it was slated to maybe get a performance buff. But the fact the first model year ones came only with a stick shift we’re probably what killed it along with it being nothing special and poor reliability

[@romefox]

This car is beautifully designed, it is one of the most aesthetically pleasing cars I have ever seen. Dodge is not exactly synonymous with design and quality, at least not in the past, but the recent Dodge models are fantastic to look at and drive as well.

[@mrdaykurutakuchannel]

Man i love this dart!! I wish they remake this again n pls release dart SRT with a very least retuned alfa 4c turbo motor and LSD with at least 280hp to fight euro n asian hot hatches!!

[@carfan5824]

I agreed with you

[@superperior]

I would love the hatchback version

[@angelgjr1999]

Imagine a hellcat dart? Lol

[@mrdaykurutakuchannel]

@@angelgjr1999 make it a midship instead, and it'll be way overpriced and too heavy if it's real. But it'll be cool.

[@kipbrown1549]

@@superperior Yes ///////////////////////////////////

[@marlinmr7]

I bought a base model SE w/2.0 & 6 Speed manual about a year ago - have 32,000 miles on it w/ no problems and just love the car. 38-42 MPG is no problem. Comfortable, quiet, rides and handles very nice and really love driving it. Will not even "blink" that when it needs to be replaced I will replace it with another Dart. No interest in the 1.4 Turbo as not only does it require pricey premium - oil changes cost $100+! 2.0 or 2.4 w/6-speed manual is perfect from my prospective!

[@pickles9774]

+MarlinMR7 Oil change $100 are you a women? Do it yourself for $30.

[@marlinmr7]

+Sean Johnstone No, I am a 6' 235lb male and yes - specifically on the 1.4 - oil chngs were in excess of $100 easily because the 1.4 is specifically a Fiat engine. Everything is Fiat/Italian based - not US. Believe it has come down somewhat since but not by much. This does not apply if the dart has the 2.0 or 2.4 in them. I am also a believer in using the same oil/filter consistently and not just what happens to be on sale. All of the engines come with and require synthetic making it difficult to even purchase the same oil and filter consistenly for $30 or less. Years back I did all of my own oil chngs but now prefer to have the actual dealer do them because of warranty for one thing as well as they check over and update/repair things as needed before they get severe. My truck is older and I do my own oil chngs on it but that is far less technical than the Dart. A friend of mine attempted to do oil chngs themselves on a 2014 Honda that helped to "pinch pennies until it cost dollars" in that by not having the dealer do it as well as keep an eye on things - the last oil chng was only a little over $3,000 by the time all the other repairs were done but hey - saved money for awhile i.e. "pinched pennies until it cost lots of dollars"? Never thought I would see the day when it was better off taking anything to the dealership for oil chngs vs. doing it myself but with all the high tech stuff in the new ones - it is worth it in my opinion. A good dealership will do a good check over of the car - far better than I. Usually what I do is buy a bundle of oil chngs 3 for the price of 4. Another friend of mine - got her daughter's purchase of a 2015 Dart w/2.0 to include 5 oil chngs with.

[@TomDeVito]

Dodge hit the nail on the head with the styling of the dart inside and out. It's a winner for dodge since the neon. I can't wait to get a dart

[@superperior]

Did u get one??

[@joedogg9836]

I saw a fully loaded one today at the dealership and it was actually not boring looking like all compact cars. What impressed me most was those seats and the gauges. I actually started to love it when i saw that that loaded dart was 22 grand and was based on Alfa Romeo.

[@mikeyfourbarrel8473]

What a shame that this car never caught on. If it was a bit lighter, performance would have kept up with the competition…and it would have made better use of that awesome little Fiat Abarth 1.4 turbo.

[@scrambler69-xk3kv]

People who are a bit older remember what pieces of garbage Fiats were when in the US the last time and are not likely to forget. That is the reason in a nutshell why they failed.

[@thebestisyettocome4114]

I bought the base for my wife. I can't say anything bad about it. 👍

[@superperior]

Ive got 90k on a 2016 regularly getting 31 mpg they are fun cars, only new batterry everything else is oe, removed muffler and she sounds mean

[@aastanton251]

Nothing.

[@kirbydurby]

I bought the SXT with the Rally pack 2.0. Great handling, fuel economy and ride. So tired of the Honda, Toyota and Nissan

[@pbfloyd13]

Mazda?

[@glennso47]

Mark Holland This car turns out to be a flop.

[@smurfeco2.358]

Glenn Lego in what way ? We have had a 2016 for two years has 17k on it no problems it does what it has to do you go to market come back take the kids to school go to work for 16k it’s not a problem your not gonna get 500hp on these specially for the price and they have decent interiors .

[@chrisyarber3352]

Lol my moms 2015 Dart 2.0 burns so much oil the car will stall when coming to a stop

[@nick_dizzle]

@@alansmilealot I have 105,000 on mine and it runs great! Only problem I have had was a dead battery. Lol

[@pabloarteaga35]

I have Dodge Dart 2013 aero, not as fast as I wanted, but very spacious. It responds very well on braking and sudden maneuvers.

[@andywest6751]

It could’ve been good, but Chrysler screwed it up with cost-cutting and cutting corners :/

[@2steaksandwiches665]

People hate on this car because it’s cool to do. It’s a decent car.

[@dpresuto]

Disappointed with the brakes, but amazed by two things: 1) the limited body roll going through the slalom--awesome!!, and 2) that under-seat storage. What a great idea! Wish I could convince my wife to get this over the Abarth...

[@1970borntorun]

What do you guys think of the 1.4L Turbo with the dual clutch automatic? The 1.4L with 6 speed manual felt SUPER laggy, so I'm wondering, as others have said in various forums online that the Automatic trans eats up some of the turbo lag in the torque converter so it's not as pronounced.

[@IKhanNot]

I love the styling of this new Dart. Not too keen with them using the Dart name but if the car looks good and hopefully drives good hopefully this is a winner for the Chrysler brand.

[@tacoeatingzebra]

The local dealership association had a car show this weekend and I had a good look at this car. I've always had a VW orba Mazda, but I was very impressed with this car in build quality and looks. I would definitely consider this car if I were in the market.

[@oldtwinsna8347]

Wow this is the new Neon. Haven't seen one in ages on the road - all went to the crusher.

[@devinbiz]

Even when released, I didn’t see these often. I don’t know just how many were even sold

[@DudeDude491]

Somewhere Scotty Kilmer is Laughing out Loud

[@STORMZ8]

He's a deranged kook.

[@funkdrshads]

There is still a timing belt in the 1.4L Turbo, it is made from Kevlar and does not have to be changed until 280,000 Kilometers.

[@smurfeco2.358]

They shouldn’t even had test this car for 0-60 people are crying like your gonna get 0-60 in 4 seconds for a car that’s meant to daily drive

[@tacoeatingzebra]

I'm not in the market--have a 2010 VW Golf that I love--but if I were to buy a new car, I would definitely give this a look. Never in my wildest dreams thought I'd say that about a Dodge. Sat I. One and was very impressed.

[@NightLordddd]

No problems with my 2014 dart Just wish the car was faster and it would be perfect

[@1viga70]

I have test driven the new dart with the 1.4 manual tans. Very impressive it gets up faster than my 2012 jetta tdi which also is not in the list and is much better than allot of the other cars in the list. I believe this new dart competes with the best. Yea it's not what it was years back and neither are the charger our challenger but times are different we can't just stuff big blocks in to everything any more. It was 22000 and had almost all bells and whistles (the dart)

[@nascardrawings7700]

The numbers I got were for an sxt 2.0. 0-60 in 10.7 seconds 1/4 mile in 18.4 @ 77mph. The 2.4 gets the exactly the same numbers as the 2.0 because it is a lot heavier. It's interesting to see how much torque and weight play a role in performance. But I'm still standing by that its more fun to drive around corners

[@Fussinated]

He answered that. If you read it carefully he said choice, i.e. bring variety to the product. And why do you think any brand has more than one engine choice? Cruze has two diferent engine choices, Lancer has three engine chioces, C Class MB has 3 engine choices, VW Jetta has 3 engine choices etc. In any case, WHY NOT?

[@rdc959]

I own a 2.0 SXT Dart,so far I like,and pleasently surprised.Just hope it holds up.I traded my 2010 Corolla for the Dart with 133000 and the only thing that went wrong with it was a tail light.Still I don't have no regrets on trading for the Dart.

[@superperior]

Hows it running?? I have a 2016 2.0 with 90k only owner. So far changed the battery and the front right cv axle is about due for a new one. Consistently get 31 mpg compared to my ladys corolla getting 29. Like how it handles more too love the wide tires

[@pandamonium4857]

@@superperior hows everyone doing? I have a 16 2.4 with about 80k miles. Been pretty fun so far with very few issues. I'm looking to do some performance upgrades though, any recommendations?

[@superperior]

@@pandamonium4857 pretty good, I sold my dart with about 125k miles engine and tyranny still perfect, suspension was ready for work most likely control arms, stereo stopped working, but other than that it was a solid car I couldn't pass up the offer. I'd say copper spark plugs because better response from engine imo compared to iridium or whatever it came with copper is more conductive you'd just have to change them out more often for me it was worth the trade off. I'd recommend some suspension upgrades by 100k, like new shocks and control arms most likely

[@pandamonium4857]

@@superperior awesome thanks for the tips

[@pandamonium4857]

@@superperior also Happy Thanksgiving 😊

[@codycrawford2385]

I have a 2015 SE Rallye, I’m in the process of changing a lot of stuff from a Rallye to my car

[@Mrwaffleandmilk]

its heavy because it is reinforced in the chasis which is the reason y it is the only car in its class that has a 5 star crash safety rating in both categories

[@azteck98]

its funny going from the 80s retro reviews to this 16.2 would of been quick back then

[@Boujai12]

FIAT "Fix it again Tony"

[@randellgribben9772]

fine italian automoble technology... only reason back in the day, they said that.. it american grease moneys could only handle a push rod( ohv ) engine...i work on classci italian car, even have one 1984 alfa romeo spider,, and with normal oil changes and a few other things.. they are reliable

[@NYKgjl10]

My sister owns a Dart and I must admit, Its a comfortable auto to ride in with good aero dynamic and steering handles.

[@TheBikemaster94]

NYKgjl10 is it fast?

[@NYKgjl10]

Not as fast as expected, but good breaking respond and aero dynamic responds is on target.

[@TheBikemaster94]

NYKgjl10 seems good , I may get one. I need a new daily driver

[@76carmel]

I wrote to Steve Hammes (stevehammes on KZbin) about that question. He said that turbo engines usually need Premium fuel to prevent knock. Remember, the other engines including the 2.4L 184-hp naturally aspirated I-4 uses regular gas.

[@shaesham]

I like how they put every car through some hard turns and hard breaking and accelerating. You can't baby a car if you are testing it! (seems like may others do unfortunately)

[@britishbikes12]

My first car was a Dodge Aspen with a 3 speed automatic. It took 16 seconds to reach 60mph with the base 225 ci Slant 6- rated at 110sae hp. (I got the numbers off a stop watch and speedo when I was 16.) The Dart had the same engine- which was a little faster because the car was smaller. Makes the 8.2 second 0-60 new Dart seem like something shot off the deck of an aicraft carrier. .

[@johnbeckham1483]

I had owned "5" Dodge Neons, and I will go on public record here stating that FCA built a quality, sporty, fuel efficient car in the Dart! I might purchase one, but I here that a 3rd. generation Neon is coming back! YES!!!

[@trevorj79]

It's an entirely different architecture from the ground up and doesn't share a single part or panel. What are you basing that astute observation on?

[@thehollowaytape]

Why is everyone saying this is a Neon? It has a freaking Fiat engine and the chassis is based off of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta. It's a european car in American clothes for a great price. I love my Dart. I have the Rallye with a 1.4L Turbo and 6 speed manual, and it is a joy to drive. The Dodge Neon was a POS. The Dodge Dart is a beautiful piece of machinery.

[@eamonburke5708]

The Dart has the following in common with a Neon: It is a compact Car, branded by Dodge. Nothing else is even remotely related to a Neon. Source: I sell Darts, and drive a Neon.

[@patrickcampbell6623]

My name is Patrick Campbell and I live in NewCastle Kentucky and on June 13th of 2019 I had a 2000 GMC serria and was spending to much money getting the truck fixed. So when I got the last part on the truck fixed on June 13th of 2019 I traded my truck for a 2016 Dodge dart SXT and it's already February 26th and I love my dodge drat SXT

[@davidhalifax]

Don't know what factors determine whether a car classifies as 'small'. This Dart is 5 inches wider and 12 inches longer than a 1995 Neon, which was also advertised as a compact car back then.

[@drguffey]

I own a Neon & have driven the Dart Rallye. I laugh anytime someone calls this car a Neon with a new name. There is really no comparison! I'm waiting for the GT to come out.

[@CamaroAmx]

the funny thing is that the dart was an economical compact car when was 1st introduced in the early 60s. it evolved into a sporty compact musclecar in the late 60s- early 70s to combat rising insurance costs on the regular musclecars, which is the version most remember along with drag racing designed lightweight Hemi Dart. so the new Dart is closer to the early origanal Dart then the musclecar Dart or the lightweight drag racing Hemi Dart.

[@funkdrshads]

They are in Canada right now, most dealerships only have a 1.4L manual transmission. They are rolling out..

[@mrmaturitydelinquent]

The new Dart is one sexy small car, Dodge did a good job with this one

[@brodash505]

Wassup

[@hulbert87]

dodge dart RT= Dart GT, they're saving the R/T badge for a model with more horspower

[@mrdaykurutakuchannel]

Compare it to the base dart, which is normal for a 2 liter na.

[@SgtLyle911]

Truly beautiful I would love to own this car regardless of any cons they mentioned.

[@JohnathanTownsend]

Sorry for not being clear, if you read the comments I replied to you would see. But I meant the 1.4 liter multiair turbo motor is out of the fiat 500 Abarth. I know the platform is based off the giulietta, and styling was done by dodge, etc.

[@funkdrshads]

This is not overhyped, this engine technology will be used in every car within 10 years (1.4L Turbo) Read about it, it gets rid of the intake cam, paired with the dual dry clutch which doesn't need a torque converter..

[@simpsons52775]

Srt4 version is gonna be epic. Definitely gonna be at the top of my list....

[@mrdaykurutakuchannel]

I hope it'll happen soon, but the market probably says no.

[@brodash505]

No

[@CamaroAmx]

they said the base price was a little above $16,000, but i've seen ads in newpapers of new car dealers selling new darts in the mid $15,000 range.

[@RBAC1]

It looks like an updated version of a Neon!

[@devinbiz]

I still think it’s a sharp and sporty looking compact car. Even if I’m not a Mopar guy, I do wish it had done better competing with others in its class, and with the critics.

[@LeGortie]

A very nice car!!! keep on going Chrysler

[@Sig721Tau]

The host forgot to mention the 2.4L Tigershark motor.

[@brandonfriesen5389]

Really? Theres been one recall for the clutch, and 2/3 owners report problems like the fuel gauge is inaccurate, transmissions needs replacing after 500 miles and down, remote start...starts the car on its own in damp weather, and many many transmission problems...many people predicted(myself included) that the car would be Detroit junk, and so far, its living up to our predictions. Just go with a 2014 Civic, or 2013 Jetta Diesel and you wont go wrong for decades.

[@CamaroAmx]

i consider this to be a proper sucessor to the neon (which sold very well and was well liked when new. now not so much), then the car that did replace the neon, the caliber.

[@thehondarider250]

you don't need to run 91 or 93 octane in the premium engines, my sisters car calls for 91 she puts 89 and it has the same result, this car doesn't burn enough gas for it to impact your pocket like you think

[@Dragunov302]

i would get the 180hp one, looks clean when in highest trim.

[@ltdanyj]

It's amazing how everybody remembers the big motor Darts, but forgets that the base model in the Dart was a 101hp Slant Six... The Dart was an economy car first, Musclecar second... If "muscle" is what you are looking for, wait till the SRT model comes out next summer.

[@billspangler2685]

Me over here still waiting for a new srt4...

[@jetninjamonkey]

I like the under seat storage, that seems like a useful idea. I think I prefer the focus though.

[@TheCanadianTech]

Different engines, Transmissions and completely retuned suspension. They also made it larger. its actually quite different.

[@TheColts1027]

chevys 2014 models will dominate the market they are stepping there game up

[@robrosa1]

should I buy this 2013 dodge dart for $10,000? It's got 10,500 miles on it. Also, what problems have you run in to so far?

[@The_Evilburger]

I myself own one and its a pretty decent car

[@FallenAngelic17]

I have a 2015 dodge dart and I love it.

[@amberd.8027]

Still have it?

[@Mrcrysis514]

@priell3 honest feedback. Would you recommend this car. I am really thinking of buying this car. Just fell in love with the look of it.

[@frod70]

Yeah, but what was the "as tested" price? The model you tested looked like a midline to highline model. Definitely not base. And seriously, premium?

[@ToxicGamingNetwork]

whoa whoa whoa lancia may not have been too reliable but they made the best rally cars in history!

[@hellhound47bravo3]

Have a 2014, and it's a nice capable vehicle, if also a bit spartan in S.E. trim. It's a pity it didn't stay around longer. But then again the Cruz and the Focus are gone too. Why can the Japanese and Korean companies keep building small cars, but the American companies can't?

[@GSXR_Samurai]

Woah wait, he said to use premium gas for the turbo..my dealer told me to use the normal cheap stuff

[@vado575]

thats correct and its also a single overhead cam,, and the 2.0 and 2.4l are dohc and timing chain as u might know

[@bilalahmed2123]

I drove it, wasn’t a bad car. Drove a rental. Heard that these had head gasket issues.

[@kasimov1994]

neon srt-4 is allot better then this dart in my opinion

[@superperior]

I dont disagree there, my buddy had a basic model neon made it to 250k

[@DaBombDiggidy88]

BTW for all the miss info these magazines have the srt 4 WILL be a 2.4t with 300hp. it has been confirmed on a motor sheet today with a surprise turbo charged v6 with direct injection but we have no idea what that is in yet (think srt6)

[@brandonfriesen5389]

Forums from Dart owners, ex-dodge workers from Detroit(I have a friend in Detroit where he makes Darts and says there are problems that have risen up with the engine and the electronics and in the coming years, will iron that out and its to be expected in a brand new car)

[@Boujai12]

I speak out of owning chryslers in the past. I'm not here to trash Dodge. In fact, as a kid, I really liked Dodge...you know how it goes, 15 year old with Dodge posters on the bedroom wall. Anyway, I guess after owning a couple I was "hurt" with how bad they were.headgaskets, cam seals, A/C' quiting at 38,000 miles, clips, handles, breaking. I always wished them well. I guess after owning Toyotas I saw what a car should be when it comes to reliability. But I have brutally high expectations.

[@josh1303]

Not anymore, there are tons of turbo cars that run great on regular gas.

[@craigsomerville4162]

Same as any other dealer, choice. 2.0L is less torque, no DDCT. 1.4L same HP more torque, 2.4L (still can't buy it) More HP

[@danwat1234]

Carbon Dioxide is directly relational to MPG

[@Dillon1791]

When are you guys doing the 2013 Acura ILX?

[@kasimov1994]

when is the srt-4 version coming out? and yea it should be better because its already 2012

[@AdAce21]

I'm really torn between this and the 2013 Focus Titanium. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Oh, and why is this car so heavy?????

[@CamaroAmx]

1) i hate hatchbacks. 2) small compacts are a little tight to be in as well as get in or out. 3) never had one issue with a dodge, plus every brand new model will have kinks that didn't show up during devolpment, not just Dodges.

[@counkev]

Ahh, I respect your calm questioning to robins comment. Usually people get all butt hurt and start cusing each other out on the comments.

[@ohblondi]

The dark interior is just the one they have shown in the video. All in all ther is like 13? different interior color and trim options.

[@JoeyAP2]

I test drove the Dart, I liked it, but wasn't impressed enough to buy it. The interior was..ehhh...But it's a nice little car. I didn't like the feel of the EPS, didn't really feel "right" for me. I went with the 2013 Civic, it feels more solid with nicer interior quality and design. The base civic also came with more standard features which is what I liked best.

[@brandonfriesen5389]

Dude, it was a metaphor, read my comment...I said it would be LIKE reincarnating the 70s cobra and making a new one 40 year later that isnt what it used to be and is a totally different car(in a bad way)...it makes sense

[@ltaldrich8270]

It's crazy that these cars weren't a success given how much car you got for the price. Americans have no passion when it comes to driving.

[@851995STARGATE]

What recalls? where are you finding this information?

[@JesseyJamez911]

Beautiful car in pics and video, dead UGLY in person. It has such awkward look proportions when you see it in person. It has a beautiful front end, and a gorgeous rear end, but I feel as if the car is simply to long. In my opinion I think it would look much better in person if the front and rear ends were on a shorter car.

[@demariojason]

I agree,.... looking at how it use to look, this is a sad time we live in,.....

[@robertdavis32]

Say all U want about this car, but at least it doesn't have a cvt (civic, sentra)

[@robertdavis32]

I'm not saying they're bad transmissions but I feel like they lack a certain feel to them that most other cars have, personally I like the feel of the car shifting

[@baileybressler]

Robert Davis Why would you want a CVT? I'd rather have a 6 speed manual transmission.

[@robertdavis32]

Never said I wanted a cvt

[@lilpeppa117G]

Point is cvts are shitty dual clutch also has some hiccups 9 speed will fix everything

[@mrdaykurutakuchannel]

@@robertdavis32 true i have a honda BRV with a moped gearbox too. It's very smooth being gearless but not as fun nor responsive as a geared auto esp twin clutch.

[@gallyun1]

The styling. It reminds me of a modern Neon. I understand it's built on a different architecture (I watched the video -_-) I was just making a friendly comment, but you looked at it in a more "serious" tone.

[@crazyone3494]

The only thing it truly lacks is a SRT4 model with the 2.4 Turbocharged Tigershark

[@jalopysandwich]

Looks very modern, full of features and excellent interior, but those acceleration times are sub-par for a car with that much torque (it's too heavy for its class).

[@CaptainTexas92]

Funny how people are bashing this car especially when there are waiting lists STILL at dealers for them oh an danwit cmax and prius are 25 grand plus dart is on avg 20 grand and below

[@KungPao916]

Then why would they offer 3 types of engine?