Dodge Dart, First Drive

[LonghornTX]

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/30/2013-dodge-dart-first-drive-review-video/#continued

Sounds like a solid addition to the C-segment. Should be driving this car and the rest of the lineup this summer when I head up to Auburn Hills for my internship 

[2o6]

I think it looks less flattering in live photos, but I was never a big fan of the design to begin with.



I will have to visit a Dodge dealer when it comes out.

[SVT666]

I think it looks great.

[ifcar]

It sounds very promising, except for the gas mileage. It could easily become the best of the premium compacts.

[Raza]

It looks decent, unless you see it from the side. 

[Vinsanity]

It sounds very promising, except for the gas mileage. It could easily become the best of the premium compacts.

27/39 mpg doesn't seem too shabby; does the 1.4T require premium fuel or something?

It looks decent, unless you see it from the side. 

seriously...holy front overhang, Batman

[2o6]

seriously...holy front overhang, Batman

Don't feel bad, all Fiat C-segments have this problem.

[Galaxy]

Do I see a little bit of new Viper in the rear view? 

[Cookie Monster]

Ugh, the front overhang just ruins the car IMO.

[ifcar]

27/39 mpg doesn't seem too shabby; does the 1.4T require premium fuel or something?

As I recall, they've only published the EPA numbers for select variants. So while that's not bad, it's not great if that's the pick of the litter, especially for a car that's only just coming out.

[TurboDan]

A sporty compact with a 2 litre turbo that gets 25/36 mpg will sell just fine. Those numbers won't make anyone think twice. If you want 40MPG, then buy a subcompact or a diesel.

The overhang is... odd... but overall I like the car. I'm pleasantly surprised by the look of the interior. I thought that would be the Dart's downfall, but looks like Dodge got it right. This car is going to make a lot of people happy, I think.

[Submariner]

As I recall, they've only published the EPA numbers for select variants. So while that's not bad, it's not great if that's the pick of the litter, especially for a car that's only just coming out.

There is an optional aero pack that improves highway mileage to 41MPG.  That isn't too bad...

[2o6]

Is it just me, or is grey a TERRIBLE choice of interior color? It automatically makes everything look significantly cheaper than it is.

[Eye of the Tiger]

Is it just me, or is grey a TERRIBLE choice of interior color? It automatically makes everything look significantly cheaper than it is.

It's you.

[ifcar]

There is an optional aero pack that improves highway mileage to 41MPG.  That isn't too bad...

It's city driving that makes the bigger difference in fuel consumed.

[Galaxy]

Is it just me, or is grey a TERRIBLE choice of interior color? It automatically makes everything look significantly cheaper than it is.

[Raza]

Does anyone else get the feeling that the front and rear of the car don't "fit" with the profile?  If those pictures weren't together, I'd think it were front and back pics of one car and a profile shot of another.

[Northlands]

It looks decent, unless you see it from the side. 

Exactly what I thought. I still see a bit of Dodge Neon when I look at the side profile. Otherwise I think they've done a pretty decent job of this.

[LonghornTX]

The gas mileage sounds pretty good to me...I actually kind of dig the look. It has presence. Curious to see what it looks like in person

[thewizard16]

The gas mileage sounds pretty good to me...I actually kind of dig the look. It has presence. Curious to see what it looks like in person

They had one at the STL Auto Show and I thought it looked pretty good in person. The interior also looked nicer than any small car Dodge has made in ... well, ever.

[LonghornTX]

They had one at the STL Auto Show and I thought it looked pretty good in person. The interior also looked nicer than any small car Dodge has made in ... well, ever.

Can't wait. Maybe I will be able to check out the future SRT model this summer :)

[Speed_Racer]

Externally, it looks great from some angles (front and rear), and awkward from others.

Looks super-goofy from this angle, especially with that huge schnoz.

[Hachee]

When they first showed this car, I couldn't understand why it looked like this when they were starting with that great Alfa styling.  But I saw one at the NY Auto Show, and it looked surprisingly good in person.  Yes, the shnozz is huge, but that's the case with just about all cars these days. 

I still don't get why they think "Dart" is a good name now. 

[280Z Turbo]

The trunk opening looks tiny. It should have been a hatch, but then nobody would buy it.

Connect rear window to trunklid = hatch = Americans DO NOT WANT
Tiny trunklid = sedan = Americans DO WANT!

I don't understand.

[Vinsanity]

I still don't get why they think "Dart" is a good name now. 

Me neither. Wasn't Al Bundy's car a Dodge Dart?

[280Z Turbo]

I still don't get why they think "Dart" is a good name now. 

Because they own the name. All of the other names are taken now.

Is this car going to be a Dodge or will they be making a new brand called DART?

[Eye of the Tiger]

I want a Dart Dart!

[Laconian]

// DART

[Raza]

The trunk opening looks tiny. It should have been a hatch, but then nobody would buy it.

Connect rear window to trunklid = hatch = Americans DO NOT WANT
Tiny trunklid = sedan = Americans DO WANT!

I don't understand.

More useful more of the time + secure cargo area = Sedan

[2o6]

When they first showed this car, I couldn't understand why it looked like this when they were starting with that great Alfa styling.  But I saw one at the NY Auto Show, and it looked surprisingly good in person.  Yes, the shnozz is huge, but that's the case with just about all cars these days. 

I still don't get why they think "Dart" is a good name now. 

Alfa Giulietta has the same problem, though.




Lancia Delta is probably the worst, though.