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2013 Dodge Dart

90 messages,  Last post on Apr 01, 2013 at 9:41 AM

You are in the Dodge Dart Forum.

What is this discussion about? Dodge Dart, Sedan

    

Messages Page 9 of 10

#77 of 90 Re: Drove a Dart today. [Mr_Shiftright] by bpizzuti

Jul 22, 2012 (6:18 pm)

Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Jul 22, 2012 5:07 pm)
I was actually planning on cross-shopping them, but I just drove that Altima this weekend, and while those seats are SUPER-comfy, the car just felt too big to me. That might just be me being used to compacts, but that's how I am. Too big, too much hood out in front. And no manual-shift mode for the CVT unless you get the V6, don't like that at all (among other fun applications, I use manual-shift mode in winter driving for engine-braking purposes..not having that is really REALLY bad) .

#78 of 90 Re: Drove a Dart today. [driver33] by bpizzuti

Jul 22, 2012 (6:23 pm)

Replying to: driver33 (Jul 22, 2012 6:08 pm)
I'm currently trying to decide between a Dart and a 3 hatch. The Mazda drives incredibly well, and I love the tranny. Don't know how the Dart will stack up, waiting for a DCT to arrive, but at least they got the manual mode direction right. But Mazda's missing the advanced interior features, especially the electronic dashboard and touchscreen climate control stuff that Dodge has. Not to mention the rear camera (Mazda doesn't even have a radar based backup assist).
 
I understand the 3 will get a USB port for 2013, as well as auto climate control on the iGT, that'll help balance things some. But the 100k warranty appeals to me too, given that I do 2000 miles a month.

#79 of 90 Re: Drove a Dart today. [bpizzuti] by farout

Aug 02, 2012 (9:02 pm)

Replying to: bpizzuti (Jul 22, 2012 6:23 pm)
Don't hold your breath on a hatch back. I think things are slow withthe Dart, the Rt is not happening for a good while according to allpar.com I read in autonews.com that the 6speed auto trans is being made by Hyundai as they have a transmission small enought to fit in the Dart. I am wondering if advertising whnt too far ahead of production, maybe a rush to produce them. However allpar.com reports they have sold 700 Darts with the stick and mostly in red. Maybe red is someones favorite color?
 
Maybe full production might not be for sometime? Time will tell

#80 of 90 Re: Drove a Dart today. [farout] by bpizzuti

Aug 02, 2012 (11:40 pm)

Replying to: farout (Aug 02, 2012 9:02 pm)
I don't like that Hyundai transmission, didn't like it in the Elantra either. But that isn't being matched to the 1.4L, that's getting a 6 speed DCT instead. Except it doesn't seem to be around yet.
 
And it does seem like all of the first run of these were red...a really nice metallic red, but red. All 1.4L MultiAir turbos. Apparently no 2.0L ones with the Hyundai automatic, and I have zero interest in that one anyway.
 
I am wondering how the steering and suspension feels. It's supposed to be a cut above most compacts, up in Focus territory, which is pretty friggin close to Mazda3 territory. It would be good if we get another compact like that, show GM and Toyota what a REAL compact car is like.

#81 of 90 drove a Dart... by djefferson

Aug 13, 2012 (11:39 am)

I have driven a few of the 1.4 turbo Dart's with both SXT/Limited trim levels and found the overall car to be good for the price. The 1.4 has more torque than the Cruze's 1.4T but is not as smooth overall but the drivability is very good. The features for the price are also good. The SXT I drove was less than 21K...the Limited was 24k. None so far produced with the LED tailamps but have found them to be a $250.00 option. When you compare the Dart to the Focus or Mazda 3 it still shines a Focus Titanium w/18in wheels is 24k add a few options and 28k appears on the sticker and the 3 is stark and very basic in comparison but its chassis is excellent. Hopefully we can get a few comparisons to see how it ranks againt the competition. My first impression is that it will be among the best.

#82 of 90 Re: drove a Dart... [djefferson] by gfrancis1

Aug 15, 2012 (12:42 pm)

Replying to: djefferson (Aug 13, 2012 11:39 am)
The transmission to get for this car is the 6 speed manual, it's really sweet. It's better in pretty much every way compared to either of the autos: better fuel economy, better performance, more fun, and cheaper to buy, so the autos don't make much sense here. It's got a nice tall overdrive 6th gear (.62 ratio) for highway MPGs and a nicely chosen set of ratios in the lower gears. It's nicer than the 5 speed in the Fiat 500 for sure. My local dealer only had the MT available to test drive, and I'm glad I did now after trying both this and the auto.
 
Try it out, you'll like it. Save yourself a grand, some gas money through the life of the car, and have more fun driving it to boot!

#83 of 90 Re: Drove a Dart today. [bpizzuti] by dawa

Aug 24, 2012 (11:36 am)

Replying to: bpizzuti (Jul 22, 2012 6:18 pm)
Drove a dart today not bad, underpowered w/ automatic, lots of road noise in cabin,hard on bumps,noticed steering wheel start to shimmy on acceleration above 75 mph,24k loaded with options,yesterday i drove optima,ultima,new malibu w/eco 4 cyl,all were unacceptable with cabin road noise,harsh over bumps,noisey 4 cyl motors,narrow seat backs,but the dart seemed the best of the lot,but allthese cars are way overpriced.

#84 of 90 Re: Build Yours on KBB.com [dodgeman07] by steven39

Sep 06, 2012 (9:06 am)

Replying to: dodgeman07 (May 27, 2012 4:08 pm)
they sure don't make em like they used to.lol

#85 of 90 Dodge Dart mpg by farout

Sep 07, 2012 (8:36 pm)

For anyone who has bought a Dart, what kind of mpg do you get?

#86 of 90 Re: Dodge Dart mpg [farout] by endur0

Oct 04, 2012 (1:44 pm)

Replying to: farout (Sep 07, 2012 8:36 pm)
I recently bought a dart rallye with the 6 speed and 1.4l in red lol. Very fun and sport. Actually has a pretty stiff suspension and handles corner very well. Tranny is very smooth and gearing is nice. It's a fun little compact and great on gas if you drive it right. Out of the dealership I got 20-22mpg city. I assumed they did not put in premium because with premium (91) I was getting 24+ city only. This car handles cruising speeds well. You lose all your mpg in shifting 1-3. Once you get 45 put it in 6th and just cruise at 35-40mpg and downshift when necessary.
 
All in all, I test drove the elantra, forte koup, civic, and a mustang and this was by far the most fun and complete all around to drive. Sticker price was 23,390. I walked out of the dealership paying sub that total, think I knocked them down to <$21k with USAA/Chrysler/Military discounts. This model comes with almost all of the best options.

Messages Page 9 of 10

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