Dodge Dart

by SBF Mon Apr 16, 2012 8:28 pm

Ok, so everyone knows about the new Dodge Dart by now. Personally I like it. I think its a HUGE change from the Caliber it replaces.

However, the pricing came out today and by all the comments I've read on a couple sites, people can't say anything positive. They say "It doesn't have enough HP for the price" or "For the price of the R/T, I'd rather a V6 Mustang" Seriously? I hate that people can't be positive about anything just because it's Chrysler.

The pricing goes like this:

Dodge Dart SE $15,995

Dodge Dart SXT $17,995

Dodge Dart Rallye $18,995

Dodge Dart Limited $19,995

Dodge Dart R/T $22,495 (available Q3 2012)

I don't think that the pricing is that irrational. The R/T is now a trim package more than a sport package, so they made it the top spec. I think that once they sell a lot of these we can expect and SRT version next year some time.

Honestly, It looks really good. The front may not be everyone's cup of tea, but I think it looks good none the less.

Dodge Dart 2013-Dodge-Dart-Left-Rear-Angle-1024x640

Dodge Dart 2013-Dodge-Dart-Left-Rear-Angle-1024x640

Dodge Dart 2013-Dodge-Dart-Left-Front-Angle-1024x640

Dodge Dart 2013-Dodge-Dart-Dashboard-1024x640

by Talon Mon Apr 16, 2012 9:09 pm

I like the interior. What kind of power does the top-end one put out?

by Les_Vipers_rule Mon Apr 16, 2012 9:21 pm

A V-6 Mustang in that price ain't gonna have the same class of interior for one. Secondly the Dart is not a 2 door coupe. It's a 4 door sedan, real adults will be able to sit in the back without needing a chiropractor in a short while.

The pricing for each variant of Dart is in line with ANY direct competitor.

Chevy Cruze
Hyundai Elantra
KIA Forte
Ford Focus
VW Jetta
Mazda 3
Honda Civic
Toyota Corrolla

Each of these are nice cars in a very hot market segment. I think the Dart is now best overall in this class and IMO it is hard to beat either the Elantra or Forte, which many state were the overall class leaders.

by Les_Vipers_rule Mon Apr 16, 2012 9:33 pm

Talon wrote:I like the interior. What kind of power does the top-end one put out?

The top engine is said to be the 2.4L multi-air, Tigershark at 184 bhp. Unless another choice will be made I guess the RT will get that one standard.

In this price class the 3 engines available (160-184 bhp) will be in the same performance class as any competitor. I'd bet the SRT guys will later make a H.O. version with over 200 bhp. Just like Hyundai now has done with Veloster.

by SBF Mon Apr 16, 2012 9:46 pm

I posted this on another Forum:

The SE/SXT get a 2.0L with 160 hp, the Rallye/Limited are available with a 1.4L Turbo that has 160 hp, but with 184 ft-lbs of torque. The top of the the line R/T gets a 2.4L with 184 hp. Every model is available with a 6-speed manual.

Also, this is what you get standard:

SE: 10 airbags, a seats clad in "denim" cloth, power windows, LED taillights, a CD player with MP3 hookup and projector headlights.

SXT: 17-inch alloys, power door locks, keyless entry, split rear seat, a security system and upgraded sound system. Options: navigation, backup camera, sunroof and a 506-watt sound system.

Rallye: Same as SXT with sportier body trim and more interior colors.

Limited: Seven-inch reconfigurable instrument cluster display, fog lamps, active grille shutters and premium accent stitching. Options: Leather Seating

R/T: Same as Limited with18-inch alloys, sport suspension, more aggressive front fascia, dual exhaust, unique seat leather and a heated steering wheel.

by SBF Mon Apr 16, 2012 9:48 pm

Les_Vipers_rule wrote: I'd bet the SRT guys will later make a H.O. version with over 200 bhp. Just like Hyundai now has done with Veloster.

My feeling is on the whole thing (with all the haters hating) is that ChyCo is probably going to want to sell a bunch of these before they bring out an SRT version. Also, they are probably working on one now, but regardless, they could can it if the sales flop.

ALSO, what people need to realize is that the R/T package is just a sport package with sport suspension. That's it.

by SBF Mon Apr 16, 2012 10:02 pm

Honestly, when the time comes for a new vehicle, if my wife doesn't like the Fiat 500, I'm gonna have her look at this. I really like this car. I'll have plenty of time for the Auto-journalists to weed out the problems.

I really think Sergio has made a hit, but don't quote me on that -_-

by Les_Vipers_rule Mon Apr 16, 2012 10:46 pm

SBF wrote:Honestly, when the time comes for a new vehicle, if my wife doesn't like the Fiat 500, I'm gonna have her look at this. I really like this car. I'll have plenty of time for the Auto-journalists to weed out the problems.

I really think Sergio has made a hit, but don't quote me on that

I agree, seriously if I were in the market for a brand new car I'd really look hard at buying this car. I'd be 90% sure it would be the ride I'd buy. The Elantra or Forte would be the only real others I'd consider. The more I look at this car the more I wub

it.

by SBF Mon Apr 16, 2012 10:56 pm

I really want to see what the auto journalists say. I feel like this car is going to get more shit talking than it deserves.

I hope there's a SRT AWD version in the works with a MANUAL transmission. If not, they better figure out a good dual clutch auto trans that's worth a shit.

by Les_Vipers_rule Mon Apr 16, 2012 11:09 pm

SBF wrote:I really want to see what the auto journalists say. I feel like this car is going to get more shit talking than it deserves.

I hope there's a SRT AWD version in the works with a MANUAL transmission. If not, they better figure out a good dual clutch auto trans that's worth a shit.

They will offer a dual cutch auto as one of the gearboxes on the Dart. Of course I'd prefer a manual though but a good flappy paddle gearbox would be livable too.

I really think the auto journalists can no longer use outdated stereo types on Chryco cars. I think Chryco has moved well up the food chain in all classes. That said as MOPAR fan I never had any issues with any Chryco car ever and for what one got for the money mine were all nice cars. For that matter I think as long as one took general care that any Chryco car was as good as most any of their peers, at least over the last oh 20 years. Not the best cars but not the junk that most of blathering, self-important auto journalists and worse the clap trapper onliners spoke of their products.

by JaysonAych Tue Apr 17, 2012 12:40 am

I think the pricing for the Dart is pretty good in the middle of the trim lineup, but the extreme ends of the lower and upper ranges are a touch pricey. I read somewhere that the lowest-rung base model doesn't even come with A/C, and you've got to throw a $2,000 option/trim package on to get it. Likewise, I think $23,000 is a bit expensive for a FWD compact that has sporting pretensions but can't touch 200 hp.

But the middle ranges look to be where the real value is to be had. I would like a mid-range trim with the 1.4 Multi-Air, and it looks like you can option out something nice for $20k.

by SBF Tue Apr 17, 2012 1:27 am

Ugh I do not like the filter placement on the 1.4L Turbo.

Dodge Dart 2013_dart_performance_2-4L

Here's the 2.4L for comparison.

Dodge Dart 2013_dart_performance_2-0L

by SBF Tue Apr 17, 2012 11:45 pm

They need to bring back out an ACR version. I would love to see the Showroom Stock class at the SCCA club events again. Large engine, less weight, oh god I'm already having flashbacks.

Dodge Dart Heritage_neon_nation_07

by Turbojett Wed Apr 18, 2012 2:46 am

Les_Vipers_rule wrote:A V-6 Mustang in that price ain't gonna have the same class of interior for one. Secondly the Dart is not a 2 door coupe. It's a 4 door sedan, real adults will be able to sit in the back without needing a chiropractor in a short while.

The pricing for each variant of Dart is in line with ANY direct competitor.

Chevy Cruze
Hyundai Elantra
KIA Forte
Ford Focus
VW Jetta
Mazda 3
Honda Civic
Toyota Corrolla

Each of these are nice cars in a very hot market segment. I think the Dart is now best overall in this class and IMO it is hard to beat either the Elantra or Forte, which many state were the overall class leaders.

Actually I think the Cruze and the Jetta are a wee bit more expensive. $22K for the top level model is a little expensive but it's not bad. 15 in the door is pretty good. the base price, I'm sure undercuts Cruze, Focus and Jetta.
Chryslers tend to be kind of expensive in comparison anyway. but at least it looks like it's worth the price of admission. we'll have to see what ppl say about it when it hits dealerships.

by Turbojett Wed Apr 18, 2012 3:08 am

on another forum I'm at, they've got the cost thing figured out in comparison to the competition:

•2012 Chevy Cruze: $16,800 base MSRP plus $795 destination = $17,595

•2012 Ford Focus: $16,500 base MSRP plus $795 destination = $17,295

•2012 Toyota Corolla: $16,130 base MSRP plus $760 destination = $16,890

•2013 Dodge Dart: $15,995 base MSRP plus $795 destination = $16,790.

•2012 Honda Civic: $15,755 base MSRP plus $790 destination = $16,545

•2012 Volkswagen Jetta: $15,515 base MSRP plus $770 destination = $16,285

•2012 Hyundai Elantra: $15,345 base MSRP plus $775 destination = $16,120

•2012 Kia Forte: $15,200 base MSRP plus $750 destination = $15,950

so in terms of price, it's pretty solidly mid-pack.

by 1300ZUK Thu Apr 19, 2012 12:13 am

It's also the most exciting car on that list, I've driven pretty much everything on that list. Surprisingly i didn't crash when i fell asleep behind the wheels

by Turbojett Thu Apr 19, 2012 8:27 pm

I heard the Focus at least was a pretty good drive. it was just tacky-looking on the inside.

by JaysonAych Thu Apr 19, 2012 8:52 pm

I like the interior of the Focus, myself. It looked pretty sharp, had good materials considering the price, and it was comfortable.

by SBF Thu Apr 19, 2012 11:39 pm

I'm hoping the rental car company has a Dart in time for my vacation in September.

by Turbojett Fri Apr 20, 2012 6:23 pm

JaysonAych wrote:I like the interior of the Focus, myself. It looked pretty sharp, had good materials considering the price, and it was comfortable.

hadn't seen the inside myself. just spitting out what I've been reading in car mags, really. but I did just look up what the interior looks like. personally I like it. It's edgy and perhaps a bit futuristic; but I can see where it would be polarizing, especially to the frumpy types like Wally.
Dodge Dart 2012_Ford_Focus_MyFord_Touch

by Honor Fri Apr 20, 2012 7:05 pm

That looks like it came straight out of Halo.

by Tailhappy Fri Apr 20, 2012 9:47 pm

I like it. Except... do we really need HORN BUTTONS anymore? Who the fuck DOESN'T know where the horn is? Except for Mazda, who got dumb for a couple years and put it in a little 2.257" circle in the middle of the airbag, 99.9999% of other cars out there you just lean on the fucking bag somewhere and WAAAAHHHHHMMMP. Horn.

Fuck.

by 1300ZUK Fri Apr 20, 2012 10:28 pm

Benfolio wrote:I like it. Except... do we really need HORN BUTTONS anymore? Who the fuck DOESN'T know where the horn is?

You don't even want to know the shit people complain about.

Mark the damn horn. :lol:

by Honor Fri Apr 20, 2012 11:23 pm

by Turbojett Tue Apr 24, 2012 12:56 am

when I was a kid my dad had a little beater Mercury from the 70s that had a horn mounted on the dashboard.
i was all:
Dodge Dart Dafuq-10

by SBF Tue Apr 24, 2012 1:44 am

by JaysonAych Tue Apr 24, 2012 3:33 am

Turbojett wrote:when I was a kid my dad had a little beater Mercury from the 70s that had a horn mounted on the dashboard.
i was all:

My dad had an '80 Fairmont with the horn on the turn signal switch. Had to push it inward toward the steering column to sound the horn. Just weird. Everything before 1995 was just the "Fuck common ergonomics" era.

by Tailhappy Tue Apr 24, 2012 8:17 am

My '77 Firebird had the highbeam switch on the floor. :jay:

by SBF Tue Apr 24, 2012 9:21 am

Benfolio wrote:My '77 Firebird had the highbeam switch on the floor. :jay:

So did most cars before 1980

by Tailhappy Tue Apr 24, 2012 9:22 pm

SBF wrote:
Benfolio wrote:My '77 Firebird had the highbeam switch on the floor. :jay:

So did most cars before 1980

Yes I know, but we were talking about funky non-standard ergonomics.

by 1300ZUK Tue Apr 24, 2012 9:56 pm

that was standard for the time.

I'd have to check but we might have the asians to thank for that one, or maybe GM stick

by Tailhappy Tue Apr 24, 2012 10:17 pm

GM stick FTW

by JaysonAych Sat Apr 28, 2012 2:32 am

InsideLine has a "First Drive" article: http://www.insideline.com/dodge/dart/2013/2013-dodge-dart-rallye-first-drive.html

Damn, that red grille on the Rallye looks awesome.

by SBF Sat Apr 28, 2012 11:28 am

That was an uplifting review. Edmund's IL is pretty good when it comes to reviews. I'll be waiting for the Long-Term review from them. It will give even a better review of it.

by Turbojett Thu May 03, 2012 12:28 am

not bad. I'm impressed with what I've been hearing so far. this is another favorable review.

by SBF Wed May 09, 2012 4:46 am

Now that more and more "First Drives" are coming out by the auto mags, I'm seeing a lot of positives. Driving dynamics and the 1.4L engine are getting some good reviews.

I also heard somewhere that there is supposed to be a more seperated options setup for the Dart. So you won't have to get a certain package to get something like A/C on the base model.

by JaysonAych Wed May 09, 2012 4:57 am

Yeah, I've been hearing a lot about that too. On the Dodge website, it shows the 5 different trimlines available, and you can build on each of those trims, or move up to the next trimline to get most of those options on the previous trimline all bundled together. It's definitely more preferable than the way everyone else is doing it nowadays, where you only get a couple of trims and if just want a couple of individual options, tough shit you have to buy a $2500 group of stuff you don't need.

by JaysonAych Wed May 30, 2012 6:53 am

We all knew it was happening, but it's good to get confirmation... [Link]

Marchionne confirmed that they will in fact build an SRT version of the Dart saying, "The only thing we're fighting over now is to determine how big an engine we stick in it."

by SBF Wed May 30, 2012 1:09 pm

I knew it. It's probably more than figuring out the size of the engine, it probably also figuring out how not to have torque-steer (possibly AWD?) and driving dynamics, etc.

by Turbojett Thu May 31, 2012 6:18 pm

AWD would be nice, and at least 320hp.
could give the Evo/STi some trouble.

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