AUTO REVIEW:
A Whole New Take: 2013 Dodge Dart
If you are of the mind that compact cars are usually devoid of space, upscale features and any sort of personality, please leave those misconceptions at the curb before you step into the 2013 Dodge Dart, writes our automotive editor Sally Miller Wyatt.
(Above): Exterior view of the 2013 Dodge Dart.
People shopping for small cars on small budgets are in for a very big surprise with these all-new vehicles. First, the 2013 Dodge Dart is built on Fiat Group architecture. That means what you have is a vehicle with the DNA of an Alfa Romeo that can be paired with the tail light design of a Dodge Charger. You will also find a fuel-efficient powertrain, exhilarating performance, top-flight safety features and functionality, and yet a starting MSRP of around $16,000.
The 2013 Dodge Dart is available in five trim levels: the SE, SXT, Rallye, Unlimited and R/T. We were able to spend time in the Rallye version, which had a starting MSRP of $17,995. Our test car also had a 1.4-liter I4 intercooled Turbo engine with a six-speed automatic transmission. Yes, the combination created a spunky, responsive driving experience, yet the fuel economy was rated at 31 miles per gallon. Nice.
(Above): Exterior view of the 2013 Dodge Dart.
When offered a clean slate, designers started with an Alfa Romeo-based architecture that is low, wide and long with a coupe-like look. Blending in the Dodge “attitude” starts with the iconic split front grille sealed with the Dodge logo, and ending up with that “racetrack” full-width tail lamp with 152 indirect glow LED lights and dual exhausts in the rear fascia.
On the interior, the dashboard is directed mainly to the driver, and puts all controls within easy reach. Our test car had sporty seats that were firm and covered in tough cloth with racy stripes.
Shoppers can really personalize their cars, however, as the Dart has 12 exterior colors and 14 interior color and trim combinations, six wheel options, three engine options and three transmissions. When all is tallied up, there could be as many as 150 customizable options here.
 
(Above): Interior views of the 2013 Dodge Dart. The Thin Film Transistor LED gauge cluster display and the touch screen display features climate, audio, and media controls.
Our test car’s dashboard was dominated by a class-exclusive feature: a 7-inch Thin Film Transistor LED customizable gauge cluster display. The touch screen display features climate, audio, and media controls. It’s an impressive bit of technology that you just wouldn’t expect to find on board a budget-sensitive compact car.
Of course, I’m always interested in seating arrangements for the family, and safety features to coddle us while on the road.
The 2013 Dodge Dart was engineered to include more than 60 safety and security features. It has a body built of high-strength steel. There are 10 standard air bags packed in here that include all the expected bags as well as front-seat mounted driver and passenger pelvic and thorax air bags, two rear-seat mounted pelvic bags and knee bags for driver and front passenger, as well as all-row side-curtain air bags. The car is also equipped with a reactive head-restraint system, available Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path Detection, anti-lock disc brakes with electronic brake force distribution and traction control on all models, brake assist, Ready Alert Braking, Rainy Brake Support, electronic stability control, hill-start assist, and a ParkView rear back-up camera with a ParkSense feature that sounds an alarm if something is in your way. That’s a hefty list.
(Above): Exterior view of the 2013 Dodge Dart.
On the road, I found the seats were comfortable yet very firm, and visibility was good. The car is agile and handles well, and is whisper-quiet at freeway speeds. The rear seat is good for two, but pinched for three.
The trunk is generously sized, too. While the opening might be small, it is very deep. Actually, surprisingly deep.
I recall the Dodge Darts of long ago, and this is not your grandmother’s Dodge Dart. This spunky, feature-packed car has all the latest safety features and technology gadgets, is fun to drive and yet won’t blow your budget. You’ll be thinking differently about compact cars after a test drive in the 2013 Dodge Dart.
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