2013 Dodge Dart SXT Rallye Long-Term Road Test

Edmunds.com

2013 Dodge Dart SXT Rallye Long-Term Road Test

We wonder aloud why Dodge pinned a curiously iconic nameplate onto its Italian/American compact.

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theotherjimmy

I'm not trying to support the new Dart, nor get too hissy-fitty about the original. But you're describing a single engine option of the sedan Dart. Come on now, the reason Dart's are so famous in the Mopar community is their ability to support extremely large engines with very little weight. I too hate the renaming, but you don't have to unfairly trash the original to make a point.

All late '60s-early '70's cars have horrendous steering when compared to modern cars. We get it. But a sub 3,300 pound car with a 440+ cubic inch engine...that has to count for something, even if it is only for useless, rare fun!

That aside, even a year after the unveiling, I like you just can't agree with the name. Why not at least contemplate a rear-wheel drive Avenger/200 replacement, and use the Dart name there? Chrysler/Fiat has said that a rear-drive platform is on the table, although I highly doubt they'd go through with it. Alright, I'll actually stop complaining now. Have a good one!

memoryman

Be fair. You should recall the Dart/Valiant compacts were rated above their competition (GM,FORD,AMC) according to a well known consumer's magazine. Shown as filled in circles on a comparison chart versus the other 3 shown as empty or half filled circles, proving the Chrysler twins were the best in their field.