- sedan 70,664
- 11,986 high price
- Springfield, IL
-
- autoshopper.com
- sedan 70,664 gasoline red manual
2013 dodge dart review this car review is specific to this model, not the actual vehicle for sale. A fixture at the entry end of the dodge lineup from 1960 through 1976, the dart was discontinued in 1977 and its badge went into mothballs, forgotten, but obviously not gone. Now it's been resuscitated, and affixed to this all-new line of compact sedans. so the name is the same, and the new 2013 dodge dart occupies the same position in the dodge passenger car hierarchy as the original. But the similarities end right there. The first car to incorporate engineering elements from corporate parent fiat, the revival dart is a contemporary front-drive compact facing a considerably stronger competitive environment than its 20th century namesake. Does it have the chops to be a compelling alternative to the chevy cruze, ford focus, honda civic, hyundai elantra, kia forte, nissan sentra, mazda 3, subaru impreza, toyota corolla, and vw jetta? the answer is a definite maybe. Although fundamental elements of its unitbody foundations were adapted from the alfa romeo giulietta, the snappy italian hatchback, they've been stretched to accommodate the sedan body style: longer wheelbase, longer overall, wider track, wider body. Epa fuel economy estimates range up to 41 mpg on the highway (for the yet-to-be-seen aero model). Suggested retail pricing for the five trim levels opens at $15,995 and climbs to $19,995 for the limited model. The sporty r/t version carries a $22,495 base price. demerits: just one. For all the emphasis on the weight-saving benefits of high-strength steel, the darts are a little pudgy by compact standards. Listed curb weights start at 3186 pounds for a dart 2. 0-liter with manual gearbox and go as high as 3348 pounds for a model equipped with the 2. 4-liter engine and automatic transmission. it might also be noted that the wide array of models and trim packages could pose an assembly quality challenge for the belvidere factory. A hint of forward-leaning rake, plus modest front and rear overhangs, suggests sportiness. The styling doesn't provoke many double-takes, however. the design team took great pains with aerodynamics. The shape evolved through extensive wind tunnel time, and thoughtful details include active grille shutters that close to restrict radiator airflow when cooling air isn't needed, to reduce aerodynamic drag. The underbody is fully enclosed, and a rear diffuser manages underbody airflow to enhance stability. the net of all the aero attention is a praiseworthy drag coefficient of 0. 285, enhancing fuel economy and also helping to minimize wind noise. dodge signature elements for its latest offering are a new interpretation of the division's crosshair grille, and a taillamp treatment, adapted from the dodge challenger, that spreads across the entire rear end, incorporating 152 leds. one other exterior note, that relates to the interior. At 183. 9 inches long, 72. 0 inches wide, and 57. 7 inches tall the new dart is one of the biggest of the current compact crop, and the designers have put those dimensions to work inside, creating one of the roomiest interiors (over 97 cubic feet) in this class. The 13. 1-cubic foot trunk can be expanded by folding the rear seatbacks forward. In the base model the seatback is one piece. In other trim levels it's a split-folding setup. interiorroominess is always a plus in a family sedan, but it's much more compelling when it's nicely appointed. Here, too, the dart scores well. Nothing inside these new cars looks cheap, even in the most basic model, and soft-touch surfaces abound, dashboard, door panels, center console and elsewhere. the basic cloth upholstery is attractive and looks durable, denim inserts are offered in the sxt trim level, and leather is an option in the top-of-the line limited model. The seats are long-haul comfortable, with enough lateral support to feel sporty. Like all sedans, the cabin is rated for five, and like all of them the center rear position will accommodate an adult occupant about as far as the end of the driveway before complaints begin to fill the air. Foremost on this list is an 8. 4-inch touch-screen display, dominating the center dash of the higher trim levels (not available on the base dart). A nav system is offered for the limited model, as well as a configurable electronic instrument package and an led-powered light pipe surround for the entire instrument panel, which some may like, while others may find a bit garish. like other carmakers, chrysler has taken notice of the success of ford's sync infotainment system and responded with one of its own, called u-connect. This appellation is a little difficult to fathom with the basic 2. 0-liter version, which doesn't feel very tigerish, particularly mated with the optional 6-speed automatic transmission. Its 160-horsepower rating is the same as that of the 2. 0-liter, but it generates more torque, 184 pound-feet versus 148. The trick with this engine is keeping it in the sweet spot of. Power Windows✔ Power Mirrors✔ AM/FM✔ Cruise Control✔ Air Conditioning✔ Alloy Wheels
11,986 Springfield, ILSpringfield, IL at autoshopper.com