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Are Dodge Darts good on gas?

The Dodge Dart is generally considered a fuel-efficient compact car, with good gas mileage compared to larger vehicles. However, the exact fuel economy can vary depending on the specific model year, engine, and driving conditions.


Fuel Efficiency of the Dodge Dart


According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Dodge Dart with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and manual transmission has an estimated fuel economy of 28 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 41 mpg on the highway. This makes the Dart a relatively fuel-efficient option in the compact car segment.


The Dart's fuel efficiency can be influenced by factors such as driving style, road conditions, and the specific engine and transmission configuration. Drivers who prioritize fuel economy may want to opt for the base 2.0-liter engine and manual transmission, as these tend to offer the best gas mileage.


Comparing the Dart to Other Compact Cars


When compared to other compact cars, the Dodge Dart's fuel efficiency is generally on par with or slightly better than the competition. For example, the Honda Civic has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 31 mpg city and 40 mpg highway, while the Toyota Corolla achieves 31 mpg city and 38 mpg highway.


It's important to note that fuel efficiency can vary depending on the specific model year and configuration, so it's always a good idea to research the EPA ratings for the particular Dart model you're considering.


Tips for Maximizing Dodge Dart Fuel Economy



  • Choose the most fuel-efficient engine and transmission combination, such as the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder with a manual transmission.

  • Maintain proper tire pressure and alignment to reduce rolling resistance.

  • Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking, which can significantly impact fuel economy.

  • Plan your routes to minimize unnecessary idling and stop-and-go driving.

  • Keep your Dart well-maintained, including regular oil changes and air filter replacements.


By following these tips, Dodge Dart owners can maximize the vehicle's fuel efficiency and enjoy the benefits of its relatively good gas mileage.

Why are Dodge Darts so cheap?


Dodge Darts are cheap due to poor sales and discontinuation, reliability concerns, and a lack of consumer enthusiasm. The modern version, produced from 2013 to 2016, was built on an Italian platform (the Fiat Viaggio), shared the competition's weaknesses in terms of fuel economy and performance, and was eventually phased out after disappointing sales figures.
 
Reasons for low prices

  • Discontinuation and low demand: The modern Dart was not a sales success and was discontinued after only a four-year run (2013-2016). A low-demand vehicle will always have a low resale value. 
  • Reliability and common issues: Some specific issues were cited by consumers as major problems, including those with the 2.0L engine, transmission, and the use of 5W40 oil in certain engines. 
  • Competition: In the compact sedan market, the Dart was outclassed by competitors like the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic. 
  • Italian origin: The car's Italian roots and platform (shared with the Fiat Viaggio) were seen by some as a negative, despite being a compact and efficient design. 
  • Lack of enthusiast appeal: The Dart's front-wheel-drive layout and lack of significant power in some configurations prevented it from gaining traction with car enthusiasts, who might otherwise have helped drive up demand. 
  • Build quality and interior: Some consumers found the interior quality to be poor, contributing to a perception of low value. 



Was the Dodge Dart a reliable car?


The Dodge Dart has a mixed reliability record, with a 4.0 out of 5.0 overall reliability rating from RepairPal, but with common issues reported by owners, particularly with the transmission and engine. Specific problems frequently mentioned include the 2013 model's issues, problems with certain engine variants, transmission problems (both automatic and manual), and various electrical and suspension issues. 
This video discusses the pros, cons, and common issues of the Dodge Dart: 49sUsed Car GuideYouTube · Oct 30, 2024
Overall reliability

  • The Dodge Dart is ranked 28th out of 36 compact cars for reliability by RepairPal. 
  • The average annual repair cost is around $597$ 597$597, which is considered average. 
  • Major issues are not as frequent as with some other vehicles, but specific model years and components have known weaknesses. 

Common problems and concerns
  • Engine: Some engine variants have high oil consumption, leading to potential engine failure. Engine performance issues like rough idling and stalling have also been reported. 
  • Transmission: Both automatic and manual transmissions have had issues. The 2013 model, in particular, had complaints about its six-speed automatic transmission and a class-action lawsuit was filed for manual transmission models from 2013–2015. 
  • Electrical and HVAC: Problems with the infotainment system, climate control (AC/heat switch), and other electrical components have been reported. 
  • Suspension: Some model years have reported issues with suspension mounts and bushings degrading relatively quickly, leading to a rough ride and steering problems. 

This video talks about the issues found in Dodge Darts from 2013-2016: 59sAlphaSharkYouTube · Nov 15, 2022
What to consider if buying
  • Maintenance is key: Keeping up with regular maintenance is crucial to mitigate potential problems and extend the vehicle's life. 
  • Be wary of certain model years: The 2013 model year is often cited as having the most issues, particularly with the engine and transmission. 
  • Inspect before buying: Thoroughly check the vehicle for any signs of the common issues listed above, especially if buying a used model.



How many miles per gallon does a Dodge Dart get?


The Dodge Dart's MPG varies significantly by engine and transmission, with the most fuel-efficient Aero model achieving up to 32 mpg combined (27 city/39 highway), while other common engines like the 2.0L and 2.4L get around 25 mpg city/36 mpg highway. Manual transmissions often get slightly better mileage than automatic ones, and specific models like the 2016 SXT with a 2.0L engine have an EPA-estimated combined rating of 27 mpg.
 
MPG by engine and transmission

  • 1.4L Turbo with Manual Transmission: 27 city / 39 highway / 29 combined 
  • Aero Model (1.4L Turbo) with Manual Transmission: 27 city / 39 highway / 29 combined (achieving 41 mpg highway under ideal conditions) 
  • 2.0L with Manual Transmission: 25 city / 36 highway 
  • 2.0L with Automatic Transmission: 24 city / 34 highway 
  • 2.4L with Manual Transmission: 22 city / 35 highway / 27 combined 
  • 2.4L with Automatic Transmission: 23 city / 35 highway / 27 combined 
  • Other models (e.g., 2016 SXT): 29 mpg combined (25 city/36 highway) 



Is a Dodge good on gas?


Dodge Charger
The Dodge Charger is a five-passenger sedan that gets competitive gas mileage on the highway. Powered by either a V-6 or a V-8 engine, the Charger gets 30 miles per gallon on the highway, and 19 miles per gallon on city streets, giving it a combined rating of 23 miles per gallon.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.