Do Dodge Darts go fast?

The Dodge Dart is not a high-speed sports sedan, but the turbocharged 1.4-liter variant can deliver brisk acceleration, while the other engines are slower; overall, the Dart prioritizes everyday practicality over outright speed.

To understand what that means in practice, this article breaks down the Dart's engine options, typical 0-60 speeds, and what factors influence acceleration in real-world driving. It also notes the car’s production timeline and how it sits in today’s used-car market.

Engine options and power

Overview of the Dart's available powertrains and their approximate horsepower.

• 2.0L Tigershark inline-4 — about 162 hp


• 2.4L Tigershark inline-4 — about 184 hp


• 1.4L MultiAir Turbo inline-4 — about 160 hp

These figures reflect the U.S. market Dart lineup from 2013 through 2016. The turbo engine is generally the quickest in straight-line acceleration, while the naturally aspirated 2.4L sits between the turbo and the base 2.0L in performance. Weight, gearing, and transmission choices also shape how fast the car feels off the line.

Performance figures in typical conditions

Below are common 0-60 mph ranges by engine, based on factory specifications and independent testing. Real-world results can vary due to transmission, tires, weather, and driver input.

• 1.4L MultiAir Turbo — roughly 0-60 mph in 7.8–8.5 seconds


• 2.4L Tigershark — roughly 0-60 mph in 8.4–9.5 seconds


• 2.0L Tigershark — roughly 0-60 mph in 9.0–10.0 seconds

Take these figures as a broad guide: the turbo-equipped Dart is the quickest, while the base and mid-range engines lag behind it. In everyday driving, factors like gearing, launch discipline, and tire grip will influence the exact numbers you experience.

Top speed, handling, and what affects acceleration

Even with the turbo, the Dart remains a compact, comfort-oriented sedan rather than a performance machine. Its top speeds are modest and geared toward safe highway cruising rather than outright track runs. Handling is tuned for everyday comfort, with a focus on stable, predictable behavior rather than aggressive cornering capability.

Drive and transmission choices

Manual transmissions can occasionally yield quicker launches with the turbo engine due to gearing and driver control, but modern automatics provide smooth, consistent acceleration and can erase small delays that humans can't always overcome. Tire choice, road surface, and weather conditions also play sizable roles in how fast the car feels from stop to speed.

The Dodge Dart was produced from 2013 to 2016, after which it was discontinued. Today, it lives primarily on the used-car market, where prices and performance perceptions vary with model year, trim, condition, and maintenance history. While not a rival to contemporary sports sedans, the Dart offers a balanced blend of efficiency, practicality, and weekday responsiveness that suits many buyers who want solid acceleration without sacrificing everyday usability.

In summary, Dodge Darts can deliver brisk acceleration in the turbocharged variant, but in general they are not built for speed in the same vein as modern performance-focused compacts. The turbo 1.4L represents the sweet spot for quick starts, while the larger naturally aspirated engines provide adequate but slower, everyday performance.

Summary: For speed-minded buyers, the Dart’s turbo model is the clear performer in the lineup, delivering the best 0-60 times among stock Darts. Overall, the car prioritizes practicality and comfort over outright speed, making it a reasonable choice for everyday driving with a modest punch when needed.

What years of Dodge Dart to avoid?

The years to most avoid are 2013 and 2014 Dodge Darts, with the 2013 model year being the worst due to widespread issues with the engine, transmission, and various other components. While later models (2015-2016) generally saw fewer problems, they still fall under the umbrella of the 5th generation (2013-2016) that experienced numerous recalls and complaints, so they should also be approached with caution. 
Years to most avoid

• 2013: This model year is notorious for the most issues. Problems include: 
  • Engine troubles (often around 40,000 miles). 
  • Transmission problems with both the six-speed automatic and manual transmissions. 
  • Brake issues, including a recall for faulty rear calipers. 
  • Electrical problems, such as sudden battery failure and steering/braking glitches. 
  • Interior component failures, like broken sun visors. 
• 2014: While slightly better than the 2013, many of the same problems persisted, including those with the engine and transmission. 

Other years to be cautious of

• 2015 and 2016: These models had fewer issues than the earlier years and sales were better, but they are still part of the 5th generation that had a reputation for problems and multiple recalls.
  • Owners reported issues like excessive oil consumption, electrical problems, and certain transmission issues.
  • A large recall in 2019 covered the 2013-2016 automatic transmission models due to a defective part that could cause the vehicle to roll away. 

What to look for if you still want a Dart

• Manual transmission: Some owners report fewer problems with manual transmission models, especially if they are the 2.4L engine.
• 2.4L engine: The 2.4L engine is less likely to have issues than the 1.4L turbo or the 2.0L engine.
• Avoid the 2.0L with CVT: Avoid 2.0L models with the CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), as this combination is reported to be particularly problematic. 

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. 

Are Dodge Darts fast?

Test drivers say that while the base 2014 Dodge Dart has one of the highest horsepower ratings in the class, its size and weight mean that the Dart isn't quite as quick as you might expect.

How much horsepower does a Dodge Dart have?

The Dodge Dart has a range of horsepower options, from 160 hp for its 2.0L and 1.4L turbocharged engines, to 184 hp for the 2.4L engine. The horsepower is dependent on the specific engine and trim level of the car, such as the base engine or the optional R/T engine. For a highly modified version, some custom builds have achieved up to 1000 hp with a Hellcat engine swap, as shown in this YouTube video.
 
You can watch this video to learn more about the Dodge Dart GT: 58sMark RodenYouTube · Mar 21, 2024
Engine options and horsepower

• 2.0L I-4: Produces 160 hp. This was the base engine for many trims like the SE, SXT, Rallye, and Limited.
• 1.4L Turbo I-4: Also produces 160 hp, but with more torque. This engine was featured in the Aero trim.
• 2.4L I-4: Generates 184 hp. This was the more powerful option available on models like the R/T trim. 

Custom builds

• Some owners have significantly modified their Darts to achieve higher horsepower. For example, a custom build featuring a Hellcat engine swap and a supercharger can reach between 950 and 1000 hp, according to this YouTube video. 

This video shows a custom Dodge Dart with a Hellcat engine: 59sAutotopia LAYouTube · Jul 10, 2021