Is a Dodge Dart a fast car?

Answer: It depends on which Dodge Dart you mean. Classic Darts from the late 1960s could be surprisingly quick for their size thanks toV8 options, but the modern Dodge Dart (2013–2016) is not considered fast by today’s standards, though the turbocharged variant offers respectable acceleration for a compact sedan. Dodge discontinued the model after the 2016 model year.

Historical context: the quickness of classic Darts

The Dodge Dart name traces a lineage from the 1960s and 1970s, when compact cars often wore potent V8s. In that era, Darts with high-performance trims like the GTS and Swinger could deliver brisk acceleration and competitive times within their class. They benefited from light overall weight and powerful small-block V8 options, making them quick off the line for their segment.

Notable fast variants in the classic Dart lineup

The following highlights summarize the performance-oriented variants that defined the Dart’s persona in its early years.

• Dodge Dart GTS: high-performance trim offered with a V8 option in the late 1960s, pairing light weight with torque for strong acceleration.


• Dodge Dart Swinger 340: a lighter, performance-minded version that prioritized power-to-weight ratio.


• General performance notes: late-60s Darts with 340 cubic-inch or larger V8s could keep pace with many mid-size muscle cars of the era, especially in straight-line acceleration.

In practice, these classic Darts were fast for their time, but their perceived speed depends on the specific engine option and wheel/tire setup. Their era was defined by rapid hardware variety and rising performance goals, rather than standardized times.

Dart in the modern era: 2013–2016 specifications and performance

The modern Dodge Dart, launched for the 2013 model year, was a compact sedan built on a front-drive platform shared with Fiat origins. It offered several engine choices designed for efficiency first, with performance variants serving more as brisk sedans than high-performance machines.

Before considering the numbers, it helps to know the available engines and their typical performance ranges.

• 2.0L Tigershark I4: about 160 horsepower and around 150 lb-ft of torque; typical 0-60 times in the upper 8s to 9s range.


• 2.4L Tigershark I4: about 184 horsepower and 171 lb-ft of torque; 0-60 typically around 8–9 seconds depending on transmission and gearing.


• 1.4L MultiAir Turbo I4: around 160 horsepower with roughly 170–184 lb-ft of torque; 0-60 times often in the low- to mid-7-second range with manual or up-level automatics.

Note on performance: while the turbo variant offers the strongest acceleration in the range, none of the modern Darts was marketed as a hot hatch or a straight-line conqueror. The car prioritized efficiency, ride comfort, and everyday usability rather than outright speed.

End of an era and current status

Dodge discontinued the Dart after the 2016 model year as sales waned and the brand restructured its lineup. Since then, buyers seeking speed in a small Dodge context have looked to other models such as the Dodge Challenger or Charger, or to crossovers and other brands that offer quicker compact options.

In sum, a Dodge Dart is not classified as a fast car by modern performance standards, especially in its current market context. However, the legacy of the classic Darts lives on in the reputation of quick, compact muscle from the late 1960s, and the turbo variant of the 2013–2016 Dart offered a notable step-up in acceleration for a mainstream compact sedan of its time.

Summary

Is a Dodge Dart fast? It depends on the era. Classic Darts could be quick for their time thanks to V8 options and light weight. The 2013–2016 Dodge Dart aimed for efficiency and practicality, and while the turbo model provides respectable acceleration, it generally sits behind modern sporty compact sedans in outright speed. The model line is no longer in production since 2016, but remains a point of interest for fans of Mopar history.

Is a Dodge Dart fast?

The 2-liter Tigershark I4 is the standard engine on all but the R/T model and puts out the same 160-horsepower as the turbo, but far less torque at 148 pound feet. But, it was the 1.4 Turbo we took to our track. With the standard 6-speed manual, our 3,200 pound Dart managed a respectable 0-60 run of 8.2-seconds.

What problems are Dodge Darts known for?

Common problems with the Dodge Dart include issues with the engine and transmission, excessive oil consumption, and a shifter cable defect that can cause a rollaway risk. Other reported problems are with the suspension system, battery failure, ignition coils, and the Bluetooth module. A significant 2013-2016 model year recall addresses the rollaway risk due to a faulty shifter cable. 
This video discusses common problems and recalls for the Dodge Dart: 57scar PROblemsYouTube · Oct 3, 2022
Engine and transmission

• Engine stalling: Can be caused by faulty sensors, ignition coils, fuel system components, or battery/alternator issues. 
• Excessive oil consumption: Particularly notable in the 2015 model year, some engines may consume excessive oil. 
• Transmission issues: Both automatic and manual transmissions have been a source of problems, with some automatic models suffering from sluggish performance. 
• Ignition coils: Failure of the ignition coils can lead to rough running and other performance issues. 

Recalls and safety

• Rollaway risk: A major recall for model years 2013-2016 addresses a shifter cable defect where the car could roll away even when in park. 

Other common issues

• Suspension problems: Worn-out suspension mounts can cause vibrations, especially at idle. 
• Bluetooth module: The infotainment system's Bluetooth module is a frequent point of failure. 
• Coolant hose fittings: Plastic T-connectors in the cooling system can fail and are best replaced with metal ones. 
• Battery failure: Some owners have reported issues with the battery. 
• Brake-related issues: Brakes have been cited as a problem area for some owners. 
• Broken sun visor: The sun visor is a recurring complaint. 

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. 

Is a Dodge Dart a sport car?

Whether a Dodge Dart is a sports car depends on the model year; some classic versions with powerful engines were performance-oriented, while the modern, compact sedan versions were not considered true sports cars. For example, the 1968 Hemi Dart was a purpose-built race car, whereas the 2013–2016 model was a front-wheel-drive compact sedan that lacked the power and handling of a traditional sports car.
 
Classic Dodge Darts

• Performance models: Certain classic Darts, particularly those with V8 engines, were designed as high-performance "muscle cars". 
• Examples: The 1968 Hemi Dart was a serious racing machine built for the NHRA, and models like the GTS were performance-oriented. 
• Not a "sports car" in the modern sense: These classic Darts were part of a different category of performance cars that emphasized straight-line speed and power, rather than being a lightweight, nimble sports car like a modern-day vehicle. 

Modern Dodge Dart (2013-2016)

• Compact sedan: The modern Dart was a compact sedan based on Fiat's platform, designed as a more practical and fuel-efficient vehicle. 
• Not a sports car: It was not considered a true sports car due to its front-wheel-drive layout, less powerful engine options (compared to a traditional sports car), and weight. 
• "Sport" trim: While some trims were called "Sport," this referred to appearance and features rather than true performance capabilities.