Is a Dodge Dart considered a sport car?
In brief, no—the Dodge Dart is not classified as a sports car in the contemporary sense. The name spans two very different eras and purposes: a set of performance-oriented classics from the 1960s and 1970s, and a 2013–2016 compact sedan with sport-inspired options. The modern Dart remains a practical everyday car, not a dedicated sports car.
To understand why, it helps to look at the two generations of the Dart and how each was marketed and used. The Dart name has a legacy in American muscle-and-performance history dating back to the 1960s, but the 2013–2016 revival aimed at efficiency and value rather than track-ready sport performance. Below is a breakdown of the key dimensions across these eras.
Two eras, two notions of sportiness
Before diving into specifics, a quick note on what makes a car a “sports car” in common parlance: traditional sports cars emphasize handling, power-to-weight, and driving dynamics often with two doors and a lighter, more focused chassis. The Dodge Dart’s classic variants flirted with performance you’d associate with muscle or pony cars, while the modern Dart played in the compact-sedan space with sport-style trim but without the core sports-car design philosophy.
Key points from the classic-era Darts (1960s–1970s):
- Performance-oriented variants existed under the Dart name, including trims commonly discussed as part of the muscle-car era (such as GT, Swinger, and GTS). These versions emphasized bigger engines and improved acceleration for the time.
- For enthusiasts, these variants are part of Dodge’s performance lineage, but they were typically still four-seat, practical cars rather than dedicated two-seat sports coupes.
Conclusion for the classic era: while some Dodge Darts offered notable performance for their era, they are generally regarded as muscle/pony-era cars rather than modern “sports cars.”
Modern era: sport-inspired styling, not a sports car
In the 2013–2016 revival, the Dart was built on a front-wheel-drive platform with contemporary tech and styling cues. Dodge marketed it as a practical compact sedan with some sportiness in appearance and trim, not as a standalone sports car.
Key features of the modern Dart that gave it a sportier feel without changing its fundamental classification:
- Sport-oriented styling cues and available packages aimed at a more dynamic look and feel.
- Two- and four-door configurations were common, but the car remained a compact sedan focused on value, efficiency, and everyday usability.
Conclusion for the modern era: the Dart offers sport-inspired features and a more athletic presentation, but it is not marketed or widely regarded as a true sports car. In Dodge’s current lineup, genuine sports-car icons remain the Challenger (muscle) and the Viper (legacy supercar), while the Dart sits in the compact-sedan category with sport touches.
Defining what counts as a sports car
In automotive journalism, sports cars are typically characterized by factors such as two doors, a low, rigid chassis, high power-to-weight ratio, nimble handling, and a focus on driving dynamics. The modern Dart, being a four-door sedan with emphasis on practicality and efficiency, does not fit the core definition for a sports car. The classic Darts, while performance-oriented, are better described as muscle or performance cars of their era rather than pure modern sports cars. The Dodge brand’s current sport-focused models are the Challenger and the Viper, with the Dart occupying a different segment altogether.
Summary
Bottom line: the Dodge Dart is not considered a sports car in the modern automotive sense. The 1960s–1970s Darts offered performance within a compact body, contributing to Dodge’s muscle-car legacy, while the 2013–2016 Dart was a practical compact sedan with optional sport-flavored features. Since production ended in 2016, the Dart remains a historical footnote in Dodge’s lineup, not a contemporary sports-car option. For true sports-car appeal in Dodge’s current range, buyers look to the Challenger or other high-performance models.
