Is a Dodge Dart front wheel or rear wheel?
The Dodge Dart sold in recent years is front-wheel drive, while the original 1960s–1970s Darts used rear-wheel drive.
To understand the answer, it helps to look at the model's two main eras: the classic, rear‑wheel‑drive Dodge Darts of the 1960s and 1970s, and the modern Dart that appeared from 2013 to 2016, which adopted a front‑wheel‑drive layout shared with many compact cars.
Historical Darts: Rear-Wheel Drive (1960s–1976)
In this era, the Dodge Dart was built on rear‑wheel‑drive platforms, a common choice for American sedans of the time. Here are a few key points that define the layout in this generation:
- Rear-wheel drive was standard across most body styles, with the engine mounted in the front and power sent to the rear axle.
- Mechanical layouts favored straightforward powertrains for durability and easy maintenance in the era’s market.
- Performance variants like the Dart GT and Swinger emphasized style and straight-line acceleration typical of RWD muscle-era cars.
In short, the classic Dodge Darts relied on rear-wheel drive, reflecting mid‑century American car design.
Modern Dodge Dart (2013–2016): Front-Wheel Drive
The modern Dodge Dart began life as a front-wheel-drive compact sedan, with a European-influenced design and a platform derived from the Alfa Romeo Giulietta. This is the layout you’ll encounter in daily driving today.
Before exploring the specifics, here is what defined the modern Dart’s drive system:
- Platform and architecture: a front-wheel-drive layout based on Alfa Romeo Giulietta engineering, optimized for compact packaging and fuel efficiency.
- Drive operation: front-engine, front-drive configuration with power delivered to the front wheels.
- Transmissions and powertrains: the Dart offered either a manual or an automatic transmission, rather than rear-wheel-drive configurations.
Conclusively, the modern Dodge Dart is front-wheel drive, with no factory rear-wheel-drive option in that generation.
Why the drive layout matters for buyers and restorers
For buyers, drivetrain layout affects handling, fuel economy, interior space, and maintenance. For restorers and enthusiasts, the historical RWD Dart offers a different mechanical baseline than the 2013–2016 FWD model, influencing parts availability and project reliability.
Summary: The Dodge Dart's drive layout depends on the generation — classic Darts (1960s–1970s) were rear-wheel drive, while the modern 2013–2016 Dart was front-wheel drive. The difference reflects broader shifts in the automotive industry toward front-wheel-drive compact cars in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
Is a 2013 Dodge Dart rear wheel drive?
The 2013 Dodge Dart is an all-new small sedan. It's a front-wheel-drive small sedan based on an Italian hatchback that's a pretty sharp contrast to the brawny V8-powered Chargers and Challengers the brand is most famous for.
Is a 2015 Dodge Dart front-wheel drive or rear wheel drive?
Front wheel drive
Drivetrain
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
|---|---|
| Drive type | Front wheel drive |
Is a Dodge Dart a front or rear wheel drive?
The Dodge Dart is a front-wheel-drive (FWD) vehicle. It was built on an Italian-designed platform and front-wheel drive was the only option available for its entire production run.
- Drivetrain: All model years and trims of the modern Dodge Dart are front-wheel drive.
- Platform: The car's design was based on an Alfa Romeo platform, which was also front-wheel drive.
- Transmission options: You could get the Dart with a manual or automatic transmission, but both sent power to the front wheels.
What year to avoid Dodge Dart?
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.
