Is the Dodge Dart a luxury car?

No. The Dodge Dart is not considered a luxury car. It has appeared in two distinct, value-oriented lineups—first in the 1960s–1970s as an affordable mid-size/compact with sporty variants, and later from 2013–2016 as a compact sedan built on a Fiat/Alfa Romeo platform—positioned for mainstream buyers rather than luxury buyers.

Historical Context

The Dodge Dart has two notably separate chapters in American automotive history. Both chapters reflect Dodge’s strategy of offering an economical, practical vehicle rather than a premium badge.

• 1960–1976: The original Dodge Dart family began as an affordable entry in the Dodge lineup, evolving through several body styles and trims. It spawned sporty variants like the Dart GT and Dart Swinger, emphasizing performance and value rather than luxury amenities.


• 2013–2016: The modern Dodge Dart returned as a compact sedan built on Fiat/Alfa Romeo underpinnings. It was offered in trims such as SXT, Rallye, and Limited, with a focus on affordability, modern tech, and practicality rather than luxury-grade materials or brand prestige.

Taken together, these eras show that the Dart repeatedly occupied mainstream, budget-conscious segments rather than the luxury tier.

Defining luxury in cars

Luxury in the automotive market is typically linked to brand prestige, higher-quality interior materials, advanced comfort features, refined ride quality, stronger performance, enhanced service networks, and a higher price point. By those measures, the Dodge Dart has not been marketed or generally perceived as a luxury vehicle.

Brand and badge perception

Luxury status is often conveyed by a badge associated with premium brands. Dodge is positioned as a mass-market brand, not a luxury marque, which affects how the Dart is perceived in the market.

Interior quality and features

While higher trims of the modern Dart offered features like leather-appointed seating and upgraded infotainment, the overall interior quality and refinement fell short of typical luxury competitors, which use substantially higher-grade materials and quieter, more upscale cabins.

Market positioning and consumer perception

In its modern form, the Dart competed against non-luxury compact sedans such as the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Ford Focus. Its price, warranty, and features targeted value-conscious buyers rather than luxury buyers seeking prestige and exclusivity. The original Dart (1960s–1970s) likewise aimed at affordability, with performance options, not luxury amenities.

Summary

Bottom line: The Dodge Dart has never been classified or widely perceived as a luxury car. It is best understood as a value-oriented, mainstream compact (and in its earlier years, a mid-size/compact with performance variants) that competed on price and practicality rather than luxury credentials. The model was discontinued after the 2016 year, and Dodge has not reintroduced a luxury variant under the Dart name. For true luxury, buyers typically turn to premium brands or Dodge’s own higher-end offerings in other segments.

What is a Dodge Dart considered?

The Dodge Dart is a front-engine, front-wheel drive, four-door compact sedan that was manufactured and marketed by then FCA US LLC, a subsidiary of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.

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. 

Do Dodge Darts last long?

How long do Dodge Darts last? Typically, a Dodge Dart will last 200,000-250,000. Of course, many factors will influence the lifespan of the Dodge Dart, such as the frequency of repairs and how you drive the car.

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.