Is the Dodge Dart an A or B-body?
Whether the Dodge Dart is classified as an A- or B-body depends on the model year and generation. Across its long history, the Dart namesake has appeared on more than one Chrysler platform, with early examples on the A-body and later ones on the B-body, before the modern Dart shifted to a different platform altogether.
A-body era: the Dart’s first platform
In its initial years, the Dodge Dart was part of Chrysler’s compact-to-subcompact A-family. This era connected the Dart to other A-body cars, sharing mechanicals and components with its sister models from Plymouth and other Chrysler brands. The A-body designation reflected a smaller, economy-oriented lineup that defined the Dart’s early identity.
Key points about the A-body phase of the Dodge Dart:
- Shared platform with other A-body Chrysler models (notably including Plymouth variants).
- Compact to smaller mid-size layout with relatively short wheelbases.
- Body styles commonly included two- and four-door configurations typical of the era.
- Engine options aligned with the A-body class, balancing economy with modest performance.
During this period, the Dart established itself as a family-friendly compact that could be configured for economy or light performance, all within the A-body framework.
B-body era: the Dart grows into mid-size
As Chrysler redesigned its lineup, the Dodge Dart moved into the mid-size, B-body family. This shift aligned the Dart with other mid-size Mopar models and broadened interior space, comfort features, and powertrain options. The B-body era is the most commonly referenced period when enthusiasts discuss the Dart’s mid-size lineage.
Key points about the B-body phase of the Dodge Dart:
- Built on Chrysler’s mid-size B-body architecture, shared with other Mopar mid-sizers.
- Longer wheelbases and more interior volume compared with the early A-body Darts.
- Expanded range of trim levels and powertrains, including more robust V8 options in some years.
- Continued two- and four-door body styles, with styling updates that reflected the 1960s mid-size look.
In this era, the Dart’s identity shifted toward the more versatile and roomier mid-size category, leveraging the B-body platform to compete with other American mid-size cars of the period.
Modern Dodge Dart: not an A- or B-body
There was also a much later Dodge Dart introduced in the 2010s, but that model is not categorized under Chrysler’s traditional A- or B-body designations. The 2013–2016 Dodge Dart was built on a Fiat-chrysler compact platform (often referred to in industry circles as PF1/CUS-related architecture), reflecting a global compact-car approach rather than the classic American A- or B-body taxonomy.
What this means for today’s discussion is simple: the historical Dodge Dart is associated with A- and B-body platforms across different generations, while the modern iteration exists outside that old naming scheme.
Summary
Bottom line: the Dodge Dart has spanned more than one platform. Early Darts were built on Chrysler’s A-body, while later mid-1960s and subsequent Darts largely used the B-body architecture. A modern Dodge Dart (2013–2016) does not fit the A- or B-body classification, instead relying on a Fiat-derived compact platform. To identify a specific Dart’s chassis, verify the model year and generation against Chrysler’s platform designations for that period.
