Why was the Dodge Dart discontinued?
The Dodge Dart was discontinued after the 2016 model year, primarily due to weak sales and a broader shift in the market toward SUVs and crossovers. In short, FCA elected not to continue investing in a compact sedan that struggled to compete in a crowded segment.
To understand the decision, it’s helpful to look at the Dart’s origin, how it performed in the market, and the strategic priorities that shaped FCA’s lineup in the mid-2010s. Below is a closer look at the factors that led to its retirement and what it signaled about the automotive industry at the time.
Background: the Dart’s launch and market position
The Dodge Dart debuted for the 2013 model year as a modern compact sedan intended to rekindle Dodge’s presence in a segment dominated by longstanding players like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. Built on a Fiat-Chrysler platform and featuring available turbocharged and multi-air engines, the Dart represented an effort to blend European-inspired engineering with American branding. Despite a bold design and alignment with FCA’s broader product strategy, sales did not meet expectations, and the model struggled to gain lasting traction in a crowded market.
Platform and engineering
The Dart shared engineering underpinnings with FCA’s global compact projects, including a Giulietta-based platform in its early development. While the aim was to deliver efficient performance and modern tech, the resulting package faced questions about refinement, interior space, and overall competitiveness against top rivals.
Market reception
Drivers of discontinuation
The primary reasons FCA cited or analysts identified for ending the Dart reflect both market forces and strategic choices within Dodge. The following factors collectively pushed the decision to retire the model after 2016.
- Weak and underperforming sales compared with rivals in the compact segment.
- A broader market shift toward SUVs and crossovers, reducing demand for traditional sedans.
- Strategic realignment: Dodge prioritized high-margin models, including performance cars and trucks, over compact sedans.
- Cost and return on investment considerations for refreshing an older platform in a crowded market.
- Manufacturing and portfolio optimization: ending the Dart freed capacity and reduced complexity in FCA’s lineup.
Taken together, these factors made the Dart’s continued production unattractive from both a financial and strategic standpoint.
Impact on buyers, the Dodge lineup, and the market
For consumers, the Dart’s absence means fewer new compact-sedan options from Dodge, with the brand steering its emphasis toward performance models like the Challenger and Charger, as well as SUVs and crossovers. Used-car buyers could still find remaining examples on the market, but parts supply and dealer support for a discontinued model naturally become more challenging over time. More broadly, the Dart’s discontinuation reflected a larger industry trend: automakers divesting from traditional sedans in favor of higher-margin, higher-demand vehicles.
What happened next for Dodge and the market
Summary
The Dodge Dart was discontinued because its sales failed to justify ongoing investment in a compact sedan at a time when consumer demand was shifting decisively toward SUVs and trucks. Coupled with Dodge’s strategic pivot toward higher-margin models, the Dart’s exit signaled a broader industry trend rather than a standalone failure of design or engineering. As of 2024, there are no announced plans to reintroduce a Dart-like compact sedan in the Dodge lineup, which continues to prioritize performance variants and larger vehicles.
Final takeaway
In a rapidly evolving market, the Dart’s fate underscores how automakers balance product development, consumer trends, and brand strategy when deciding which models to keep, refresh, or retire. The compact sedan segment remains challenging, and Dodge’s current focus reflects a broader industry trajectory rather than a single model’s shortfall.
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.
Are they making a 2025 Dodge Dart?
And affordability. Matter the new Dart takes a more aggressive and athletic. Approach boasting sharp body lines a wide stance.
What is the bad year for the Dodge Dart?
A: If you're considering purchasing a used Dodge Dart, it's best to steer clear of the 2013, 2014, and 2015 model years. These particular years have been known to have more reliability issues compared to the final model year.
Why was the Dodge Dart made?
The first Dodge Darts were introduced for the 1960 model year. They were downsized large cars developed to replace Plymouths in the standard, low-priced car segment for the Dodge dealer network.
