The name Dodge Dart represents two different vehicles: a historical car originally built by Dodge from 1960 to 1976 and a modern compact sedan based on a Fiat Compact platform.
Historical Car
The first Dodge Dart appeared as a 1957 show car designed by famous Italian automobile design and coachbuilding firm Carrozzeria Ghia. The production model was introduced two years later. During its existence, the historical Dodge Dart has changed several body styles and classes, lasted for four generations (1960-1961, 1962, 1963-1966, 1967-1976) and became one of the most successful compact cars in the United States.
2016 Dodge Dart Limited © Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V.
Resurrection
The modern version of the Dodge Dart debuted at 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit on January 9, 2012, marking the return of compact sedans to the Dodge lineup. The production started at Chrysler’s Belvidere Assembly Plant in May 2012 for the 2013 model year.
The Dodge Dart shares the suspension and some other features with the Alfa Romeo Giulietta. It has three transmission options as well as three engine options including a 2.0L 160-hp Tigershark engine, a 1.4L MultiAir Turbo engine (similar to the one used in Alfa Romeo Giulietta), and a 2.4L 184-hp Tigershark MultiAir 2 engine. All Dart engines are built in Dundee, Michigan.
The renewed Dodge Dart is also known as the first compact sedan in the United States to feature a rear obstacle detection system and blind spot monitoring.
2016 Dodge Dart
The 2016 Dodge Dart is an affordable 4-door sedan that comes in five distinct models. The price starts from $16,995 for SE model, $19,395 for SXT, $21,095 for Aero, $22,095 for GT, and, finally, $24,395 for Limited.
Quite likely, this is the last year for the renewed Dodge Dart. On January 27, 2016, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. announced that the company will discontinue some models, including the Dodge Dart and the Chrysler 200, in order to increase production of crossovers. The manufacture rearrangement has begun already.
