X

Dodge Dart reinvents itself (pictures)

Considering that the last Dart model came out in 1976, the new Dart is a huge leap forward, and good enough to give the model name new life.

Wayne Cunningham
Wayne Cunningham reviews cars and writes about automotive technology for CNET's Roadshow. Prior to the automotive beat, he covered spyware, Web building technologies, and computer hardware. He began covering technology and the Web in 1994 as an editor of The Net magazine.
Wayne Cunningham
35326407_OVR.jpg
1 of 18 Josh Miller/CNET
Dodge revived the Dart model name for its new compact sedan. The previous Dart ended production in 1976.
35326407_FT.jpg
2 of 18 Josh Miller/CNET
The styling of this new Dart shows some nice elements while remaining subtle. The front drops down toward a narrow grille, while the side contours rise toward the rear end.
35326407_SS01.jpg
3 of 18 Josh Miller/CNET
Dodge offers a number of engines for the Dart. This turbocharged 1.4-liter was designed by Fiat, and uses some innovative valve timing technology.
35326407_SD.jpg
4 of 18 Josh Miller/CNET
The roofline allows for good cabin space and easy entry for passengers.
35326407_SS02.jpg
5 of 18 Josh Miller/CNET
Dodge built the new Dart on the same platform as the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, a premium hatchback in Europe.
35326407_SS03.jpg
6 of 18 Josh Miller/CNET
Trunks space is about average for a compact car.
35326407_INT.jpg
7 of 18 Josh Miller/CNET
Dodge uses soft-touch materials around the cabin. The infotainment system, with its big, 8.4-inch touch screen, is optional.
35326407_SS05.jpg
8 of 18 Josh Miller/CNET
The electric power steering has good heft, but the turning radius is not very tight.
35326407_SS06.jpg
9 of 18 Josh Miller/CNET
The VR button activates a voice command system for the stereo and navigation system, while the phone button activates a separate system for hands-free calling.
35326407_SS08.jpg
10 of 18 Josh Miller/CNET
This car came with the optional six-speed dual clutch automated manual. A six-speed manual comes standard.
35326407_SS15.jpg
11 of 18 Josh Miller/CNET
Dodge integrates Garmin navigation software in with its infotainment system, a not completely harmonious relationship.
35326407_SS17.jpg
12 of 18 Josh Miller/CNET
Sirius Travel Link brings in a lot of useful information for the driver, from gas prices to movie times.
35326407_SS20.jpg
13 of 18 Josh Miller/CNET
The Dart offers a weather forecast.
35326407_SS13.jpg
14 of 18 Josh Miller/CNET
The Bluetooth phone system offers the usual features, including contact list integration.
35326407_SS09.jpg
15 of 18 Josh Miller/CNET
Dodge hides the CD player in the console.
35326407_SS14.jpg
16 of 18 Josh Miller/CNET
The infotainment system includes Bluetooth audio streaming, although the interface does not show track names.
35326407_SS10.jpg
17 of 18 Josh Miller/CNET
With a USB drive or iPod hooked up to the stereo, the interface shows album art, along with other song data.
35326407_SS16.jpg
18 of 18 Josh Miller/CNET
The Dart even includes the ability to have its Gracenote database clean up your audio sources.

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos