Five-Point Inspection: 2014 Dodge Dart GT
Overshadowed by other more recent compacts including the Civic, Mazda3 and Corolla, it’s easy to forget about the Dodge Dart. We set out to determine if it’s worth remembering.
The most powerful model in the Dart lineup, the GT is equipped with a stiffer suspension and tighter steering, hinting at its intentions as a sporty compact. Dodge also gives buyers a few other reasons to consider its compact over the rest. A long list of features and a low price tag bodes well for the well equipped Dart. But it doesn’t quite deliver with its promise of being engaging to drive.
The Dart GT is available with a six-speed manual transmission, an option that usually caters to the enthusiast crowd. Our last Dart GT tester used a six-speed automatic that was applauded for its quick-shifting mannerisms (read that review here), hinting that maybe Dodge did its homework when it comes to delivering a fun to drive compact. In a surprising twist, the manual unit had us sighing in disappointment, as it just isn’t exciting.
See Also: 2014 Dodge Dart GT Review – Video
Throws are long and vague while the clutch provides very little feedback and engages quite high in the pedal travel. It makes for a frustrating experience and isn’t at all becoming of a car billed as fun-to-drive. For comparison, the manual shifters in a number of other compacts like the Subaru Impreza and Mazda3 are far more involving and rewarding to use. So if you’re looking for a fun-to-drive compact with excellent engagement, the Dart just won’t do.
The GT model tested uses a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter engine to make 184 horsepower with 174 lb-ft of torque. The most powerful engine in the lineup, it’s also the thirstiest. Official ratings claim the car should average 27 mpg combined with the manual transmission, while the real-world usage was considerably worse, sitting closer to 24 mpg.
The engine feels smooth and even refined, but other compacts perform just as well and provide much better fuel efficiency.
On the other hand, the Dart GT’s steering is superb. A nicely weighted rack with a tight ratio (12.76 to 1 compared to 15 to 1 in all other Dart models), the car feels like it’s ready to tackle some corners. On the road, it’s competent but doesn’t really stand out against the Mazda3 or Ford Focus.
While the steering is sharp, very little of the car’s dynamics are communicative. Again, the Dart GT doesn’t seem to be aiming at delivering a sporty product. Instead consider it the jack-of-all trades, with passing marks in just about every category of driving dynamics.
The Dart GT truly delivers in terms of features. Some of the highlights include a heated steering wheel and seats. The rearview camera is also especially helpful in dealing with the rakish rear end. Extras including the Technology and Sun/Sound packages help turn the Dart from a simple compact to a feature-packed vehicle equipped with a sunroof, rain-sensing windshield wipers and automatic high-beam headlights.
Inside, the Dart GT features comfortable seats and soft plastics in key touch points. It gives a first-class first impression and long journeys proved to be comfortable for both driver and passengers. Not everything is perfect in terms of materials though; some other spots including the doors featured hard and scratch prone plastics.
However, the features in the Dart are impressive and should be a huge hit with tech savvy drivers. The 8.4-inch Uconnect touch screen is quick and intuitive, setting a benchmark not just in the compact segment but the whole automotive industry. There’s also an available nine-speaker Alpine sound-system that sounds good and isn’t outrageously expensive at $495.
Add the heated leather seats and funky ambient lighting and the Dart’s $21,990 starting price starts to seem reasonable for the people it’s aimed at.
Though the driving dynamics of the GT model don’t stand out, buyers will surely factor in the technology and convenience features available in the Dodge at this price, making it a stand out in the extremely competitive crowd of compacts.
Thinking of buying a Dodge Dart GT? Check out our Dodge new car page or go straight to the Dodge Dart GT.
Discuss this story at our Dodge Dart Forums
Sami has an unquenchable thirst for car knowledge and has been at AutoGuide for the past six years. He has a degree in journalism and media studies from the University of Guelph-Humber in Toronto and has won multiple journalism awards from the Automotive Journalist Association of Canada. Sami is also on the jury for the World Car Awards.
More by Sami Haj-Assaad
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