Pulse Reviews and Analysis
Best Dodge Dart Model Years (Ranked)
Curated by Kory White · Fractional CRO, CRO Syndicate
Best Dodge Dart Model Years (Ranked)
The Dodge Dart is one of the most storied names in American automotive history, attached to two very different cars: a rugged, popular 1960s-1970s compact built on Chrysler's bulletproof A-body platform, and a short-lived 2013-2016 compact built on a Fiat-derived platform during the early Fiat-Chrysler era.
The classic Dart earned a reputation for the slant-six engine's legendary durability and for affordable V8 muscle in GT and GTS trims. The modern Dart arrived with sharp styling and a roomy cabin but struggled with a balky dual-clutch transmission and middling sales. This ranking sorts the best Dodge Dart model years and variants across both eras, covering engines, known issues, recalls, and where the value lies for collectors and used-car shoppers alike.
Direct Answer
The best overall Dodge Dart is the 1968-1969 Dart GTS of the classic A-body era, which paired a tight, lightweight body with 383 and 440 big-block V8 power, making it a genuine and now highly collectible Mopar muscle car. For shoppers who want reliable, affordable transportation, the best value is the slant-six-equipped 1967-1976 Dart sedan, whose 225 cubic-inch slant-six is among the most durable engines Chrysler ever built and remains cheap to own and repair.
Among the modern cars, the 2015-2016 Dart with the 2.4L Tigershark and six-speed automatic is the safest pick; avoid early dual-clutch-equipped 2013 cars unless serviced.
1. 1968-1969 Dart GTS 🏆 BEST OVERALL
The GTS (GT Sport) is the high-water mark of the classic Dart. Built on the compact, lightweight A-body platform, it could be ordered with the 340 cubic-inch small-block or the brawny 383 big-block V8, and a rare run of dealer-built cars carried the 440. The combination of low curb weight and big displacement made these among the quickest cars of the era.
Today the 1968-1969 GTS is a sought-after collectible, with documented numbered cars commanding strong money at auction. Originality and a verifiable fender tag and broadcast sheet matter enormously to value. For a buyer who wants a true Mopar muscle car with real performance pedigree and appreciating value, this is the Dart to own.
2. 1967-1976 Dart Slant-Six Sedan 💎 BEST VALUE
The slant-six Dart is the value champion of the entire nameplate. The 225 cubic-inch (3.7L) slant-six, canted 30 degrees to clear the hood, is one of the most durable engines Chrysler ever produced, routinely running past 200,000 miles with basic maintenance. Parts are cheap and plentiful, and the engine is forgiving of neglect.
The best value is a clean 1967-1976 Dart sedan in 170 or 225 slant-six form. These cars are simple to repair, easy to work on in a home garage, and far more affordable than the V8 muscle variants. For a hobbyist who wants a dependable classic without muscle-car pricing, the slant-six Dart delivers reliability and character at a low entry price.
3. 1970-1971 Dart Swinger 340
The Dart Swinger 340 is the budget muscle hero of the lineup. Dodge dropped the high-revving 340 cubic-inch small-block V8 (around 275 hp) into the lightweight two-door hardtop, creating a quick, balanced, and affordable performance car that undercut bigger muscle cars on price.
The Swinger's appeal lies in its near-perfect blend of light weight and torque. It handles better than nose-heavy big-block cars and is cheaper to feed. Collector interest has grown steadily, and clean 1970-1971 Swinger 340 examples have become genuinely desirable.
For a buyer who wants classic Mopar V8 performance without GTS pricing, the Swinger 340 is one of the smartest entries in the lineup.
4. 1963-1966 Dart GT (Second Generation)
When the Dart moved to a true compact A-body for 1963, the sporty GT trim brought bucket seats, brighter trim, and available V8 power. These early-1960s cars are charming, simpler than the later muscle variants, and increasingly collectible, especially convertibles.
The 1963-1966 GT can be found with the slant-six or the 273 cubic-inch V8, and its clean, restrained styling has aged well. These cars are affordable entries into Mopar ownership and reward originality. Watch for rust in the floors, trunk, and lower quarters, the usual enemy of early-1960s unibody cars.
A solid, rust-free GT convertible is a rewarding and appreciating classic.
5. 1972-1976 Dart Sport / Demon 340
The Dart Sport (and its 1971 predecessor, the Demon) brought a sporty fastback body to the A-body line. The Demon 340 and early Dart Sport 360 versions offered real performance before tightening emissions regulations sapped output through the mid-1970s.
These cars are more affordable than GTS and Swinger 340 models and offer distinctive fastback styling that stands apart from the standard sedans. The Demon name carries cult appeal among Mopar fans. Performance dropped as the decade wore on, so the earlier V8 cars are the ones to seek.
For a buyer who wants A-body character with a sportier silhouette at a friendly price, the Dart Sport is a strong choice.
6. 2015-2016 Dart 2.4L Tigershark (Modern, Best Modern Pick)
Among the modern 2013-2016 Darts, the 2015-2016 model with the 2.4L Tigershark four-cylinder and the conventional six-speed automatic is the most sensible pick. By this point Fiat-Chrysler had ironed out many early bugs, and the standard automatic avoids the troublesome dual-clutch unit found on some earlier cars.
The modern Dart's strengths are its roomy interior, large trunk, and sharp styling on a Fiat-derived platform. The 184-hp 2.4L offers adequate, if not thrilling, performance. These are inexpensive used cars today.
For a budget commuter who wants a comfortable, well-equipped compact and is willing to keep up with maintenance, a clean 2015-2016 Tigershark Dart is the smart modern choice.
7. 2014 Dart GT (Modern Performance Trim)
The modern Dart GT revived the sporty name with the 2.4L Tigershark, a sport-tuned suspension, larger wheels, and a more aggressive look. It was the enthusiast's pick in the modern lineup, offering firmer handling and a better-equipped cabin than base models.
The GT could be had with the six-speed automatic or a six-speed manual, the latter appealing to drivers who want more engagement. It is not a fast car, but it is the most rounded modern Dart to drive. As with all modern Darts, verify recall completion and electronics function.
For a buyer who wants the sportiest modern Dart at a low used price, the GT trim is the one to find.
8. 1960-1962 Dart (First Generation, Full-Size)
The original 1960-1962 Dart was a full-size car, not a compact, and wore the bold, fin-laden styling of the era. Offered in Seneca, Pioneer, and Phoenix trims, it could be ordered with everything from the slant-six to big 361 and 383 V8s, including rare high-performance versions.
These early Darts are distinctive period pieces with strong styling and genuine vintage appeal. They are rarer than later A-body cars and attract collectors who appreciate early-1960s design. Rust and parts scarcity are the main concerns, and restoration can be involved.
For a buyer drawn to bold first-generation styling and willing to chase parts, a solid early Dart is a unique and characterful classic.
9. 2013 Dart 1.4L MultiAir Turbo (Caution)
The 2013 Dart with the 1.4L MultiAir turbocharged four-cylinder borrowed from the Fiat 500 Abarth and was marketed for efficiency. The turbo engine offered decent torque, but it is the riskiest modern Dart, especially when paired with the dual-dry-clutch (DDCT) automated manual transmission, which drew complaints for jerky, unreliable behavior.
The 1.4T with a manual transmission is more tolerable, but the DDCT cars should be approached with real caution and full service documentation. The early 2013 model year also carried the most first-year bugs. Only buy one with verified transmission service history, and prefer the manual.
For most buyers, the later 2.4L automatic Darts are a far safer modern choice.
10. 2013 Dart 2.0L Base (Modern Budget)
The base 2.0L Tigershark four-cylinder (around 160 hp) in the 2013 Dart is the least powerful modern variant. It is adequate for commuting but feels underpowered in a car as large and heavy as the Dart, particularly with the automatic.
As the cheapest modern Dart, it makes sense only as bargain transportation. Like all first-year 2013 cars, it carries the most early-production quirks, so a clean maintenance record matters. Inspect for electronics gremlins and confirm all recalls are closed. For a buyer who simply needs the lowest-cost compact and accepts modest performance, a well-kept 2013 2.0L Dart can serve as basic, inexpensive transportation, but most shoppers will be happier stepping up to a 2.4L car.
What to Watch For When Buying
- Rust is the number-one enemy of classic A-body Darts. Inspect the floor pans, trunk floor, lower quarter panels, and frame rails carefully, as unibody corrosion can be expensive to repair.
- Verify originality on muscle variants. For GTS, Swinger 340, and Demon/Dart Sport 340 cars, confirm the fender tag, VIN, and any broadcast sheet to ensure the engine and trim are correct, as clones and tribute cars are common.
- The slant-six is famously durable, but check for oil leaks, cooling-system condition, and worn front-end components on high-mileage classics.
- On modern 2013 cars, the dual-dry-clutch (DDCT) transmission is the key risk. Test for jerky shifts and demand transmission service records; prefer the conventional six-speed automatic or manual.
- Run the VIN through the NHTSA recall database on any modern Dart, which had several recalls covering wiring, ignition, and other items, and confirm all are closed.
- Check the electronics and Uconnect system on modern cars, and verify the active grille shutters and other Fiat-derived components function.
How to Choose
Match the Dart to your goals. For a genuine collectible Mopar muscle car with real performance and appreciating value, the 1968-1969 GTS is the answer, followed by the Swinger 340 as a lighter, more affordable alternative. For cheap, dependable classic ownership, nothing beats a 225 slant-six sedan, which is simple, durable, and inexpensive to maintain.
Early-1960s GT and full-size Darts appeal to buyers who prize distinctive vintage styling. Among modern cars, target a 2015-2016 2.4L Tigershark with the conventional automatic for the best balance of reliability and value, and steer clear of the 1.4T DDCT unless its service history is documented.
In every case, prioritize rust-free bodies on classics and closed recalls on modern cars.
FAQ
Which Dodge Dart years should I avoid? Be most cautious with the 2013 Dart equipped with the 1.4L turbo and the dual-dry-clutch (DDCT) automated manual transmission, which drew the most reliability complaints. The base 2.0L 2013 cars are also underpowered. Among classics, avoid heavily rusted unibody cars regardless of year.
What is the most reliable Dodge Dart engine? The 225 cubic-inch slant-six from the classic era is legendary for durability, regularly exceeding 200,000 miles with basic care. Among modern engines, the 2.4L Tigershark paired with the conventional six-speed automatic is the most dependable choice.
Is the classic Dodge Dart a good investment? The performance variants can be. The 1968-1969 GTS, Swinger 340, and Demon 340 have appreciated and remain collectible, especially documented numbers-matching cars. Slant-six sedans are inexpensive and unlikely to appreciate much, but they are cheap, reliable classics to enjoy.
Why did the modern Dodge Dart get discontinued? The 2013-2016 Dart sold below Fiat-Chrysler's expectations in a shrinking compact-car market, and quality complaints, especially around the DDCT transmission, hurt its reputation. FCA ended production in 2016 to focus on more profitable SUVs and trucks.
Bottom Line
The Dodge Dart spans two distinct eras, and choosing well means knowing which one you want. The 1968-1969 GTS is the best overall pick, a true collectible Mopar muscle car, while the durable 225 slant-six sedan offers the best value for affordable classic ownership. The Swinger 340 bridges performance and price beautifully.
Among modern cars, a 2015-2016 2.4L Tigershark with the conventional automatic is the safest buy, and the 1.4T DDCT should be approached carefully. Inspect classics for rust and modern cars for closed recalls, and the Dart rewards you.
Sources
- Wikipedia Dodge Dart classic and modern generations and specifications, en.wikipedia.org
- NHTSA recall database for Dodge Dart by model year, nhtsa.gov
- Hagerty classic Dodge Dart valuation and buyer guides, hagerty.com
- Edmunds Dodge Dart (2013-2016) reviews and used-car appraisals, edmunds.com
- Kelley Blue Book Dodge Dart used values by model year, kbb.com
- Car and Driver Dodge Dart road tests and reviews, caranddriver.com