A few days ago Dodge announced the return of the Dodge Dart, to be unveiled at this years North American International Auto Show. It's interesting that the original "Dart" was a Chrysler show vehicle build by Ghia in 1956. The Dart would later go into production in 1960 and during it's life go from a full-size, to mid-size, to compact. By today's standards, that "compact" would be more on level with today's mid size car. This round, the Dart will be revived as a front wheel drive, 4 cylinder, sub-compact car. A shame really, as I was hoping for something on par with the Dodge Dart I remember. Not that the few sneak peeks of the car I've seen are all that bad. It is actually looking like a good looking car, sharing the Dodge Chargers rear lights. Though why resurrect a car's name that is obviously not from the same gene pool.
All too often car makers seem to bring back names, hoping to build upon a known tradition, when a car shares little with it's heritage. Just to name a few, Ford's 500, Chevy's Monte Carlo, Chevy's Impala (not the 1991-1996, which lived up to the reputation in my opinion), and a few others that slip my mind. While the Dodge Charger has a couple extra doors, I think it has represented the Charger lineage well, especially in a market that overwhelmingly prefers 4 doors, to my dismay. I think automakers just need to put a little more thought into naming a vehicle before slapping them on undeserving cars. Remember the Charger of the 1980's? Enough said.
Motor Authority: 2013 Dodge Dar to Return 40 mpg, offer 9 speed auto
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