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2012 Dodge Dart Specs - Exterior and Interior Dimensions
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TrueDelta Reviews the Seat Room and Comfort of the 2012 Dodge Dart
| 2012 Dodge Dart Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
| Year | Comment | |
| The Dart's generous size pays few dividends in its back seat, where legroom, though a bit more abundant than in the Focus, is in shorter supply than inside some other smaller, lighter competitors. The average adult will fit behind the average adult with a little room to spare. The seat itself isn't quite as comfortable as the higher, larger, better-shaped cushion in the Focus. see full Dodge Dart review | ||
What Our Members Are Saying about the Seat Room and Comfort of the 2012 Dodge Dart
| 2012 Dodge Dart Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2013 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 160hp 1.4L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD |
There is plenty enough room for me. My 6'5" friend is comfortable sitting in my Dart and says there is more leg and head room than his Corvette. I'd say this is a big plus for perspective buyers. see full Dodge Dart review |
| 2013 | 4dr Sedan 160-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Very comfortable seats in the Rallye package. see full Dodge Dart review |
| 2013 | 4dr Sedan 160-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Very large backseat for class. see full Dodge Dart review |
| 2013 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 160hp 1.4L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Seats are comfortable for long periods even in the base Aero. Various models have different headrest designs, some better and worse. Nice ergonomics, generally. see full Dodge Dart review |
TrueDelta Reviews the Powertrain of the 2012 Dodge Dart
| 2012 Dodge Dart Powertrain: Cons | ||
| Year | Comment | |
| Dodge's solution to the 2.0's fuel economy issues: an optional 1.4-liter turbocharged engine that's EPA rated 27/37 when paired with a six-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission (DCT). The 1.4T is also quicker. Both engines have the same maximum output, but the 1.4T has a much plumper midrange (peak torque of 184 lb-ft at 2,500 rpm vs. 148 lb-ft at 4,600 rpm). But, before spending the extra $1,300, test drive the Dart with both engines. Last summer I drove a Dart 1.4T with a six-speed manual and found the engine soft below 3,000 rpm, sluggish to respond, and generally a poor match for a car that otherwise aspires to be luxurious. I haven't driven the 1.4T with the DCT, but other reviewers haven't been kind, criticizing it as clunky. The 2.0-liter engine might not be as quick as the 1.4T, but it is smoother and much more in keeping with the Dart Limited's character. Frankly, I didn't even mind its performance, the presence of this topic in the "why not" list notwithstanding. Yes, the Dart 2.0 can't get to 60 as quickly as most competitors. But it's not often necessary to get to 60 in well under 10 seconds, and the engine doesn't sound strained when hustled. It helps that the conventional six-speed automatic transmission responds promptly and shifts smoothly. Personally, I'd take the $1,300 and put it towards gas. see full Dodge Dart review | ||
What Our Members Are Saying about the Powertrain of the 2012 Dodge Dart
| 2012 Dodge Dart Powertrain: Pros | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2013 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 160hp 1.4L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD |
The 1.4l turbo w/ DDCT is a great combo. Very efficient and reliable. see full Dodge Dart review |
| 2013 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 160hp 1.4L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD |
My first experience with the 6 speed manual that is an automatic. It takes a bit getting used to, but once you do; it is an enjoyable drive. The car moves along smartly with a slight European growl. It has the 1.4 Turbo, (regular gas) and the mileage looks nice as well. The information center gives you a running tally of the gas mileage and it is stating to me that we were getting 35 MPG on the highway at one point; but I will of course measure this over the long term. see full Dodge Dart review |
| 2013 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 160hp 1.4L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD |
The turbo does take getting used to for North American drivers used to 4, 6 or 8 normally aspirated engines. The Turbo lag is very manageable once you learn the quirks. see full Dodge Dart review |
| 2013 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 160hp 1.4L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
my 1.4 turbo took a bit to get used to, but once i did, i fell in love. its a fun car to drive daily that is good on gas but still has some pep when you want it. i think most people complain about the "lag" because they are not used to a small displacement turbo. my ONLY complaint is with the A/C on, you have to pay a bit more attention to revs off idle when pulling away. see full Dodge Dart review |
| 2013 | 4dr Sedan 160-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Even with the 2.0 liter engine, it has plenty of power. Auto transmission is very smooth shifting. see full Dodge Dart review |
| 2013 | 4dr Sedan 160-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
The 2.0L engine lugs and provides lazy performance at best. the 2.4L in the Dart GT wasn't available on the Limited when I bought mine and the GT didn't have the feature content I wanted. The 2.4L enigne is now standard and for a good reason, its the only one that provides a decent every day driving experience. In comparision the 2.0L in a 2013 Focus feels athletic and more than adequate. see full Dodge Dart review |
| 2013 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 160hp 1.4L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Powertrain is a definite mixed bag. Fuel economy ranges from around 27 (city driving, a/c on all the time) to 42 mpg (highway driving, light a/c), but is generally around 28-30 mixed with mildly aggressive driving (a/c wallops the mileage). Once the turbo kicks in it is very responsive. In second gears, no power below 2,000 rpm; in higher gears, need higher rpms to get any acceleration. Uneven acceleration, inconsistent launches. Fun when the turbo is working well; sometimes scary when you need power ?now?and I tend to act as though it has a poorly tuned carburetor and may bog on launch. A fun car to drive despite the balky clutch, sometimes sticky linkage, and unpredictable power curve. see full Dodge Dart review |
| 2012 Dodge Dart Powertrain: Cons | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2013 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 160hp 1.4L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
My only issue with powertrain performace was someodd bumpy-ness in the throttle response when taking off from a standing start. The sensation was similar to a misfire, but less severe. Harder acceleration tended to mask the sensation, but it was still there. Other than that, I was actually quite happy with the performance of the 1.4L turbo. see full Dodge Dart review |
| 2013 | 4dr Sedan 160-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Transmission is rough and plagued with issues. Transmission had to be flashed at 5,000 miles for lurching at low speeds. No when coasting downhill the transmission will shudder and car speed will increase. see full Dodge Dart review |
What Our Members Are Saying about the Tires of the 2012 Dodge Dart
| 2012 Dodge Dart Tires: Pros | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2013 | 4dr Sedan 160-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Kuhmo Solus tires are so so on dry pavement, tricky on rain and useless on snow. The higher end Darts need better tires than these for the price of the car. A Focus SE has Continental ContiContact tires which are good in all weather situations and last longer. My current car, the Charger has Michelins, Michelin makes superior tires, they belong on top trim level cars. see full Dodge Dart review |
| 2012 Dodge Dart Tires: Cons | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2013 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 160hp 1.4L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
the contipro tires that came on this from the factory wore out waaay too fast. see full Dodge Dart review |
2012 Dodge Dart MSRP and Invoice Prices
| Body | Trim | Base Price | Invoice | Destination |
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