The Resilient Dodge Dart: A “Zombie” Car That Won’t Die

In a surprising twist, Stellantis (FCA US, LLC) sold yet another Dodge Dart during the third quarter of 2024, despite the compact sedan being out of production for eight years. Once considered a failed experiment in Dodge’s lineup, the Dart has defied all odds to maintain its presence in the market, albeit in very small numbers. This “zombie” car refuses to fade away completely, with at least one unit sold each year since production officially ceased in 2016.

The story behind the Dart’s lingering sales is a curious one. While most discontinued models quickly vanish from dealership lots, the Dart appears to have been forgotten or overlooked in dealership corners. It’s not the first time Stellantis has sold a “dead” vehicle, as someone managed to buy a brand-new Dodge Viper earlier this year, despite the V10 American supercar being out of production since 2017. However, the fact that someone was willing to buy this long-dormant car shows that the Dart still has a few loyal fans—or simply a dealer desperate to clear out old inventory.

The Dodge Dart was initially introduced in 2012 as the brand’s answer to the growing demand for compact sedans. Built on the FCA Compact US Wide architecture, the Dart shared some DNA with the Alfa Romeo Giulietta. Despite a well-thought-out platform and an attractive price point, the Dart struggled to find its footing in a highly competitive market. Dodge built the last Dart in September 2016 at its Belvidere Assembly Plant in Illinois, which also produced the Jeep® Compass and Patriot. The decision to end Dart production came as Fiat Chrysler Automobiles shifted its focus toward more popular crossover vehicles.

2012 to 2024 Dodge Dart U.S. Sales Data

Though sales numbers rapidly dropped after 2016, the Dart has stubbornly stayed in the sales charts, thanks to dealerships managing to offload one or two units each year. In 2023, Stellantis reported selling three Darts, and this year, another one managed to leave the dealership. It’s likely that these Darts are base models, and considering their age, buyers have likely secured significant discounts.

As for Stellantis’ current lineup, the company has notably moved away from budget-friendly sedans. The discontinuation of the Dart left the Jeep® Compass as the only Stellantis vehicle available for under $30,000, with only the Compass Sport and Compass Latitude trims fitting that price point (but, just barely). This lack of affordable new vehicles from Dodge and its sibling brands is becoming more noticeable as car prices soar. According to Kelley Blue Book (KBB), the average price of a new vehicle in July 2024 was over $48,000, a significant jump from the Dart’s original starting price of around $19,000 in 2016.

This lingering affordability issue in Stellantis’ lineup comes at a time when other automakers, such as General Motors (GM) and Ford, are finding success with affordable options like the Chevrolet Trax and Ford Maverick. These budget-friendly models have captured their market segments, leaving Stellantis without a strong contender in the under-$30,000 category.

In the end, the Dodge Dart’s enduring presence, despite its failure to meet sales expectations, is a testament to the car’s unique position in automotive history. While the compact sedan may not have succeeded during its production run, it has earned a sort of cult status as one of the last survivors in a shrinking category of budget-friendly cars. Whether we’ll see another new Dart sold in 2025 remains to be seen, but for now, the Dart’s surprising longevity continues to intrigue.