Best 2013 compact cars under $20,000: 2013 Dodge Dart

With a starting price of $15,995, and styling, technology and performance shared with corporate sibling Alfa Romeo, you can’t beat the 2013 Dodge Dart. Even fully loaded, with the award-winning 1.4 liter MultiAir Turbo, this spirited compact is under $23,000. That engine, by the way, was developed by another Chrysler sibling, Fiat.

The 2013 Dodge Dart competes in the largest and consumer car segment in the United States, the compact car segment, which represents approximately 15 percent of the new car market, and growing, as manufacturers like Chrysler pack more safety and comfort features into an affordable package. Plus fuel economy.

Even the basic $15,995 model includes as standard equipment these class-leading safety features: 10 standard air bags, four wheel disc anti-lock brakes, brake assist, electronic stability control (ESC) and traction control and LED taillamps. The interior features a premium soft-touch instrument panel with bright accents, six-way manual driver seat with height adjuster, unique ‘Denim’ cloth seats, power windows, AM/FM CD with MP3 and much more. Plus, all 2013 Dodge Dart models come with a five-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

And, it’s built in the USA, in Chrysler’s factory in Belvedere, Illinois.

Here’s what you get for each trim level, and the MSRP starting price:

2013 Dodge Dart SE – $15,995 – It’s powered by the new 2.0-liter 16-valve Tigershark I-4 engine, which produces a best-in-class standard 160 horsepower (hp) and 148 lb.-ft. of torque, mated to a six-speed manual transmission, or available six-speed automatic.

2013 Dodge Dart SXT – $17,995 – The standard equipment of the SE model, as well as 17-inch aluminum wheels; power body-color mirrors and door locks; remote keyless entry; six-speakers; security alarm, 60/40 split folding rear seat, sliding armrest; air conditioning with micron filter and more. Owners can customize their SXT with a wide array of options, including the class-exclusive 8.4-inch touch screen, Garmin navigation, in-seat storage, rear backup camera, power sunroof and a 506-watt sound system.

2013 Dodge Dart Rallye – $18,995 – Rallye includes the standard equipment of the SXT model and also adds the following to create a one-of-a-kind look: unique black front fascia accents; black headlamp bezels; projector fog lamps; class-exclusive integrated dual exhaust with bright exhaust tips; leather-wrapped steering wheel; speed control; steering wheel audio controls; trip computer and more. Rallye customers can further express themselves with class-exclusive Hyper Black wheels or the powerful efficiency of the 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo delivering 160 horsepower and an impressive 184 lb.-ft. of torque.

2013 Dodge Dart Limited – $19,995 – Limited includes the standard equipment of the Dart SXT and adds unique bright grille and door handles; 8.4-inch Uconnect touch screen with rear backup camera; class-exclusive 7-inch TFT (Thin Film Transistor) reconfigurable instrument cluster display; projector fog lamps; 10-way power driver seat; automatic headlamps; active grille shutters; premium Nappa leather with heated steering wheel, Garmin navigation, rear cross path detection and polished aluminum wheels.

2013 Dodge Dart R/T – : $22,495 – This top-of-the-line model pays homage to the heritage of the R/T badge beloved by the performance enthusiast. It’s powered by the new 2.4-liter Tigershark MultiAir 2 4-cylinder that produces an impressive 184 horsepower and 171 lb.-ft. of torque, in your choice of a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic with AutoStick. Plus, you get sporty 18-inch aluminum wheels; sport suspension with frequency-sensing damping shocks; distinctive performance front fascia with black accents and black grille; black headlamp bezels; dual exhausts; Nappa perforated leather seats; heated seats and class-exclusive heated steering wheel, and more. Keyless entry, HID headlamps and a 506-watt sound system are options.

The 2013 Dodge Dart competes against another compact with European roots, the Ford Focus.

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