Topic: thoughts?

[Noto]

have not heard anything negative.

seriously?  Haven't you heard anything I've written !!   

jogrady3, if your requirements are economical transport that's still fun to drive, you really can't beat the Mazda3.  While I think the value-leader is either the Corolla or the Civic, the Mazda3 is an excellent car so long as you find the front seats comfortable.

Personally, I'm not a fan of the Dart for a number of reasons, but mostly because it's just not even remotely more fun to drive than a Corolla, and the thing is huge as far as a compact is concerned.

Also add into the mix the Impreza - it's decently fun to throw around, and the AWD will be helpful during winters. 

As for your concern for safety, you can consider this:
http://www.iihs.org/iihs/ratings/v/class-summary/small-cars

The more I think about it, I would say the Mazda 3 is your best bet.

[tooscoops]

i think one thing we need to know... what do you consider "still fun to drive"?

are you saying, just make it over 100hp?... or has a good stereo to cruise with?... or which one can hold more cases of beer?... or which one can i bring more of my friends to the campsite?.. or which one has the best handling dynamics?

because if it's the latter... mazda3 is a great choice. if it's a whole combo of all of that stuff without a strong "racing" feel... the dart is decent. plus the fact that the original poster brought it up, they must like the styling.

[rrocket]

I think for many...the question is: What's the best bang for my buck?  In that regards...the Dart is not it.

[tooscoops]

true... unless there is some reason not to get the front runners in this category, the dart is just another option.

...that one that i sold... was a factory employee that wasn't going to buy anything that wasn't chryco.

though it's nothing exciting... it's a car that i wouldn't have a problem selling to a friend/family..

..... as long as i get to etch it and put nitro in those tires!

[Bubba]

I think for many...the question is: What's the best bang for my buck?  In that regards...the Dart is not it.

The only Dart I'd buy.   

[Noto]

nah, she shouldn't buy that one - it can't handle for sh!t

...and it has poor sightlines.  Forester for the win!   

[Seafoam]

I think for many...the question is: What's the best bang for my buck?  In that regards...the Dart is not it.

The only Dart I'd buy.   

I didn't know the Dart had a Hemi option.

[dirtyjeffer]

i find tooscoops to be pretty honest...

Unless we're talking about nitrogen and other "value added" stuff he sells to his customers...

tooscoops is in sales...it is the "business office" that pushes the add ons.

[dirtyjeffer]

..... as long as i get to etch it and put nitro in those tires!

[rrocket]

i find tooscoops to be pretty honest...

Unless we're talking about nitrogen and other "value added" stuff he sells to his customers...

tooscoops is in sales...it is the "business office" that pushes the add ons.

You've clearly missed the thread(s) on this topic...

Read up and be horrified http://www.autos.ca/forum/index.php/topic,66176.0.html

[dirtyjeffer]

i find tooscoops to be pretty honest...

Unless we're talking about nitrogen and other "value added" stuff he sells to his customers...

tooscoops is in sales...it is the "business office" that pushes the add ons.

You've clearly missed the thread(s) on this topic...

Read up and be horrified http://www.autos.ca/forum/index.php/topic,66176.0.html

well, the add on sales are usually done by the business office...smaller dealerships may operate slightly different.

[Noto]

Ron, tooscoops just wants to be friends.

[rrocket]

Ron, tooscoops just wants to be friends.

I like him.  I plan to visit his dealership some day...

[Noto]

I just wanted an excuse to use that picture.

[dirtyjeffer]

ummm...what is that manatee doing to that shark?

[Noto]

Maybe it's a hug?  Maybe it's biting.  Maybe it's a love nibble.  I guess we'll never know.   

[blotter]

starting to see plenty of Darts around here.

i'm still impressed with how well Chrysler has come along.

the dart is nice, interior is pretty darn nice too and you can arguy there's nothing better than the U-Connect.
I'm clueless on reliability though.   Our local dealer's service debt is a huge turn off. 

[Solstice2006]

starting to see plenty of Darts around here.

i'm still impressed with how well Chrysler has come along.

the dart is nice, interior is pretty darn nice too and you can arguy there's nothing better than the U-Connect.
I'm clueless on reliability though.   Our local dealer's service debt is a huge turn off.

I have seen more Mazda6 than Dodge Darts.  I am pretty disappointed in Chrysler, never really had high hopes for them to begin with.  Only one I kinda respect is Jeep, especially if you use it for what it's built for. 

The sales of their cars aren't doing very well, the Dart, the new gen 200 just came out (previous wasn't very good).  The Journey looks almost the same as a Grand Caravan, which has the Town & Country as an overlap.  And the Promaster is the ugliest commercial vehicle on wheels.  The Nissan is a beauty compared to that thing. 

Yes the Uconnect is good, but I never had a problem with the simple dials on the older models, KISS....

[EV-Light]

starting to see plenty of Darts around here.

i'm still impressed with how well Chrysler has come along.

the dart is nice, interior is pretty darn nice too and you can arguy there's nothing better than the U-Connect.
I'm clueless on reliability though.   Our local dealer's service debt is a huge turn off.

I have seen more Mazda6 than Dodge Darts.  I am pretty disappointed in Chrysler, never really had high hopes for them to begin with.  Only one I kinda respect is Jeep, especially if you use it for what it's built for. 

The sales of their cars aren't doing very well, the Dart, the new gen 200 just came out (previous wasn't very good).  The Journey looks almost the same as a Grand Caravan, which has the Town & Country as an overlap.  And the Promaster is the ugliest commercial vehicle on wheels.  The Nissan is a beauty compared to that thing. 

Yes the Uconnect is good, but I never had a problem with the simple dials on the older models, KISS....

I rarely see Darts...I see lots of Corollas, Fusions, Civics in the areas I frequently drive. The ratio is absurd, like 30 Corollas / 1 Dart, if not more...because I don't remember the last time I saw one

[tooscoops]

i'm more of a narwhal than a manatee thank you very much... the unicorn of the sea, rather than a sea cow.