Dodge Dart History
Catalog record
This is a brief catalog introduction with limited source documentation. A licensed, identity-checked lead photograph has not yet been added for this page. Detailed year, configuration and ownership coverage must be identified separately; this page is not a complete vehicle catalog.
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Model history available. Detailed year guides are not published for this model.
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The Dart debuted for 1960 as a full-size, then mid-size, car before settling into the compact A-body class from 1963. Across the 1960s–70s it became one of Dodge's best-sellers and a budget-muscle favorite via the GTS, the Swinger, and the 1971–72 Demon.
The original Dart ended after 1976. The name returned for 2013 on an all-new compact sedan built on a Fiat-derived (CUSW/PF) platform, but it sold below expectations and was discontinued after 2016.
Generations
First generation · Full-size
Launched as a lower-priced full-size Dodge.
1961 Photo: “File:1961 Dodge Dart Phoenix (27215721174).jpg” by Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 2.0. Cropped to 16:9.
Second generation · Mid-size
A one-year downsized mid-size Dart.
Third generation · A-body compact
Moved to the compact A-body platform.
Fourth generation · A-body compact (long-run)
The long-running compact A-body; home of the GTS, the Swinger, and the 1971–72 Demon.
Fifth generation · PF (Fiat-based revival)
An all-new compact sedan on a Fiat-derived (CUSW/PF) platform; discontinued after 2016.
Body styles
- Sedan
- Coupe
- Hardtop
- Convertible
- Wagon
Notable special editions & performance variants
Dart GTS
Performance A-body Dart with big-block/high-output V8 power (383, plus a 1969-only 440). Source note: HowStuffWorks / autoevolution — Dart GTS ran MY1968–1969.
Demon
Sporty fastback A-body Dart (the Demon name, later controversial, was dropped).
Swinger
Popular two-door hardtop Dart trim.
Related models
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