Dodge Dart SE or Chevy Cruze LT1?

[Silverado12]

Been thinking about a used, low mileage car and trying to decide. Dart is a little cheaper. I can get a 2015 used with 10K miles for $13,000. My mother in law and sister both have a Cruze LT, so I'm familiar with this model. I really like the Dart, but is it as good as the Cruze? I sat in one and it has decent room, but that's about all I know about it. Any opinions appreciated. These are the only two I'm going to pick from, as I've heard that the Dart had issues with the autoshift trans and multi-air is new technology that I don't want to experiment with on the higher end models.

 

[NHGUY]

I would go with a base Dart 2.0/manual.Then you don't need to fear the FIAT turbo engine or the automatics.

 

[pbm]

I didn't have good luck with my turbo Cruze (traded in due to coolant loss/odor which GM refused to acknowledge or fix).

The non-turbo Cruze 1.8 has a timing belt so I wouldn't go there.

I don't know enough about the Dart to recommend it.

I love my 2014 Focus but it's an M/T (many have complained about the A/T versions which may be fixed by now).

 

[sciphi]

I'd say Cruze. 122k miles on mine with few issues. Mainly water pumps that GM's fixed under warranty. The interior has held up well. The leather wraps on the steering wheel and shift knob have been very good, and the buttons I use daily show little wear.

Lordstown has been pumping them out at about 20,000 cars a month for ~5 years, so production issues should be pretty well ironed out by now. In the event that there is an issue, dealer techs are pretty intimately familiar with them at this point. The Dart hasn't been produced in anywhere that quantity.

 

[carbon12]

I own a 2011 Cruze LT 1.4 turbo. Bought with 7000 miles on it. Have 142000 on it now. I like the car. Would buy another one. The only thing I really don't like is that a spare tire is not included. You get a 12V air compressor and a can of fix a flat in its place but I would rather have the spare tire though.

 

[ram_man]

They're both decent cars. I see several cruzes come in to the shop with oil leaks though I'm starting to notice a trend as far as that goes.
I've driven both extensively and own a dart and I can honestly say there isn't a comparison the dart looks better rides better feels better built ect. The dart definitely handles better the cruzes suspension is kinda antiquated. The dart is also easier to work on imo. I've yet to see a dart trans issue I've heard of the issues but never seen one personally I think it's hyped up more than the reality actually is. Anything dual clutch is a gamble imo. The focuses a/t is terrible where as the dart you can opt to get a regular auto transmission or a manual.
The dart is an awesome car especially for the price. I'd buy it all over again. I've driven plenty of cruzes at work and everyone makes me think wow I'm glad I bought the dart it's such a better vehicle.

 

[stephen9666]

I test drove both the Dart and Cruze and was unimpressed with the driving dynamics of the Dart with a 2.0 and manual. It didn't seem like a bad car, it just wasn't overall as good as the Cruze, in my opinion.

I personally don't agree with Ram Man above. I liked the Cruze better. The manual trans is better in the Cruze and overall the driving dynamics and ride in the Cruze are good.

I went with a Cruze Eco with the 1.4T and a manual. It's not perfect, but I got a lot of car for my money buying used thanks to American car depreciation.

How do the back seat sizes compare? The Cruze back seat is its big downfall. I don't see how the Dart's back seat could be smaller than the Cruze. The new 2016 Cruze has a bigger back seat.

 

[Nick1994]

I'd go for the Cruze. If it's the same 2.0L that they put in the new Jeep Patriots then it is the slowest car I have ever driven, I suspect even the 2.0L Plymouth Breeze in my family is faster. My Camry is like a rocket ship compared to it.

 

[ET16]

The Dart is more stylish; I'd buy the Dart over the Cruze.

 

[mattwithcats]

Can't speak about the Dart, but my Dad has a 12 Cruze...

Change the oil when the OLM reads 25%, it's tough on oil...
A/C is weak, fan is noisy.
Early versions had problems with thermostats and water pumps,

Other than this, nice, smooth shifting, quiet car.

 

[Shrubitup]

Different car but I rented a Cobalt once. Yikes. Complete P.O.S.

 

[Gasbuggy]

I would go Civic Si.

 

[ram_man]

Originally Posted By: Nick1994
I'd go for the Cruze. If it's the same 2.0L that they put in the new Jeep Patriots then it is the slowest car I have ever driven, I suspect even the 2.0L Plymouth Breeze in my family is faster. My Camry is like a rocket ship compared to it.


Not sure if it is or not honestly but mines not slow , it's not a race car but it's definitely faster than a Chevy Cruze by quite a bit really the only car in the class I've driven that was faster was the focus and it wasn't but a tick faster mostly because it's lighter. But it didn't handle as good either. O my dart is also faster than any Camry I've driven though I haven't driven a newer one.

 

[mehullica]

I wouldn't buy either one.

 

[itguy08]

Cruze. Will be better off long term than any Chrysler product. Dart typically brigs up the rear in comparisons.

http://www.caranddriver.com/flipbook/sma...b&dom=fb#21

#19 out of 20 is the Dart.

And Chrysler "quality" definitely brings up the rear in the overwhelming dependability rankings.

 

[dishdude]

I don't think you can go wrong with either, since you're buying used it's nice to have multiple models you are interested in - it expands your options and gives you a better chance of finding a good deal.

 

[Shrubitup]

Originally Posted By: itguy08
Cruze. Will be better off long term than any Chrysler product. Dart typically brigs up the rear in comparisons.

http://www.caranddriver.com/flipbook/sma...b&dom=fb#21

#19 out of 20 is the Dart.

And Chrysler "quality" definitely brings up the rear in the overwhelming dependability rankings.


Well, there is that I suppose.

 

[SwampSurvivor]

The Neon engine is different than the Patriot / Compass. I was mistaken thinking that it was the same engine as well; the owners manual lists timing belt change so I assumed it was the Neon engine.

The Patriot / Compass engine is *kind of* related to what shows up in the dart as the 2.4L ... just with a few more goodies added.

 

[dishdude]

I am fairly certain the Neon engine was retired when the last PT Cruiser rolled off the assembly line.

The Dart 2.0 and 2.4 (and Patriot/Compass variants) have the World Engine that was part of the Chrysler/Hyundai/Mitsubishi collaboration.

 

[Nick1994]

Originally Posted By: Miller88
The Neon engine is different than the Patriot / Compass. I was mistaken thinking that it was the same engine as well; the owners manual lists timing belt change so I assumed it was the Neon engine.

The Patriot / Compass engine is *kind of* related to what shows up in the dart as the 2.4L ... just with a few more goodies added.
Yeah the Dart also comes with a 2.0L. Ram_Man has one.