| Dodge Division
Chrysler Corporation Detroit, Michigan |
| Engine |
275-hp, 340
cu. in V-8 |
| Transmission |
3-speed automatic |
| Steering |
Power-assisted |
| Suspension |
Heavy-duty |
| Brakes |
Drum F, Drum R |
Check
list |
| Engine |
| Throttle Response |
Very
Good |
| Noise Insulation |
Good |
| Drive
train |
| Shift Linkage |
Good |
| Shift Smoothness |
Good |
| Steering |
| Effort |
Very
Good |
| Response |
Very
Good |
| Handling |
| Predictability |
Very
Good |
| Evasive Maneuverability |
Very
Good |
| Brakes |
| Directional Stability |
Very
Good |
| Fade Resistance |
Very
Good |
| Interior |
| Ease of Entry/Exit |
Good |
| Driving Position |
Very
Good |
| Front Seating Comfort |
Excellent |
| Rear Seating Comfort |
Fair |
| General |
| Vision |
Good |
| Heater/ Defroster |
Very
Good |
| Weather Sealing |
Good |
| Trunk Space |
Good |
|
One of the company's
press releases describes the Dodge Dart GTS as a "smooth-handling,
corner-hugging roadgripper" which, apparently, means it's
pretty good. The Dart GTS is, in fact, a tough little machine
on curves and bends, thanks to springs and shocks that appear
to be as stiff as any in the industry, but about the only big
news involves a boffo trim package that includes, of all things,
a set of "power bulges'.' on the hood and "bold bumblebee
stripes" that wrap around the trunk. Yes, good things are
happening in Hamtramck. Unlike
the Barracuda, the Dodge boys have had to take the basically
unsporting Dart body shell and make it appear exciting.
The Dart is, and has been, an
ordinary, middle-of-the-road, compact Detroit sedan, but Dodge
has managed to inject it with enough romance so that its sales
have been one of the industry's big success stories.
With the new 340 cu. in. "baby
rumbleguts" engine on board, the Dart GTS becomes a fun
car to drive, just like its crosstown cousin, the Barracuda,
(which shares the same basic suspension and engine setups).
The body shape is pretty, if
a bit boxy, and driver comfort is excellent, despite an immense
steering wheel. It's a neat, wellexecuted car, bumblebee stripes
not withstanding. |
