Chrysler brings back the Dodge Dart

Most people don't know or care.



Actually…no. This is one of the things the American automakers have consistently screwed up completely. What's Dodge's entry-level car? Why, it's the Dart! No, wait, the Aspen!, No, it's the Colt! No, the Aries! The Shadow! The Neon! The Caliber!

Meanwhile, Honda have built decades of brand equity and owner loyalty with the Civic and Accord nameplates. Toyota have done likewise with the Corolla and Camry. Today's Civic, Accord, Camry, and Corolla have nothing in common but make and model names, but they're still perennial top sellers. Most people who buy one of them buy another one. And another one. And another, and another, then give that one to their kid who finishes it off and buys another. Yet this lesson is lost on the American companies, who usually throw away whatever brand equity they've managed to build and start all over again from scratch every time. Almost as if they're embarrassed at their previous effort. Almost as if they want people to forget.



Agreed! You can buy such a car from Ford…in Australia. It's called the Falcon.



Take a look at BMW's market share -- or lack thereof.



'cuz that's where the money is.

You make some good points Dan, but you kinda reiterated the problem... and that's the equity upon nameplates... I'm sure Dodge has *some* equity in the 'Avenger' nameplate.... Which has been an economic FWD sedan with charger style cues (current style). Why not really make a name for the Avenger with this new model, and save the Dart name for something that has ALWAYS been a RWD car?

The enthusiasts have more brand loyalty than anyone, and if they are happy, then everyone's happy.