Stellantis Sells Six ‘Zombie’ Dodge Darts Nearly a Decade After Production Ended

Stellantis has managed to move six brand-new Dodge Darts during the third quarter of 2025, despite the compact sedan being discontinued nine years ago. The unlikely sales represent a 500% increase compared to the same period last year when only one unit sold.

Old Stock Finally Finds Buyers

The mystery vehicles likely spent years gathering dust in dealer storage lots or forgotten corners of inventory yards. These particular Darts rolled off the assembly line at Belvidere, Illinois, back when Barack Obama was still president and production officially ceased in September 2016.

Originally priced around $20,000 when new, the Dart was Dodge’s attempt to compete in the compact car segment. Built on an Alfa Romeo platform with four-cylinder engines, it never achieved the sales success the company hoped for.

Company of Dead Cars

The Dart isn’t alone among Stellantis’ zombie vehicle sales this quarter. Dealers also moved 13 leftover Dodge Journeys and eight Grand Caravans, both discontinued after the 2020 model year.

Additionally, Fiat managed to sell two 500L models that have been dead since 2020. These unexpected sales highlight how discontinued inventory can linger for years before finding buyers, though how long does it take to buy a car typically doesn’t involve nearly decade-old new vehicles.

Brief Production Run

During its short lifespan from 2012 to 2016, Dodge sold approximately 300,289 Darts in the United States. The nameplate revival honored classic Dart muscle cars from the 1960s and 70s, though the modern version focused on fuel efficiency rather than performance.

Former FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne later called both the Dart and Chrysler 200 “the least financially rewarding enterprises” the company had undertaken. Despite commercial disappointment, the car maintains a small but loyal following among owners who appreciate its comfort and distinctive styling.

The appearance of these vehicles in 2025 sales reports raises questions about what other discontinued models might still be hiding in dealer inventories across the country. For now, six fortunate buyers have secured what are essentially brand-new classic cars from the Obama era.