Dodge Dart Lives on? Six ‘New’ Models Sold Despite 2016 Discontinuation

Stellantis surprises with sales of long-discontinued Dodge Darts, proving old inventory can still find buyers.

It may sound impossible, but six Dodge Darts were sold in the third quarter of 2025, despite the compact sedan being discontinued nearly a decade ago after the 2016 model year. Stellantis’ recent sales report revealed these unusual transactions, highlighting how rare “zombie cars”—vehicles long out of production—still manage to find new owners.

A Blast from the Past
The Dodge Dart first launched as a modern compact car in 2013, sharing its platform with Alfa Romeo models and offering four-cylinder engines. Unlike its 1960s and ’70s predecessors, which were often equipped with V8s and considered muscle cars, the modern Dart was designed for efficiency and affordability, starting at around $20,000. The recent sales raise questions about pricing and discounts on inventory that’s sat for years.

Other Zombie Cars on the List
The Dart wasn’t the only discontinued model to appear in Stellantis’ sales figures. The Dodge Grand Caravan and Journey, both retired after 2020, sold eight and 13 units, respectively. Even Fiat moved two new 500L vehicles—also discontinued in 2020. These sales demonstrate that leftover inventory can linger and still appeal to buyers willing to snap up a new car from older stock.

Why These Sales Happen
Automakers occasionally have vehicles that sit in dealer lots for years, often due to overproduction, cancellations, or slow-moving inventory. While rare, the sale of these long-discontinued models highlights the quirks of automotive logistics and the occasional luck of a buyer getting a new car at a potentially steep discount.

The Future of Zombie Cars
Stellantis may not be the only automaker seeing ghostly sales of older models, but it certainly stands out for its ability to move “dead” inventory. Whether the Dart, Caravan, or Journey, these vehicles prove that even discontinued cars can find new homes—and that one man’s old stock is another’s brand-new ride.