[SouthPawXJ]

Sounds good to me. I will buy one if they make it.


Emphasis on WILL, SHALL or otherwise AM GOING TO.

I would purchase one as well, just not right away.

We're trying to get to a three-car situation (fuel efficient commuter for me, minivan for the wife and her business, and either a "fun" vehicle or a truck (also can be fun)). I use the space in my Jeep quite often, and dropping back to a sedan would be a difficult adjustment (I had a Honda Fit before the Cherokee, and it was suprisingly cavernous and quite fuel efficient). A hatchback Dart would give me some of the flexibility with a more fuel efficient ride (looking at 16 MPG regularly, hand calculated with the Cherokee).

 

[SouthPawXJ]

Oh! Then you are a perfect candidate for the KL.
Seriously!

I hear ya... However, I'm one of those who likes clearly defined boundaries. If I'm getting a Jeep, I wouldn't be getting one necessarily for fuel economy (read: I love having the capability).

I don't care for the looks of the KL other than the Trailhawk, and that would possibly defeat the purpose of getting a fuel efficient car (haven't announced fuel economy numbers for the trailhawk yet that I have seen). We've looked at a Patriot/Compass before, but I would be VERY tempted to get the "trail-rated" one, and that would be purpose defeating fuel economy wise (20/23 MPG). Basically, I have a lack of self-control when it comes to vehicle capability in Jeeps.

I like the look of Hatchbacks as well. The Dart also appears to be the most fun compact on the market (I haven't driven one to see, but that's the jist of what I gather from what people say).

Other than the Honda being somewhat emasculating to drive (although somewhat fun to drive), it was a great little car. Put 72,000 miles on it in 3 years driving all over the midwest. Highway mileage was phenomenal (mid-high 30s by hand calcs, 41 on one particular trip where I drove more "maturely" ) and average driving for me (~7 miles to work one way, mostly highway, and wherever else) I would get right at 30. If Dodge had something at least somewhat comparable to the Fit (a compact 5 door), with the typical Dodge flair for "sporty", they'd have a real winner.