2013 Dodge Dart SXT test drive review. Economy with history

The Dodge Dart has been a part of the American Automotive scene for more than 50 years.  But the nameplate disappeared from Dodge showrooms for 36 of them.  Now, after that long hiatus, the Dart is back.  I recently had the opportunity to spend a week with a 2013 Dart SXT Special Edition.  And even though I’ve always been a fan of big cars with big engines, I now have a better appreciation for the benefits of a small, economical sedan.  Let’s take a brief look at the history of the Dodge Dart in general, and specifically at my Bright Silver Metallic test car.

2012 Chevrolet Volt test drive review. Today's car of the future

Do you ever look back at all the wild concept cars of the 1950s and ‘60s and imagine what it would be like to relive that excitement? The beautiful shapes and outrageous ideas often predicted a future that never came.

For example, in 1958, Ford offered the Nucleon Concept—a car that was supposed to be powered by a nuclear reactor. In 1953, General Motors offered Harley Earl’s radically styled Firebird I Concept, which looked like a jet airplane and ran off of a turbine engine. Chrysler really took the turbine thing to new levels with the 1963 Turbine Cars, which could run on tequila, among other things.

The 2012 North American International Auto Show draws attention from all over the world. Photos and coverage from the NAIAS floor in Detroit

When you think about all the old cars that we normally look at here, do you ever wonder if today's cars will be looked upon in the same way in 40, 50, 60 years? What are tomorrow's classics? What will people be driving to the local car cruises?

One of the biggest new car shows in the world is held every January in Detroit, Mich., where the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) previews the newest and hottest offerings from most of the major auto makers. The actual show doesn't even open until next weekend, but I was there this week for the exclusive media preview days, and I brought back pictures and news straight from Detroit's huge COBO Hall.