Live thread: One week with a Dodge Hornet GT Plus

Wanna ride shotgun with the GRM crew?

Welcome to this week’s test vehicle, a Dodge Hornet GT Plus.

This is the second chance we’ve had to test out the gas-powered GT–a plug-in hybrid, the R/T, is also offered–so we’re eager to see how it handles daily driving duties.

In GT form, the Hornet makes 268 horsepower (on premium fuel) and  …

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Does it go around an autocross course on four wheels or three?

I love how Dodge raided the corporate dustbin of names from a defunct brand for their latest jellybean on wheels.  

Edit:  Can we also agree that 3 grilles is too many grilles?

I’m taking it to Orlando tonight–so an hour each way–so more to come in the morning. 

First impressions: Good size, plenty of power for its mission, but feels a bit nervous at highway speeds. 

They look really funny driving around on the smaller wheels and tires - what I'm guessing is the base model version.

In reply to David S. Wallens :

Interesting, my co-worker has the Alfa version as a loaner right now, and he said the same thing about driving on highway.

I don’t remember the Alfa feeling this way–or at least not this nervous. Not sure it’s a blown shock or the alignment settings but, yeah, a little tiring on the highway. (And I’m talking like the speed limit, not 90 mph.)

Let’s see how it does tonight. 

I see these Dodges on the road in quantities equal to the Nissan 400z.

But, this Dodge is supposed to be a mainstream/quantity offering??

In reply to John Welsh :

I've actually seen one on the road up here in N. Florida.  One more than i've seen of the Nissan (exactly 0)  Bigger than it looks in pictures, about Equinox sized.   It may be some time if never for it to displace all the Challengers and Chargers (and Journeys and Durangos) on the ground.. 

I just think its funny how Dodge is showing it in comercials with the Challenger and Charger to hype it as the next cool thing. Good luck with that.....

BlueInGreen - Jon said:

They look really funny driving around on the smaller wheels and tires - what I'm guessing is the base model version.

ZoomZoom

Here’s how ours looks.

My favorite thing on the Hornet: the Mercedes-like roller control for radio volume. I know, it’s the little things.

The door switches also had an upmarket feel to them–just a commanding click. 

How long before these invade rental fleets and I start recognizing them as lost ass tourists? 

I could sit behind myself, too. Felt like I was sitting a tick higher than the front seat occupants.

Do those vents on the hood actually do anything? 

Yep, they do.

In reply to John Welsh :

YTD Sales for the Hornet: 4350.

That's more than 3000 units over the Z.

What's even more interesting?

Dodge's number 1 seller doesn't have a 2024 model - the Charger - which has sold 63,647 units so far this year.

Not a fan at all of the rock-hard door caps. Steel would have been a relief here. A deal-killer for me. 

But, yeah, felt a little nervous on the highway. Alignment? Dampers? Tire pressures were even all around, and our tester had the 20-inch Michelins (and red calipers) that come with the Track Package. 

Good power, though, and smooth upshifting from the nine-speed auto although I sometimes felt a pause when shifting into forward or reverse. 

Sticker price for this is about $40,000 as delivered. In a crowded market, I’d keep looking as it lacks the refinement found elsewhere (mainly looking at you, uncomfortable door caps). 

Gearheadotaku (Forum Supporter) said:

I just think its funny how Dodge is showing it in comercials with the Challenger and Charger to hype it as the next cool thing. Good luck with that.....

I would second that emotion. The Challenger and Charger felt dated but had that cool, old-school feel to them. They were throwback cars from an earlier era.

The Hornet? It’s basically just another smaller SUV. Are you going to be equally excited about driving this one? 

David S. Wallens said:

I don’t remember the Alfa feeling this way–or at least not this nervous. Not sure it’s a blown shock or the alignment settings but, yeah, a little tiring on the highway. (And I’m talking like the speed limit, not 90 mph.)

Let’s see how it does tonight. 

I wonder how much of that is due to: tall car with big aggressive wheels/tires and similar wheel base to a 2010 Mazda 3.

Wheelbase entered my mind, too. Kinda reminded me a bit of a CRX on R-comps, now that you mention it.