If I'm buying a Dodge it's going to be the new Challenger or a Charger R/T.
As for compacts, though, the Dart seems pretty decent. I bought a Chevy Sonic in 2012 however and I love it. In that size/price range I would get another Sonic in a heartbeat.
That comes with a caveat, however. You've
got to spring for the Turbo. The non-Turbo engine actually has more horsepower, but uses it for ***. Meanwhile my Turbo really only gives me grief if I'm in the 40 degree range on hills with the AC on full blast.
I also reccomend the LTZ package. Because...why not?