What is the Dodge equivalent to the Plymouth Satellite?
The Plymouth Satellite, a mid-size car produced by Plymouth from 1965 to 1974, was a popular choice for drivers seeking a balance of style, performance, and affordability. But did you know that Dodge, Plymouth's sibling brand under Chrysler Corporation, offered a nearly identical counterpart to the Satellite? In this article, we’ll explore the Dodge equivalent to the Plymouth Satellite and what made these vehicles so closely related.
The Dodge Coronet: A Twin in Disguise
The Dodge Coronet is widely considered the Dodge equivalent to the Plymouth Satellite. Both vehicles shared the same platform, engineering, and many design elements, as they were built under the Chrysler B-body platform. This shared foundation allowed Chrysler to offer similar vehicles under different brand names, catering to slightly different market segments.
Key Similarities Between the Plymouth Satellite and Dodge Coronet
Here are some of the main similarities that made the Dodge Coronet and Plymouth Satellite nearly interchangeable:
- Platform: Both cars were built on the Chrysler B-body platform, which was used for mid-size cars during the 1960s and 1970s.
- Engine Options: The two models offered a similar range of engine options, from economical six-cylinder engines to powerful V8s, including the legendary 426 HEMI.
- Body Styles: Both vehicles were available in a variety of body styles, including sedans, coupes, and station wagons.
- Interior Features: The interior layouts and features were nearly identical, with only minor differences in trim and branding.
- Performance: Both cars were known for their performance-oriented trims, such as the Plymouth GTX (a high-performance version of the Satellite) and the Dodge Coronet R/T.
These similarities were intentional, as Chrysler aimed to maximize production efficiency while offering distinct branding for Dodge and Plymouth customers.
Why Two Brands for Similar Cars?
Chrysler Corporation's strategy of offering similar cars under different brands was a common practice in the automotive industry during the mid-20th century. By doing so, they could appeal to a broader audience:
- Market Segmentation: Plymouth was marketed as a more affordable, entry-level brand, while Dodge was positioned slightly higher in the market.
- Dealer Networks: Separate dealer networks for Dodge and Plymouth allowed Chrysler to reach more customers without direct competition between the two brands.
- Brand Loyalty: Customers often had strong loyalty to a particular brand, so offering similar vehicles under different names helped retain those customers.
This strategy allowed Chrysler to compete effectively with other automakers, such as General Motors and Ford, which employed similar tactics with their own brands.
Conclusion
The Dodge Coronet and Plymouth Satellite are prime examples of how automakers in the 1960s and 1970s leveraged shared platforms to create distinct yet similar vehicles. While the Satellite catered to Plymouth's customer base, the Coronet served Dodge enthusiasts with nearly identical features and performance. Whether you’re a fan of Plymouth or Dodge, both models remain iconic representations of Chrysler's mid-size offerings during this era.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Dodge version of the Plymouth Fury?
The 1978 was the last model year for the Plymouth Fury and its Dodge Monaco counterpart, which was renamed as such during the start of the previous model year (1977), which, in turn, was called the "Dodge Coronet" (1965, 1966, and 1967, from 1968 until 1974, and from 1975 through 1976), while the former full-size C- ...
What was the sister car to the Dodge Dart?
Plymouth Valiant
The Dart and its sister model—the Plymouth Valiant—were substantially redesigned for the 1967 model year. In addition to new styling, the cars received revised steering systems, wider front track and frame rail spacing, and redesigned K-members capable of accepting larger engines.
What is the Dodge version of the Plymouth Satellite?
The car is classified as a Mopar “B-body”, which in '65 shared the same platform as the Dodge Coronet, except the Plymouth rides on a 116-inch wheelbase as opposed to the Dodge's 117 inches. Plymouths were typically shorter wheelbase and less costly that comparable Dodge models.
What was the Dodge version of the Plymouth Scamp?
Dodge Rampage
The Dodge Rampage was a subcompact unibody coupe utility based on Chrysler's L platform and manufactured and marketed from 1982 to 1984 model years. Plymouth marketed a rebadged variant for model year 1983, as the Scamp.
What was the Dodge version of the Plymouth Reliant?
Dodge Aries
The Plymouth Reliant and Dodge Aries are mid size cars introduced for model year 1981 as the first "K-cars" manufactured and marketed by the Chrysler Corporation.
What was the Dodge version of the Plymouth Horizon?
Dodge Omni
| Dodge Omni & Plymouth Horizon | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Chrysler Corporation American Motors (1985–1987) |
| Also called | Plymouth Horizon Plymouth Expo (Canada) |
| Production | December 5, 1977 – February 2, 1990 |
| Model years | 1978–1990 |
What is the Plymouth version of the Dodge Omni?
The Dodge Omni and the nearly identical badge engineered variant, the Plymouth Horizon, is a subcompact car manufactured and marketed by Chrysler Corporation for model years 1978-1990.
What is the Plymouth version of the Dodge Dart?
Valiant
The Valiant was sold in Mexico as a "Chrysler Valiant" starting with the 1963 model year. This was also the first year that it was coupled with the Dodge Dart, which had been previously a lower-end full-size model. In the U.S., the Valiant finally joined the Plymouth brand for the rest of its production.
What was the Dodge version of the Plymouth Barracuda?
From 1970 to 1974, generation three of the Barracuda was based on Chrysler's E-body platform which also supported the 1970-1974 Dodge Challenger.
What was the Plymouth version of the Dodge Coronet?
1968–1970. The Coronet and similar Plymouth Belvedere received complete redesigns in 1968, as did the Dodge Charger, which shared the B-body platform. There was a mild facelift in 1970.
