What was the Dodge version of the Plymouth Reliant?
The Dodge Aries was Chrysler's version of the popular Plymouth Reliant, a compact car that was part of the K-car platform introduced in the early 1980s. The Aries shared many of the same design features and mechanical components as the Reliant, but with some distinct styling cues that set it apart as a Dodge model.
The K-Car Platform and the Dodge Aries
In the late 1970s, Chrysler was facing financial troubles and needed to develop a new, more fuel-efficient lineup of vehicles to compete with the growing popularity of smaller, Japanese-made cars. The solution was the K-car platform, which underpinned a range of compact and mid-size models, including the Plymouth Reliant and Dodge Aries. The Aries was introduced in 1981 as a 1982 model, alongside its Plymouth counterpart.
The Aries shared the Reliant's front-wheel-drive layout, four-cylinder engine options, and overall dimensions, but had a distinct Dodge-specific grille, headlight, and taillight design. The Aries was available in two-door coupe, four-door sedan, and four-door wagon body styles, just like the Reliant.
Powertrain and Performance
The Dodge Aries was powered by a range of four-cylinder engines, including a 2.2-liter and a 2.5-liter unit. These engines were paired with either a four-speed manual or a three-speed automatic transmission. The Aries was not known for its performance, but it offered decent fuel economy and a comfortable, if somewhat basic, driving experience.
Popularity and Legacy
The Dodge Aries, along with the Plymouth Reliant, was a sales success for Chrysler in the 1980s, helping the company regain its footing in the compact car market. The Aries remained in production until 1989, when it was replaced by the Dodge Spirit. While not the most exciting or memorable car, the Aries played a crucial role in Chrysler's turnaround and the development of the K-car platform, which would go on to underpin many other successful models in the years to come.
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 is 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.
What was the Chrysler K-car called?
Chrysler produced the original K-platform vehicles between 1981 and 1989. The mid-sized K car was succeeded by the C-platform for minivans. In the 1980's, four Chrysler K cars dominated the market. These were the Dodge Aries, the Plymouth Reliant, the Dodge 400, and the Chrysler LeBaron.
What was the Plymouth version of the Dodge Aspen?
Plymouth Volaré
The Dodge Aspen, and its badge engineered variant, the Plymouth Volaré, are compact rear-drive cars manufactured and marketed by Chrysler for model years 1976-1980 in four-door sedan, two-door coupe, and four-door wagon styles.
What is the Dodge version of the K-car?
1981–1989 Dodge Aries (often referred to as the Aries K, owing to strong publicity for the K cars; 1981 models are badged as such.)
What was the Plymouth version of the Dodge Spirit?
The model line was marketed under different names by all three Chrysler divisions, primarily as the Plymouth Acclaim and the final generation of the Chrysler LeBaron sedan; in Europe, the model line was marketed as the Chrysler Saratoga.
What is the Dodge Bee?
The Dodge Super Bee is a muscle car that was manufactured by the Dodge brand and was originally produced from 1968 to 1971. It stood out for its attractive design, peppy engine, and agreeable price range.
What was 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 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 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- ...
