2003 Dodge SX 2.0 - Budget Shoppers Take Note!
Did you hear the news? Dodge is back selling cars in Canada! OK, if you count the ultra-performance Viper it has never left but that's not what I'm referring to. I'm talking about cars that the majority of us can afford, like the new SX 2.0. Recognize it? While the SX has never appeared in Canada, per say, it's basically an upgraded Chrysler Neon. That said there is no 2003 Chrysler Neon, having being dropped in place of the new Dodge. Confused yet?
Don't feel bad. Brand shuffling among the multi-nameplate carmakers has become nothing less than bewildering lately, even for those of us who report on the industry. DaimlerChrysler isn't alone though, with GM dropping Oldsmobile while many consumers still haven't caught on to the fact that Saturn, Saab, Isuzu and now Hummer are also part of its fleet. What's more they're bringing two more versions of their Chevy Trailblazer/GMC Envoy SUV into both Isuzu and Buick lineups. Ford takes the cake in Canada, with the Mercury Grand Marquis and spin-off Marauder being marketed on their website as Fords with nary a blue oval on the cars themselves. I suppose the DaimlerChrysler branding scenario seems transparent by comparison, but Canadian NASCAR fans still won't be able to find a Dodge Intrepid north of 49th parallel - the win on Sunday sell on Monday premise thwarted. In Canada the Intrepid is sold as a Chrysler.