Dodges, it seems, will be Dodges in 2004. This coming model year will make it quite clear that Dodges are not simply clones of Chryslers, but are far more oriented toward performance, acceleration and a kind of bravado that will be clear from the first time you get behind the wheel.

Exhibit A will be the all-new 2004 Dodge Durango, a full-sized sport utility that is so different from its predecessor that it only shares its name. The new Durango has a much more attractive interior and more stylish trim fittings, and word is that it has a much nicer ride and handling characteristics than the model it replaces.

That's a good thing because the current Durango, while well thought of, has a rough ride and sometimes unsettled behavior on the road.

The new Durango has more cargo room, and increased head, hip and leg room, and it's powered by either a 4.7-liter Magnum V-8, or a 5.7-liter Hemi engine.

Dodge says the new Durango will have a best in class gross vehicle weight rating of 6,600 pounds and a towing capacity of 8,900 pounds. You'll be able to carry 67.3 cubic feet of cargo behind the second row seats.

The new Durango is seven inches longer, two inches wider and more than three inches taller than the current model, and will be available in three trim levles: ST, SLT, and a new Limited package.

Exhibit B is the Dodge SRT-4. It is based on the Neon, but that's like saying black and white are similar to each other. The SRT-4 is an ultra-high speed sedan aimed at the "tuner" crowd of young adults who buy compact cars and "tune" them to high performance as much as they like. The SRT-4 engine, a 2.4-liter turbocharged four cylinder, gets 15 more horsepower, bringing it up to 230--and yes, it really flies.

Other standard equipment includes dual exhausts, performance tuned steering and suspension packagers, a rear spoiler, four-wheel disc antilock brakes and available power sun roof and a leather interior group. You'll be able to get yours in a new Electric Blue shade which replaces Solar Yellow. It also comes in Flame Red, Black and Bright Silver Metallic.

Handling for the SRT-4 is ferociously aggressive, cornering is a thrill a minute, and acceleration can be heart-stopping--if you are able to really "open 'er up." It gets a new standard torque sensing limited slip differential, and there are new colors.

I rode in a SRT-4 that had some modest equipment additions made courtesy of MOPAR, the Chrysler over the counter parts unit, and it had to be one of the most impressive compacts I've ever been in.

The acceleration was forceful, thunderous, and brutal, with a lusty exhaust note accented by vacuum "whooshing" noises as the engine and drivetrain unit went through its gears. Cornering and handling are among the best you'll find anywhere.

Meanwhile, Dodge's intermediate sized car, the Intrepid, is entering its last year of production with minor trim changes and modifications to the colors offered on it. The Intrepid comes in SE, SXT and ES versions, with the SXT version being the value and price leader. The SXT is priced below $24,500, and it's powered by a 250-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6. Standard equipment includes 16-inch chrome wheels, all season touring tires, an independent front and rear touring suspension, decklid spoiler and bright exhaust tip.

This year will mark the 20th anniversary of the minivan, and as you might expect, Dodge will offer a limited edition anniversary model based on the Dodge Caravan SXT. Special equipment will include unique badging, two-tone leather seating, six-disc CD/DVD changer, 16-inch chrome wheels, embroidered anniversary edition floor mats and a no extra charge rear seat video entertainment system.

New features for the model year on the Caravan and Grand Caravan include a tire pressure monitor warning lamp, an integrated key/remote keyless entry key design and updated audio and entertainment packages.

Dodge's Dakota pickup truck will have a somewhat slimmed down line, because the R/T model has been dropped along with its 5.9 Magnum V-8. The truck will be powered by several other engines including a 230-horsepower, 4.7-liter Magnum V-8 engine version.

Dakota comes in both two- and four-wheel-drive models, and standard equipment includes front disc rear drum brakes, rack and pinion steering and other features.

The big Dodge Ram 1500 truck line gets a new, full-time, four-wheel- drive system and electric shift transfer case and a new "Tow/Haul" feature that helps with crisper shifting and reducing gear searching when towing.

The Dodge Ram Heavy Duty gets a new automatic transmission for the High Output Cummings Turbo Diesel, and a new Laramie Package that adds a new all-chrome grille surround and chrome billet grille center to the front end. There are chrome bodyside molding and an updated interior as well.

Meanwhile, only minor changes are planned for the Dodge Stratus lineup.