dodge rampage

I was deep lost in drunk-land when these were made..why were they produced..VW had a neat truck unit I remember..ford no ?..chevy no ?..who bought these and why..? wondering the history .My girl friend wants one oneday..a manuel trans unit. do they rust a lot like VW trucks? Can anyone steer me towards history on them..may help a surfer want to buy this unit.can you put a NEON 2.4 L turbo unit in one?
thanks