Chrysler hasn’t had a lot of positive press lately. Between bankruptcy, being taken over by the Italians, and not having a lot of new product to tout, it’s been an easy target for auto writers (myself included).
While I’m sure good times are on the horizon for Chrysler, let’s not forget about some of the great cars the company has produced throughout its long history. Keep reading for the 10 best vehicles I think Chrysler has ever built, and be sure to chime in with your favorites, too.
1964 Imperial
Created to compete with the likes of Lincoln, Imperial was Chrysler’s luxury player. The 1964 model was actually designed by Elwood Engel, designer of the 1961 Lincoln Continental.
With strong performance and a smooth-as-silk ride, the Newport is an underrated classic perfect for cruising.
1996 and up Dodge Grand Caravan/Chrysler Town & Country
Chrysler invented the minivan in 1984, but didn’t really get it perfected until 1996. The minivan is one of few segments where Honda and Toyota saw success only after copying Chrysler’s formula.
2005-2008 Dodge Magnum
This car was actually a couple years ahead of its time and was out to prove that station wagons could be cool again. With unique looks, rear-wheel drive, and a powerful V8, it provided plenty of room and comfort for the family.
2005 and up Chrysler 300
This car perhaps best pays homage to Chrysler’s past. It is big, powerful, and bold, especially with the optional 425-hp Hemi V8 engine.
I’m not a fan of this car, and can’t imagine it commanding waiting lists and dealer markups. That’s what happened, though, when this resilient little throwback was first introduced in 2000. This car makes the list on sheer popularity alone.
1992-present Dodge Viper
Introduced in 1992, the Viper gave Chrysler a real sports car that even challenged the exotics.
1984-1991 Jeep Cherokee
Nothing says Jeep more than the original Cherokee. Though this is a model Chrysler inherited when it bought Jeep, at least it kept it going until the early 2000s. I for one think it should still be available!
1994-Present Dodge Ram
Has any other truck changed the landscape of full-size trucks so drastically? Redesigned in 1994 around an ad campaign that touted how “different” it was, the ’94 Ram’s style is still influencing truck design today.
1998-2003 Dodge Durango
The original Durango just might be my favorite vehicle Chrysler has built. The truck-based SUV looks tough, has room for 8, and can tow up to 8,950 pounds. I’d take this version over the bloated current version any day.
What’s your favorite Chrysler vehicle ever?
-tgriffith
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Scotty Kilmer would be grinding his gears over this right now
OMG! What about the New Yorker? The haters will hate, but the New Yorker has a rich Chrysler history. Then it’s successor, the LHS in ‘94. The first gen LHS is STILL considered one of the best cars ever built; don’t believe me? Just ask Jeremy Clarkson who felt it should be ranked amongst the highest global class. The New Yorker, LHS, Concorde and 300M exude Chrysler excellence.
No list is complete without the 1960 300F!
Your all forgetting the great achievements of AMC, yes Jeep was mentioned, but not the beautiful Javelin or AMX, certainly not the awesome AMC Eagles. Yes they are as much of Chrysler as the 1955 300. They really should look at a retro Javelin AMX. What a car to challange the camaro firebird mustang.
Why is the Crossfire not included?
for me to list is very incomplete first lets pay homage to the 1955 to 1975 Dodge Fury/Savoy having had both models and varies years affordable and performance then let’s talk performance top are the two cars that forced GM to buy nascar yes i am talking about both Daytona/Superbirds little pricey new but if you ever rode in either worth the price now little brother the Barracuda line started out a ugly duck but very affordable and dependable but grew up into a lovely swan now to luxury the Chrysler line from the Newport to the New yorker both out performed and out rode all of the Luxury cars of their time and finally the Imperial (except the redesigned one from the 80’s) the torsion bar suspension of these cars is still being copied today by Cadillac, Mercedes, and ferrari
The original Dodge Charger is a notable ommission to the list…With the 330 horsepower 383 and Torqueflite automatic transmission standard it was a strong solid performer to rival the likes of the Ford Thunderbird of the day…The availablity of the Street Hemi didn’t hurt performance matters either. It was the halo car that the Dodge division was looking for in the late 1960s a combination of luxury and performance that the Dodge Division really hasn’t had since