Chrysler Voyager
The Chrysler Corporation was in enormous financial trouble in the late ’70s and early ’80s. Their enormous losses, poor sales, and lack of new models pushed it to the point of no return. When famous ex-Ford executive Lee Iacocca came to Chrysler in the late ’70s, everybody thought that there wasn’t anything he could do to save the fallen giant. However, Iacocca proved them wrong, returning Chrysler to the top position in the industry in a few short years (via Car Directory).
The primary weapon was a new line of minivan models under Chrysler, Dodge, and Plymouth names. Iacocca strongly insisted that Chrysler invest in the production of front-wheel drive people carriers. With as much space and comfort inside but with overall compact dimensions. The first such model was Chrysler Town & Country, which proved to be the right car for the time and the world’s first mass-produced minivan. The model established the minivan class and became the first Chrysler sales hit in decades. It was a perfect car for suburban America, replacing big and thirsty station wagons and preceding the SUV craze of today. However, their time passed, and SUVs took over.