Why Chrysler Needs a New Cordoba More Than Another Crossover.

While Chrysler will soon be serving us a new Arrow and Airflow crossovers, why not imagine a Chrysler we really want. A new generation of the good old Chrysler Cordoba.

Sure, inexpensive crossovers based on European cars might sell over here. Maybe… But we all know these won’t be ‘“real” Chryslers. The brand has such a long history. The last time it was truly “re-invented” was in the early 80’s by Lee Iacocca. These were mostly affordable cars and most of them looked very nice. Of course it wasn’t the most amazing Chrysler years. And the quality might not have been the best around, to say the least. But at least the brand was very popular. 

Now it looks like we are getting new Fiats rebadged as new Chryslers. Which is, to say the least, odd. At least, it’s a start.

Stellantis already has a big coupe with the new Dodge Charger. A car than in my opinion, looks great. It would seem pretty easy to develop a new large Chrysler coupe using that very same platform. A new design and a redesigned, more upscale interior would make a great new Chrysler Cordoba. Something no one else offers these days. A large luxury coupe. For a lot less than the European brands. You know, the old recipe…

The illustrations above imagine what a bold and slightly nostalgic idea might look like. A new 2 door coupe with a generous dose of retro-inspired design. Naturally, it would includes plenty of chrome, and a sense of understated presence rather than aggression. Very much in the spirit of classic Chryslers. Just like the original Cordoba. 

The first-generation Cordoba debuted in 1975 (with the name briefly appearing as early as 1970), and remarkably, this enormous malaise-era coupe was marketed as “The New Small Chrysler.” Despite the obvious irony, the car struck a chord with buyers. It became an instant success and played a significant role in stabilizing Chrysler during a particularly turbulent period, proving that image, comfort, and perceived value could still matter more than outright size or performance.

A second, smaller, generation was introduced in 1980 with an all-new, more angular design. That model was far less popular than the first. With a best year in 1980 with 46,400 units sold. Comparing pretty poorly with the first generation’s best year in 1977 with 165,000.

With Honda mentioning a brand new Element being on its way, a new Cordoba would be even more surprising. But so refreshing in our SUV obsessed world. If a conservative company like Honda can bring back old models like the Prelude and Element, why can’t Chrysler do the same?

Platform, powertrains, it’s all already there.