Classic Review: How the Chrysler Cordoba Captured the Personal Luxury Market

The Chrysler Cordoba continues to dominate the personal luxury car market two years after its introduction by focusing heavily on traditional big-car comfort instead of sporty handling. Product planners at Chrysler designed the vehicle to appeal directly to buyers seeking a compact edition of luxury, making it a passenger's car rather than a driver's vehicle.

Interior And Ride

The Cordoba's cabin prioritizes plush seating, featuring overstuffed chairs and a new 60/40 front bench seat equipped with electric adjustment buttons. Beneath these seats lies a soft-riding suspension system designed to isolate passengers from road imperfections rather than provide cornering performance. Furthermore, the car features a quiet interior that successfully dampens outside traffic and road noises.

Engineering

Under the hood, the standard 400-cubic-inch lean-burn Chrysler V-8 engine uses electronically controlled ignition timing to monitor variables like engine rpm and throttle position. This setup delivers stumble-free performance while improving emissions and increasing fuel economy by one mile per gallon.

Context

During the 1970s, American auto manufacturers frequently competed in the personal luxury segment by offering vehicles that combined smaller intermediate-sized bodies with heavy interior ornamentation. The Cordoba retailed with a base price of $5392, while an as-tested model reached $6518 with added options.