Fast, Sleek, and Sexy, the Dodge Challenger is an icon of the muscle car world. Available with either a massive 426 Hemi, 440, or 383 Magnum, the 1970 Challenger was the cool kid on the block. Production of the Challenger was stopped in 1975 and revived in 2008. The new Challenger is a favorite among car enthusiasts and praised for its nostalgic looks. With 51,000 U.S. sales in 2013, the Challenger’s reign has only begun.
If there is one vehicle that stood the tests of time, it’s the Ram 1500. When Chrysler released its redesigned half ton pickup in 1994, people immediately fell in love with it. It outmatched competitors with its aggressive styling and powerful drivetrain. As the 21st century rolled in, the Ram 1500 began to fade away. In 2009 the Ram 1500 was redesigned and looked better than ever. Popularity grew and in 2013 it became the most popular domestic pickup truck winning both MotorTrend Truck of the Year and North American truck of the year. In 2014 it took the MotorTrend Truck of the Year title for a second year in a row and for the first time ever outsold the Chevrolet Silverado. The Ram 1500 continues to be one of Chrysler’s most successful products.
The Charger is the epitome of american muscle. The old Chargers were known for their broad, aggressive grilles, long sleek bodies, and hideaway headlights, but in 2006 the Charger was reintroduced as a four-door sedan. 2011 brought slight changes to the 4,200 pound modern muscle machine, revamping the grille, taillights, and adding scoops to the sides and hood. Many people today love the Charger because it is the only American, rear-wheel drive, V8-Powered Sedan available and reminds us what the American auto industry is all about; big cars with big engines.
During the 80s Chrysler had sunk to an all time low. They were in dire need of something new and even their famous K-Cars were criticized as being bland and boring. In 1988 Chrysler president Bob Lutz suggested the idea of a car that resembled a cobra snake. The concept was a success and production began in 1992. The Viper looked like a sports car and was powered by a ten-cylinder engine; the ultimate recipe for success. SRT took over the Viper in 2012, continuing production of the most sought after supercar in America.
The Dodge Coronet. One of the most overlooked muscle cars in history. Chrysler began production of their full-size sedan in 1949 but in 1966 it was downsized and the full-size spotlight was stolen by the infamous Dodge Charger. 1968 saw the introduction of the famous Coronet “Super Bee” and the scat pack. This was when the Coronet final gained its American Muscle cojones. Paired with a 440 Magnum, the Coronet Super Bee was unstoppable. Even though 1976 brought an end to the Coronet, the Super Bee term and Scat Pack logo are still used today, and for that reason, the Coronet has a special spot in Dodge history.
