Plymouth Prowler

At the first sight the Plymouth Prowler looks like something out of a sci-fi/silent movie hybrid. The car is the brainchild of Chrysler engineers who were given free hand at designing a “hot-rod” type of car. While the design did end up being rather unique, this is not the case of the car's performance. Time Magazine actually put the Plymouth Prowler on its list of 50 worst cars of all times.

The prowler is a product of the 90’s, when car manufacturers were starting to toy with computerized systems, producing limited edition high speed cars. The Plymouth Prowler tried to follow up this trend, but it simply doesn't cut it when it comes to power and speed. Chrysler’s main objective was to experiment with reduced costs and new ways to improve its Dodge Viper. The prowler has a standard-issue 3.5-liter V6 engine that can reach only about 250 hp, not exactly impressive in the world of supercars.

However, the Plymouth Prowler has the merit of reviving the retro trend among car manufacturers. Chevrolet drew on this early attempt when it designed the rather more successful PT Cruiser, and Chevrolet also designed several retro models following the release of the Prowler.

The Prowler has developed a healthy fan-base despite its shortcomings, and rightfully so. After all, the Plymouth Prowler is a car you can have fun with. The playful design and comfortable interior make this car an excellent cruiser. It might not be the most practical car ever produced by Chrysler, but it is adventurous, fun, unique and actually quite affordable.

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