The Mk II lost all the charm of the original in my opinion. I think there is nothing cooler than going on a road trip with three people in the front (like in a transporter). To have that in a compact car would be a huge selling point for me. Who really cares about looks – cars are for utility in the first place imho.
I think old American cars had a couch instead of a front seat, so you would be able to fit an entire family (or one average sized American). How cool was that?
You have clearly never driven any of those. I s working at a car rental in the early oughts, when these came out. Still one of the most pitiful cars I’ve ever driven. On par only with three C 300 I think. My god these Chrysler’s just hate corners.