While the K-car helped Chrysler come back, it was the minivan derived from this very platform that really drove Chrysler’s comeback.
No doubt there. Small vans weren't new -- the VW bus/vanagon was around forever, and there was even a Corvair van, and probably some others I can't think of. Coming up with a small van that had passenger-car ride, handling and amenities earns Iacocca & co. some props.
The funny thing is that for a man, driving a minivan today is the ultimate sign that you've been domesticated. Funny, because a decent minivan is downright sexy compared to what it replaced, the station wagon.