WHAT IS CHRYSLER KNOWN FOR?

Depending on who you speak to, Chrysler (the Maxwell Motor Company as it was first named) is known for several things. Besides its impressive start in Detroit as General Motors and being a powerhouse in the automotive industry, Chrysler was known for innovation, power cars, K-cars, building a strong reputation, losing it, and being the subject of the ultimate compliment – copycatting. But what makes Chrysler memorable deserves a closer look.

Innovations and Name Changes

Starting with a showstopper in 1924, the first Chrysler Six was so technologically advanced it made jaws drop. Fast and smart for its time, the Detroit company earned a reputation for premium engineering innovations and name changes.

These engineering wonders soon included the first American automatic overdrive, automatic transmission, the Hemi engine, air conditioning, and push-button transmission.

Coupled with innovations, Chrysler became well known for name and ownership changes over the last century (General Motors, the Chrysler Corporation, DaimlerChrysler, Stellantis, and others). After successes and failures, continuous innovation and change. Interrupted by World War II, Chrysler quickly bounced back with its 1949 Chrysler that could start with an ignition key.

Lee Iacocca, K-Cars, and Mustangs

Between the end of World War II and the 1980s, Chrysler continued with its innovations and improvements. By the 1920s, this car company was producing the Dodge and Plymouth with all the bells and whistles. The company later started downsizing these models.

Lee Iacocca played a significant role in rescuing the Chrysler brand from itself in the late 1970s with sales of the Ford Mustang, a notable muscle car. Following market demand and the need to reinvent its automobile line, this car company created new cars like the Dodge brand in the early 1980s. The K-car range consisted of the Dodge Aries, Dodge 400, Dodge Dart in Mexico, the Plymouth Reliant, and the Chrysler LeBaron.

The 1990s and Onwards

K-cars soon morphed into new cars like the LH sedans, the Neon, and others amid a growing reputation for financial woes. Although a sad testament to this Chrysler Detroit innovator, the car company’s financial woes were exacerbated by copycats. Still, the Chrysler car company persevered and overcame many challenges to produce worldwide popular Chrysler vehicles.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and More

Today, the Fiat Chrysler automobiles are widespread. Popular brands by this automaker include Chrysler, Dodge (Dodge Charger, Dodge Caravan), and Fiat. Other popular vehicles in this stable are the Fiat Professional, Jeep, and Ram. The Italian Alfa Romeo, Abarth, Lancia, and Maserati remain notable automobiles and sports cars manufactured by this automaker.

Chrysler (Now Stellantis)

Driven by Walter P. Chrysler from the early days, Stellantis is currently the latest name for this automaker. Although formerly a part of the Big Three in America, the Ford Company, Chrysler, and General Motors have been overtaken by Japanese cars like Toyota.

Still, Chrysler’s reputation lives on in Canadian outlets like South 20 Dodge. Contact us for your favourite new cars like Chrysler models, Rams, Dodges, Jeeps, used vehicles, parts, and services.