Abram Sauer Online

In honor of Chrysler’s bankruptcy, here are some of the brand’s most memorable product placements (including Chrysler partners Jeep, Dodge, etc.). These are in no particular order.

40 Year Old Virgin - PT Cruiser

Leslie Mann’s ride isn’t onscreen for more than a couple minutes. But her PT drunkmobile perfectly fits her personality. And is unforgettable.

Married with Children - “The Dodge”

When one asks about Chrysler, “What went wrong?” One can probably point to, at least in some small part, Al Bundy’s association with the Dodge label. A perfect summation of the late-80s and 90s opinion of the brand; funny on the surface but probably ultimately insidiously subversive to Dodge’s attempt to build and reform its brand. Al did for Dodge what he did for shoe salesman. “Peg, you can nag, you can cry, you can whinny, bleat and moo, but I am never selling the Dodge.”

more after the break…

Vanishing Point -Dodge Challenger

A Cool Hand Luke-like telling of a man’s quest to take a supercharged 1970 Dodge Challenger from Colorado to San Francisco. Second only to the naked woman on a Honda, the Dodge screams down desert roads for the film’s entirety.

The Terminator - Jeep

As I mentioned earlier, Jeep’s sad Terminator 4 tie-in only reminds of how perfect its original Terminator role was.

The Blues Brothers - Dodge “Bluesmobile”

“It’s got a cop motor. A 440-cubic-inch plant. It’s got cop tires, cop suspensions, cop shocks. It’s a model made before catalytic converters so it’ll run good on regular gas.”

Cars - Plymouth Superbird

One look at the animated version and one can’t deny it’s a cartooned-out version of Richard Petty’s iconic Superbird.

Dukes of Hazzard - Dodge Charger

So memorable that modern Chargers got the General Lee makeover. The Fast and Furious Charger owes its muscley existence to these Hazzard roots.

Dukes of Hazzard - Jeep

This Jeep spent as much time getting posed on as being part of the Duke Boy action. Some may argue that this placement was just as valuable, giving the Jeep a female-friendly touch its WWII pedigree didn’t yet have.

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off - Chrysler LeBaron Town & Country

While this showing probably didn;t send anyone screaming to their local dealerships.  Mrs. Bueller’s LeBaron Woody wagon made a good showing getting plowed around suburban Chicago by Jeanie.

Firewall - Chrysler 300

Memorable more for its gratuitous tie-in campaigns and grotesque, lingering product placement shots.

Mr. ad Mrs. Smith - Dodge Caravan

What brand manager could be upset about an extended scene where the world’s hottest couple decimate baddies in BMWs all while wearing their underwear? “These doors are handy.”

Sahara - Jeep

Jeep’s Sahara placement was most memorable for the $3 million it reportedly paid to be the second worst actor in all its scenes.With this under its belt, Jeep should have learned its lesson by the time Terminator 4 opportunities rolled around.

Saturday Night Live - Dodge Stratus

Like Al Bundy’s war against the Dodge’s good name, Will Farrell’s Saturday Night Live sketch may have singlehandedly turned the brand into a punchline. “I drive a Dodge Stratus!!” How bad is it? Google “dodge stratus” and this video is one of the top results. Watch it here. 

Seinfeld - “Jon Voight’s” Chrysler LeBaron

Is there a car that embodies 80s middle class yearning more than the LeBaron? George’s LeBaron was an epic multi-episode farce ending in the ride’s firey death. “The Jon Voight car is no more.”

Trailer Park Boys -  Chrysler New Yorker

Outside of Canada the show may not be that popular, but those who have seen it cannot forget Ricky’s car house.  A part of many of the boys’ adventures, the New Yorker was a beast of an automobile that an audience could almost smell through the screen. And yet, Ricky loved it. “You guys are bleeding. You’re not getting in my f**cking car.”

Twilight - Emmett’s Jeep

I’ve been over the astounding popularity of Emmett’s Jeep from Twilight. A role tat has created a boatload of brand awareness within an audience probably not originally tuned in to Jeep’s offerings.

Wayne’s World - AMC Pacer

This is kind of a bonus addition as AMC was not part if Chrysler when the Pacer was made. But as Chrysler did later come to own the brand, it’s included because, schwing! “Aaaah, the Mirth-Mobile…”