Car Commercials You’ll Never Forget
Every now and then, a car commercial becomes more than marketing—it becomes a story audiences remember for years. They linger in memory not just for the vehicles, but for the artistry, wit, and emotional pull they deliver. So today, we’re revisiting the most unforgettable car commercials ever aired. Brace yourself for a nostalgic and thrilling ride through advertising history.
2008 Audi R8 commercial - The Godfather by Classic Cars Today Online
1. Volkswagen: Think Small (1959)
Volkswagen changed advertising forever with a minimalist design paired with sharp, witty copywriting. Named the best campaign of the 20th century by Ad Age, its stark black-and-white layout broke the era's colorful rules and made understatement a bold new advertising strategy.
2. Honda: Cog (2003)
Nothing like it had been seen before: a seamless chain reaction of Honda parts, filmed without CGI in 605 painstaking takes. On a $6 million budget, this technical marvel inspired parodies worldwide and earned its place among advertising's most celebrated feats.
3. Maserati: Strike (2014)
Maserati's Super Bowl debut in the U.S. opened with Quvenzhané Wallis delivering an intense, poetic narration. Building suspense before revealing the Ghibli, the cinematic spot earned praise for its moody tone and striking visuals. It also signaled the brand's bold entrance onto America's stage.
Official Maserati Super Bowl Spot 2014 Ghibli Strike by Super Bowl
4. Chrysler: Imported From Detroit (2011)
During Super Bowl XLV, Eminem drove a Chrysler 200 through Detroit in a gritty, defiant statement that honored the city’s resilience. The spot revitalized Chrysler’s image after the recession and embedded "Imported from Detroit" into pop culture as a proud, unshakable slogan.
5. BMW: The Hire Series (2001–2002)
BMW reimagined automotive marketing with cinematic short films starring Clive Owen as The Driver, directed by Hollywood greats like Ang Lee and Guy Ritchie. Years before YouTube's dominance, the series drew over 100 million views and set a new standard for branded storytelling.
BMW Film series The Hire by Rory Anderson
6. Dodge: Freedom (2010)
Dodge's Fourth of July release showed George Washington charging the British in roaring Challengers, a mix of history and over-the-top humor that quickly went viral. The striking battle imagery didn't just entertain—it boosted sales and cemented muscle cars as icons of American liberty.
2010 Dodge Challenger Commercial - Cars & Freedom by ontariojcd
7. Ford: The Unexpected (1964)
When Ford launched the Mustang, the "Unexpected" campaign caught the nation's eye and drove 22,000 orders on day one. By making the car both stylish and affordable, the ad sparked the pony car craze and set the tone for a generation's automotive dreams.
1964 Classic Car Commercial 1964 Ford Mustang The Unexpected by Alex Souza
8. Nissan: Toys (1997)
Playtime roared to life when Nissan staged a high-speed chase between GI Joe and Barbie. The creative concept won praise, but a Mattel trademark dispute cut it short. Its brief run only deepened its status as a cult advertising favorite.
Nissan - Toys (1997, USA) by The Hall of Advertising
9. Audi: The Godfather Ad (2008)
Audi made a bold Super Bowl statement by parodying The Godfather to debut the R8. With lavish cinematography and sharp humor, it positioned the brand as daring and upscale. This created buzz that blended Hollywood prestige and high-performance automotive appeal.
10. Renault: Papa & Nicole (1991–1998)
A father-daughter tale turned into an advertising legend due to Renault’s long-running Papa & Nicole series. It sold over 300,000 Clios in the UK, and made the characters household names. The series even inspired comedic parodies on British comedy shows.
Renault Clio - Nicole Papa Advert by ADSchoolUK
11. Chevrolet: Like A Rock (1991–2004)
Only a few campaigns embed themselves into culture like this one. Set to Bob Seger's anthem, the rugged truck ads ran for over a decade. Like a Rock series solidified Chevy's reputation for durability, while making the song inseparable from the brand's powerful image.
Chevrolet Trucks "Like A Rock" Commercial by eccIefechan
12. Toyota: Swagger Wagon (2010)
Parents had never seen their lives portrayed like this—a rapping suburban family celebrating the Sienna. The tongue-in-cheek parody of hip-hop culture struck a chord, went viral, and turned the humble minivan into a quirky pop culture symbol for family life.
SWAGGER WAGON Official Toyota Music Video HD by theultimatemultitv3
13. Kia: The Hamsters (2011)
Kia's dancing hamsters took the Kia Soul from practical hatchback to pop culture hit. With catchy music and a playful spirit, the campaign became a viral sensation. It won awards for originality and helped the brand connect with younger buyers in unexpected ways.
Kia Soul Hamster Commercial in HD(High Definition) by capitoldealergroup
14. Jeep: Groundhog Day (2020)
Bill Murray's return to his Groundhog Day role turned Jeep's Super Bowl spot into an instant classic. The ad tied the film's endless-loop concept to off-road adventure, topping the game's popularity charts and winning Murray's approval for its perfect thematic fit.
2020 Super Bowl Extended Bill Murray Jeep Commercial by beastlycharizard13
15. Jaguar: British Villains (2014)
"It's Good to Be Bad" became more than a tagline in Jaguar's stylish Super Bowl spot. Featuring Ben Kingsley, Tom Hiddleston, and other British talent, the cinematic ad framed the brand as mischievously elegant. The playful menace drew global eyes with its all-villain cast.
Jaguar 2014 Superbowl Commercial: British Villains 'Rendezvous' by TheDriver
16. Peugeot: The Drive Of Your Life (1985)
Peugeot’s Drive of Your Life campaign delivered romance and adventure in sweeping cinematic style. It boosted the brand’s image across the UK by blending emotional storytelling with visual grandeur. Decades later, it remains a nostalgic favorite for fans of classic automotive advertising.
Peugeot 'Drive of your Life' Cinema Commercial by Mackenzie Rough
17. Hyundai: Epic Playdate (2013)
An invitation to leave routine behind came from Hyundai’s colorful Epic Playdate Super Bowl ad, set to The Flaming Lips. Whimsical visuals and family-friendly energy framed the brand as a companion for spontaneity, earning both critical praise and audience affection.
Super Bowl 2013 - Hyundai - Epic Playdate by Caspost List
18. Land Rover: The Dragon Challenge (2018)
Land Rover staged a spectacle as the Range Rover Sport conquered 999 steep steps to China's Heaven's Gate. By pairing extreme driving with a dramatic cultural setting, the ad showcased engineering mastery and drew global attention through massive online viewership.
Range Rover Sport | Dragon Challenge by Range Rover
19. Subaru: Dog Tested. Dog Approved. (2010)
Viewers couldn't resist the charm of dogs behind the wheel in Subaru's whimsical campaign. The lighthearted spot boosted brand likability and even earned multiple awards. It also inspired an ongoing ad series that still delights pet owners while strengthening recall for the brand's friendly image.
On Repeat (Spanish) | Subaru Dog Tested TV Commercial by Subaru
20. Mitsubishi: See What Happens (2004)
Fast cuts, tire smoke, and razor-sharp drifts defined Mitsubishi's See What Happens campaign. Targeting young performance fans, the EVO-focused ad delivered pure adrenaline. This forged its cult reputation and matched the car's own status as a thrilling, street-ready icon.
