Car commercials are mini-movies designed to make us drool over horsepower, which we’ll probably never need, and features we didn’t know we wanted. Some commercials, though, have etched their way into the annals of pop culture history, becoming as iconic as the cars they promote. Let’s dive into the top 10 legendary car commercials and the fascinating stories that brought them to life.
Volkswagen – “The Force” (2011)
Who would have thought that the power of the Force could extend to a Volkswagen Passat? In this ad, a young boy dressed as Darth Vader tries to control everyday objects around the house using the Force. Only when his dad comes home in the Passat, using the remote start feature, does the little Sith Lord believe his powers have worked. The commercial first aired during Super Bowl XLV, and the internet exploded. Within a week of the ad’s release, it had garnered over 16 million YouTube views. Created by Deutsch LA, the commercial tapped into the nostalgia of “Star Wars” fans while showcasing the advanced tech of the car in a way that was both heartwarming and humorous. This commercial could be used as a case study on how to go viral, as it remains one of the most shared and discussed car commercials ever.
Honda – “The Cog” (2003)
How do you sell a car by showing everything except the actual car? It can be done by making an elaborate Rube Goldberg machine using its parts. Honda’s “The Cog” ad featured a chain reaction using various Accord parts, from gears to windshield wipers, to reveal the car. The sheer intricacy and precision of the ad made it stand out, and its minimalist tagline, “Isn’t it nice when things just work?” hit home. The ad took over six months of planning, four days of shooting, and 606 takes to get it right—yes, 606 takes. And no, there was no CGI involved. The ad was so mesmerizing that it earned many awards, including the prestigious Gold Lion at Cannes. Honda proved that engineering excellence could be as fun to watch as it is to drive—at least for 2 minutes.
Chrysler – “Imported from Detroit” (2011)
What happens when you combine a resurgent automaker, the gritty industrial backdrop of Detroit, and Eminem’s “Lose Yourself”? You get Chrysler’s “Imported from Detroit” Super Bowl ad—a love letter to the city of Motown and muscle cars. Featuring shots of Eminem driving a Chrysler 200 through Detroit, the ad sold a car and a narrative of American resilience and strength. Created by Wieden+Kennedy, this two-minute spot didn’t just sell a vehicle—it put Chrysler and Detroit on the map profoundly, emotionally, and patriotic. It was also credited with helping Chrysler’s image during the post-2008 auto industry crisis. Plus, Eminem’s grave voiceover, paired with the slogan, “This is the Motor City, and this is what we do,” gave everyone goosebumps—even people who don’t like cars.
Chevrolet – “Like a Rock” (1991-2004)
If you were even remotely conscious during the 1990s, Bob Seger’s gravelly voice singing “Like a Rock” was probably seared into your brain alongside images of a Chevy truck climbing over boulders and mountains. This ad campaign ran for an astonishing 13 years, becoming one of history’s longest-lasting and most iconic automotive ads. Chevy wasn’t just selling trucks—they were selling dependability, strength, and good ol’ American grit. The campaign began in 1991 and rode the wave of American truck culture to 2004. The rugged imagery and Seger’s anthem made the ad instantly recognizable, and it helped Chevrolet cement its place in the American psyche as the go-to truck brand for those who needed a workhorse that wouldn’t quit.
Audi – “Duel” (2016)
Who says a car commercial can’t look like an action-packed spy movie? Audi’s “Duel” commercial is a high-octane, slow-motion fight sequence between a man and a woman battling the keys to an Audi RS7. It’s intense, beautifully shot, and so absurdly fun that you almost forget you’re watching an ad. Created to promote Audi during the 2016 Presidential debates, the commercial was a symbolic fight for supremacy, with the RS7 serving as the coveted prize. In a world of car commercials featuring scenic drives, Audi’s ad stood out for its clever choreography, making the car feel like the ultimate reward in a high-stakes game. Spoiler alert: the woman wins. Progress, people.
BMW – “The Hire” (2001-2002)
Before web series were even a thing, BMW was already blazing trails with “The Hire,” a series of short films released online between 2001 and 2002. Directed by Hollywood A-listers like Guy Ritchie and Ang Lee and starring Clive Owen as a mysterious driver, the films were high-octane, thrilling, and ahead of their time. BMW took a considerable risk—spending millions on action-packed mini-movies that featured their cars front and center. But the gamble paid off. The films were a huge success, both critically and commercially, helping to rebrand BMW as the “cool” luxury car for people who wanted a bit of James Bond in their lives. The series was so popular that BMW even rebooted it in 2016.
Peugeot 206 – “The Sculptor” (2003)
In one of the most creative car ads ever, Peugeot turned a clunky, old Hindustan Ambassador (a standard car in India) into a sleek Peugeot 206—at least in the protagonist’s imagination. The ad follows a young man in India who, unsatisfied with his beat-up car, goes through an elaborate process of smashing, bending, and shaping it, until it resembles the Peugeot. This commercial stands out, though, because of its humor, heart, and cultural twist, which set it apart from the usual European and American car ads. Created by Euro RSCG, the ad cleverly demonstrated that Peugeot’s stylish design was something worth fighting for—even if it took a hammer and some questionable mechanical skills to achieve it.
Ford – “The Epic Split” feat. Jean-Claude Van Damme (2013)
If one car commercial made everyone’s jaws drop, it’s this one. In 2013, Ford promoted its trucks with an ad that featured Jean-Claude Van Damme doing a perfect split between two moving trucks. Yes, you read that right—a 53-year-old Van Damme balanced between two reversing Ford trucks while performing his signature move. But what made this ad so memorable wasn’t just the split (though that was pretty epic) but the fact that it demonstrated the stability and precision of Ford’s Dynamic Steering in a way that no one would soon forget. The ad went viral instantly, racking up tens of millions of views and cementing itself as one of the most incredible, weirdest, and most iconic car commercials ever.
Toyota – “Swagger Wagon” (2010)
Who said minivans can’t be cool? Toyota shattered the stereotype of the “soccer mom car” with its hilarious “Swagger Wagon” campaign, which rebranded the Sienna as a vehicle with—dare we say it? —swag. The commercial featured a suburban couple rapping about their minivan in a music video parody that was both cringy and incredibly funny. By embracing the absurdity and humor of the “uncool” minivan image, Toyota turned the Sienna into something parents could be excited about. The ad was a viral hit, giving minivan owners a sense of pride and adding a bit of swagger to the road, one carpool lane at a time.
Nissan – “With Dad” (2015)
Nissan tugged at the heartstrings with its 2015 Super Bowl ad, “With Dad.” The commercial followed the life of a racecar driver balancing his high-speed career with fatherhood. As Harry Chapin’s “Cat’s in the Cradle” plays in the background (cue the waterworks), we see the father trying to make time for his family while pursuing his dangerous profession. The ad ended on a hopeful note, with the father finally coming home in a Nissan Maxima, showing he was ready to prioritize his family. While it received mixed reviews, with some arguing it glorified absentee parenting, it certainly left an emotional impact, and the storytelling was powerful. Nissan’s gamble to go for feels instead of thrills certainly paid off, as it became one of the most talked-about Super Bowl ads that year.
12 Cars That Are Known for Their Unbreakable Reliability — They Just Don’t Quit
Reliability is a core feature that defines a vehicle. Over the last few decades, some vehicles have emerged as a reliable and durable option, standing out as workhorses that never quit. These vehicles not only prove themselves in terms of performance but transcend their role and become reliable partners, always fulfilling their role. Here are 12 Cars known for their unbreakable reliability.
12 Cars That Are Known for Their Unbreakable Reliability — They Just Don’t Quit
