Who Could Forget These?
Over the years, car commercials have done more than just sell vehicles. They've entertained, inspired, and even tugged at our heartstrings. Some even went as far as becoming full-fledged pop culture moments, while all of them showcased cars in ways we'd never seen before! Here are some unforgettable ads that left a lasting impression. How many do you remember?
Official 2012 Honda CR-V Game Day Commercial -
1. Pontiac GTO Judge: Paul Revere And The Raiders (1960s)
Pontiac knew how to grab attention in the 1960s, and what better way than with a rock band? This high-energy ad featured Paul Revere and the Raiders promoting the GTO Judge in true muscle car fashion. Fast, loud, and full of attitude, it perfectly embodied the muscle car spirit.
2. Chevrolet: Sopranos Reunion (2022)
The Sopranos theme song and New Jersey skyline instantly made fans sit up. This ad for the all-electric Chevy Silverado featured Jamie-Lynn Sigler and Robert Iler, aka Tony Soprano's kids. They reunited for a ride that blended nostalgia with the future of EVs.
3. Volkswagen: GTI Speed Racer (1996)
VW’s GTI Speed Racer ad brought the 2008 Speed Racer movie to life with bold, anime-style animation. Instead of the Mach 5, the GTI stole the spotlight, zipping through high-speed chases, dramatic drifts, and gravity-defying stunts. The mix of nostalgia and humor made it unforgettable.
Volkswagen Golf GTI - Speed Racer (1996, USA) by The Hall of Advertising
4. Nissan: Pigeons, Enjoy The Ride (1990s)
Super Bowl ads always bring the unexpected, and Nissan delivered a hilarious take on pigeons on a mission to "bomb" (defecate on) a Nissan car. Showcasing both performance and comfort, that commercial made even birds envious of the ride.
5. BMW: The Hire Series (2001–2002)
BMW made a mini-movie series with this one. Starring Clive Owen as a mysterious driver taking on high-stakes missions, these stylish, short-film-style ads turned every BMW model into the ultimate getaway car. They showed how driving could be pure cinematic excitement.
BMW Film series The Hire by Rory Anderson
6. Honda: Cog (2003)
What happens when you set off a perfectly timed chain reaction using only car parts? Honda's "Cog" ad answered that with a mesmerizing two-minute sequence showcasing precision, engineering, and creativity. No heavy CGI, just pure mechanical magic.
Honda - The Cog (2003) UPSCALE by TheICONTheMICKing
7. Chevrolet: Maddie (2014)
This heartwarming ad follows the life journey of a girl and her faithful golden retriever, Maddie. The commercial is told in reverse, starting with a tearful goodbye at the vet. It then rewinds through their happiest moments—car rides, childhood adventures, and unconditional companionship.
Chevy Commercial - Maddie by L LC
8. Chevrolet: Corvette C4 Launch (1984)
Chevy needed to show that the new Corvette C4 wasn’t just a car, but a revolution. Sleek visuals and pulse-pounding music created an electrifying atmosphere, while futuristic design elements gave the ad a bold, innovative appeal. This ad ultimately cemented the C4 as the sports car of the 1980s.
9. Porsche: Nobody's Perfect (1980s)
How do you brag about racing dominance while keeping it humble? Porsche nailed it with "Nobody's Perfect." They listed every race they didn't win—which was almost none. It was witty and confident. It solidified Porsche as the ultimate performance brand.
Charles from Port Chester, New York on Wikimedia
10. Subaru: Dogs At The Beach (2013)
Only a few car commercials have won the "wholesome" factor like this one. Subaru's "Dogs at the Beach" spot featured some lovely dogs enjoying an adventurous day out. The ad perfectly captured the brand's appeal to pet owners and outdoorsy drivers.
11. Buick: OBJ Commercial (2016)
Buick needed to shake up its image, and who better to help than Odell Beckham Jr.? This fun ad played on the idea that no one could believe the stylish Buick Cascada was actually a Buick. Using OBJ's signature one-handed catch, the ad drove the point home.
Buick Super Bowl Commercial 2016 Cascada Odell Beckham Jr Big Day Ads by SuperBowl Ads Online
12. Honda: The Impossible Dream (2000s)
Honda's “The Power of Dreams” campaign reached its peak with this stunning commercial. A daring rider takes viewers on a cinematic journey through Honda's history. It seamlessly shifted from motorcycles to cars, boats, and even jets. That was all about ambition, adventure, and the drive to push limits.
Honda - Impossible Dream 1.5 (2010, UK) by The Hall of Advertising
13. Volkswagen: Un-pimp Your Ride Or VDub (2006)
Volkswagen's Un-pimp Your Ride series hilariously poked at overly modified cars, where a no-nonsense German engineer and his assistants ruthlessly eliminated tacky, over-the-top rides. Promoting the sleek Golf GTI, the campaign was pure comedy gold.
14. Jaguar: Rendezvous (2014)
The brand's first-ever Super Bowl ad leaned into Hollywood villainy. Featuring British actors Ben Kingsley, Tom Hiddleston, and Mark Strong, the ad played on the trope that Brits make the best villains. It cleverly tied this to Jaguar, positioning the brand as the maker of the best performance cars.
Jaguar 2014 Superbowl Commercial: British Villains 'Rendezvous' by TheDriver
15. Nissan Leaf: Gas Powered Everything (2010s)
Imagine a world where everything ran on gasoline, from coffee makers to laptops and even electric razors. Nissan's commercial hilariously exaggerated the absurdity of gas dependency while making the Leaf EV look like the logical, futuristic choice. It was a brilliant mix of humor and environmental messaging.
Nissan LEAF: Gas Powered Everything commercial by Motor1
16. Honda: Ferris Bueller's Day Off (2012)
Honda brought pure nostalgia with this Super Bowl ad, featuring Matthew Broderick reliving his Ferris Bueller's Day Off glory days. Instead of skipping school, this time, he ditches work in a Honda CR-V, making for a fun and clever homage to the beloved 1980s classic.
17. Peugeot 306 Cabriolet: Ray Charles (1990s)
When Ray Charles says, "Hit the Road Jack," you listen. Peugeot's eccentric commercial featured the music legend in a brilliant campaign that exuded emotions, class, and the cool factor. The ad perfectly matched the car's design and sophistication.
18. BMW M5: Landspeed Record Camera Car (1990s)
To showcase the sheer power of the BMW M5, they made the “camera car” for a land speed record attempt. This genius ad proved that BMW's performance sedan wasn't just fast. It was fast enough to film some of the world's fastest machines.
19. Citroën CX 2: Grace Jones (1980s)
Citroën went full avant-garde with this one, featuring none other than Grace Jones. Her bold and unconventional style matched the futuristic design of the Citroën CX 2, creating a striking visual experience. The result was a commercial that left a lasting, unforgettable impression.
20. Volkswagen Jetta VR6: Big Day Wedding (1990s)
Volkswagen's “Drivers Wanted” campaign delivered a gem with "Big Day Wedding." The ad captured the thrill of a last-minute drive to a wedding in a Jetta VR6. It showed that some moments (and some cars) are just too good to miss.
