10 Famous Car Commercials That Were Iconic
These car commercials left a lasting impact through catchy jingles, emotional storytelling, or unforgettable visuals.
- Daisy Montero
- 3 min read
Car commercials have shaped pop culture in unexpected ways, turning vehicles into symbols of freedom, innovation, and aspiration. Some ads became more memorable than the cars themselves, thanks to brilliant storytelling and creative marketing. These 10 iconic car ads proved that the right mix of creativity and strategy could make an ad unforgettable.
1. Volkswagen’s “The Force” (2011)
Lothar Spurzem on Wikimedia Commons
A small Darth Vader tried to use the Force on household items before finally “succeeding” with a Volkswagen Passat. The secret is a sneaky remote-start feature that brings the car to life at the perfect moment. The humor and nostalgia made this ad a cultural phenomenon.
2. Honda’s “The Cog” (2003)
Guillaume Vachey on Wikimedia Commons
A mesmerizing chain reaction using real car parts made this Honda Accord commercial feel like a high-stakes domino effect. There was no CGI, just flawless engineering and timing that took over 600 takes to get right. The result was a two-minute masterpiece that captivated viewers worldwide.
3. Cadillac’s “Break Through” (2002)
Celeda on Wikimedia Commons
Led Zeppelin’s “Rock and Roll” blaring Cadillacs race down highways made this ad impossible to ignore. The high-energy campaign reinvented the brand’s image. Cadillac was no longer just for the older generation; it was for anyone who craved power and speed.
4. Mercedes-Benz’s “Janis Joplin” (1995)
Matti Blume on Wikimedia Commons
Using Janis Joplin’s classic song “Mercedes Benz” as the soundtrack, this ad cleverly plays on irony. The song is a plea for material possessions, yet here it is, selling luxury with a wink. The subtle humor and sophistication made it stand out.
5. Nissan’s “Toys” (1997)
BenedictLiang on Wikimedia Commons
Action figures racing a Nissan 300ZX through a toy store gave this commercial a playful, cinematic feel. It had the energy of a summer blockbuster, complete with stunts and suspense. Nissan turned childhood imagination into a high-speed adventure.
6. Volvo’s “Epic Split” (2013)
Matti Blume on Wikimedia Commons
Jean-Claude Van Damme performing a perfect split between two reversing Volvo trucks was as breathtaking as it was bizarre. The slow-motion shot, the Enya soundtrack, and the sheer precision made this ad unforgettable. Volvo did not just sell trucks; they sold a moment of pure cinematic brilliance.
7. BMW’s “The Hire” (2001)
Frank Schuengel on Wikimedia Commons
Before online ads became mainstream, BMW released short films featuring Clive Owen as a mysterious driver. Directed by Hollywood’s biggest names, these ads felt more like mini-action movies. They redefined car advertising and set the stage for branded storytelling.
8. Jeep’s “Groundhog Day” (2020)
Brett Sayles on Pexels
Bill Murray’s reprisal of his Groundhog Day role for a Jeep ad was a stroke of genius. Every day was the same except for the fact that he got to drive a Jeep, making the repetition a thrill instead of a curse. The perfect mix of nostalgia and humor made this ad a Super Bowl favorite.
9. Audi’s “Duel” (2016)
Ryan West on Pexels
A hotel fight scene playing out in reverse, featuring two equally matched candidates for a prestigious position, mirrored the luxury and power of Audi’s vehicles. It was stylish, clever, and packed with action. It was a political ad disguised as a car commercial in the best way possible.
10. Porsche’s “The Heist” (2020)
JDM Kuruma on Pexels
A high-speed chase through the Porsche museum, with different models stealing the show, turned this ad into an adrenaline-pumping ride. It was part showcase, part action thriller, and all Porsche. The brand’s racing heritage never looked more exciting.