10 Gas Station Brands That Used to Dominate the Highways
These gas station brands once shaped America's road culture but have since vanished, merged, or faded into niche status.
- Alyana Aguja
- 4 min read
The golden age of American car travel was defined not just by vehicles and highways, but also by the gas stations that dotted every route. Brands like Gulf, Esso, Texaco, and Pure Oil didn’t just sell fuel — they became symbols of reliability, convenience, and even architectural flair. Though many have disappeared or been absorbed by larger entities, their legacy lingers in memories, old photographs, and the quiet hum of vintage neon signs.
1. Gulf Oil
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Once a titan of American roadways, Gulf Oil stations were as common as pickup trucks and roadside diners. Their bright orange disc logo symbolized the freedom of the open road, especially during the postwar driving boom. After a merger with Chevron in the 1980s, Gulf largely faded in the U.S., though its legacy still lingers in nostalgic signs and vintage memorabilia.
2. Esso
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Before it became Exxon in the U.S., Esso was a household name and a staple on highway pit stops. The brand’s name, a phonetic play on “S.O.” (Standard Oil), was once plastered across stations from coast to coast. While it’s still used in other countries, in the U.S., Esso’s cheerful tiger mascot now belongs to another time.
3. Texaco
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Known for its iconic red star and loyal slogan “You can trust your car to the man who wears the star,” Texaco once had thousands of service stations across America. It was a full-service stop where attendants not only pumped gas but also cleaned windshields and checked your oil. After merging with Chevron in 2001, many Texaco stations were either rebranded or shuttered.
4. Sinclair
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That green dinosaur wasn’t just a cute logo — it was a roadside icon for generations of travelers. Founded in 1916, Sinclair stations were widespread across the Midwest and West, offering not only fuel but a slice of Americana. Though the brand still exists in pockets, it no longer dominates the way it once did.
5. Phillips 66
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Named after the famed U.S. Route 66, Phillips 66 stations were a fixture of cross-country trips and family vacations. Their bold signage promised reliability in an era when cars needed constant care. Today, the brand survives, but its presence has shrunk dramatically compared to its mid-century glory days.
6. Union 76
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With its eye-catching orange ball signs, Union 76 was a landmark for drivers needing a fill-up or a restroom break. The brand was especially strong on the West Coast, becoming synonymous with car culture and road travel. Though it’s still around in limited form, its heyday of dominance is firmly in the rearview mirror.
7. Amoco
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Amoco stations were once everywhere, bearing the red, white, and blue oval that symbolized American-made gasoline. It was a top choice for motorists throughout the 20th century, especially in the Midwest and South. After its merger with BP in 1998, most stations were rebranded, leaving Amoco a memory for many.
8. Humble Oil
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This Texas-based company had a major presence in the South and Southeast before merging into the Esso/Exxon empire. Humble stations provided more than gas — they were a symbol of regional pride. Their slow disappearance came as Exxon standardized its branding, leaving behind only vintage photos and rusted signs.
9. Sunoco (early form)
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While Sunoco still exists today, its original network of neighborhood service stations had a very different character. They were locally operated, family-run joints with friendly service and familiar faces behind the counter. The brand has shifted more toward corporate partnerships and racing sponsorships, leaving its small-town roots behind.
10. Pure Oil
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Pure Oil stations were unmistakable with their white-and-blue “cottage” style buildings, meant to blend into suburban neighborhoods. They were a huge player in the Southeast and Midwest before being absorbed by Union Oil in the 1960s. While the brand is long gone, its unique architecture still catches the eyes of sharp-eyed drivers.
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