Over the years, car commercials have been more than just promotional tools; they have become cultural touchstones, capturing our collective imagination with masterful storytelling, humor, or sheer cinematic prowess. Whether they elicit laughter, tears, or sheer awe, the best car commercials do more than merely showcase a car’s features – they encapsulate a feeling, a lifestyle, or a dream that stays with us long after the 30-second spot.
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Honda’s “The Cog” (2003)
This two-minute commercial for the Honda Accord amazed audiences by showcasing an elaborate Rube Goldberg machine made entirely of car parts. The ad’s tagline, “Isn’t it nice when things just… work?” brilliantly connected the visual spectacle with Honda’s brand message of reliability and craftsmanship. Fun Fact: It took over 600 takes to get the chain reaction right! Watch the commercial here.
Volkswagen’s “The Force” (2011)
This adorable and humorous Super Bowl commercial featured a young child dressed as Darth Vader, attempting to use “the Force” around his house. The twist is when he seemingly starts his dad’s VW Passat, unbeknownst to him that his dad used the car’s remote start. The ad was praised for its heartwarming humor and clever use of a beloved pop culture reference. Watch the commercial here.
Jeep’s “Groundhog Day” (2020)
Reuniting actor Bill Murray with his infamous Groundhog co-star, this Super Bowl commercial recreated scenes from the movie “Groundhog Day.” This time, Murray joyfully relives the same day over and over with the new Jeep Gladiator. Audiences loved the nostalgic reference and how it humorously showcased the Jeep’s features. Watch the commercial here.
Volvo’s “The Epic Split” (2013)
Featuring action star Jean-Claude Van Damme, this commercial showcases Van Damme performing his iconic split between two reversing Volvo trucks. This viral ad dramatically highlighted Volvo’s new dynamic steering system. Fun Fact: The stunt was performed in one take! Watch the commercial here.
BMW’s “The Hire” series (2001-2002)
This series of eight short films featured Clive Owen as a mysterious BMW driver completing various missions. With each film directed by a renowned director, including Ang Lee and Guy Ritchie, the campaign was praised for its Hollywood-quality storytelling and thrilling car chase scenes. Watch the commercial series here.
Audi’s “Daughter” (2017)
In this empowering Super Bowl commercial, a father watches his daughter compete in a downhill cart race, contemplating the gender biases she’ll face. The commercial concludes with the tagline “Progress is for everyone” as they drive away in an Audi S5 Sportback, effectively tying the brand to the message of equality. Watch the commercial here.
Cadillac’s “Breakthrough” (2002)
Cadillac used Led Zeppelin’s “Rock and Roll” to underscore an energetic montage of Cadillacs through the years, concluding with their new models. The ad successfully bridged the brand’s storied past with its contemporary designs, delighting older fans and attracting younger demographics. Watch the commercial here.
Mercedes-Benz’s “Fable” (2015)
In this Super Bowl commercial, Mercedes-Benz retells the fable of the tortoise and the hare with a twist—the tortoise wins the race not just by persistence, but with a Mercedes-AMG GT. This ad won over audiences with its gorgeous animation, humor, and clever reinterpretation of a classic story. Watch the commercial here.
Nissan’s “With Dad” (2015)
This emotional Super Bowl commercial tells a story of a race car driver and his son, using Harry Chapin’s “Cat’s in the Cradle.” The story comes full circle when the dad gives his son a ride in a new Nissan Maxima. With its compelling narrative and emotive soundtrack, this ad tugged at the heartstrings of viewers around the world. Watch the commercial here.
This article originally appeared on MyCarMakesNoise.
