The Best (and Worst) Car Commercials of All Time

From heartwarming storytelling to cringe-worthy gimmicks, car commercials have long been a battleground for creativity, persuasion, and sometimes, sheer absurdity. Over the decades, automakers have produced some of the most memorable—and forgettable—advertisements in history. Whether they made us laugh, cry, or simply scratch our heads, these commercials have left an indelible mark on pop culture.

In this deep dive, we’ll explore the greatest triumphs and most baffling misfires in automotive advertising. Buckle up—it’s going to be a wild ride.

The Best Car Commercials of All Time

1. Volkswagen – “The Force” (2011)

Few commercials have captured the hearts of audiences like Volkswagen’s “The Force.” This Super Bowl ad featured a pint-sized Darth Vader attempting to use “the Force” on household objects—only to succeed when his dad remotely starts the family Passat. The perfect blend of nostalgia, humor, and emotional payoff made this spot an instant classic.

Why It Worked:

• Played on universal childhood imagination
• Clever tie-in with Star Wars nostalgia
• Heartwarming without being overly sentimental

2. Honda – “The Cog” (2003)

A masterpiece of engineering and advertising, Honda’s “The Cog” was a two-minute Rube Goldberg machine made entirely of car parts. With no dialogue, just the rhythmic clinking of components triggering one another, the ad culminated in the reveal of the Honda Accord.

Why It Worked:

• Showcased precision engineering in a visually stunning way
• Brilliantly demonstrated “the power of dreams” (Honda’s slogan)
• Became a viral sensation before “viral” was even a marketing term

3. Chrysler – “Imported from Detroit” (2011)

Eminem’s gritty narration and the soulful soundtrack of “Lose Yourself” turned this Chrysler 200 ad into a love letter to Detroit. The commercial didn’t just sell a car—it sold resilience, American pride, and the spirit of a city on the rise.

Why It Worked:

• Emotional storytelling that transcended the product
• Authentic representation of Detroit’s comeback
• Elevated Chrysler’s brand perception overnight

4. BMW – “The Hire” (2001-2002)

Before streaming services dominated entertainment, BMW released “The Hire,” a series of short films starring Clive Owen as a mysterious driver. Directed by A-listers like Guy Ritchie and Ang Lee, these mini-movies blended action, intrigue, and luxury branding in a way never seen before.

Why It Worked:

• Reinvented car advertising as high-end entertainment
• Showcased BMW’s performance in real-world (albeit exaggerated) scenarios
• Set the standard for branded content

5. Toyota – “The Longest Chase” (2023)

Toyota’s recent “The Longest Chase” commercial for the GR Corolla was a high-octane homage to classic car chases. Shot in a single take, it followed a getaway driver evading pursuers through city streets, proving the car’s agility and power.

Why It Worked:

• Thrilling cinematography that kept viewers engaged
• Showcased performance without heavy-handed sales pitches
• A fresh take on the traditional “car chase” trope

The Worst Car Commercials of All Time

1. Chevrolet – “Robot” (2007)

Chevy’s bizarre Super Bowl ad featured a factory robot that, after being fired, throws itself off a bridge. The dark humor backfired spectacularly, with viewers finding it more disturbing than funny.

Why It Failed:

• Tone-deaf humor that didn’t resonate
• Made the brand seem cold rather than innovative
• Widely mocked online

2. Nissan – “Puppy Love” (2015)

This ad followed a puppy’s lifelong friendship with a Nissan Rogue, only to end with the dog being given away. The emotional whiplash left audiences confused and upset—not exactly the reaction Nissan wanted.

Why It Failed:

• Unintentionally depressing ending
• Felt manipulative rather than heartfelt
• Overshadowed the car’s actual features

3. Cadillac – “Poolside” (2014)

In this infamous spot, actor Neal McDonough smugly lectures viewers about how Americans “work hard” while lounging by a pool in his luxury Cadillac. The elitist tone rubbed many the wrong way.

Why It Failed:

• Came across as arrogant and out of touch
• Alienated average consumers
• Became a meme for all the wrong reasons

4. Mitsubishi – “Not for Everyone” (2002)

Mitsubishi’s attempt at edgy marketing backfired when this ad featured a woman seductively eating a banana while a voiceover declared the Eclipse Spyder was “not for everyone.” The suggestive tone overshadowed the car entirely.

Why It Failed:

• Objectified women for no reason
• Failed to highlight the car’s actual selling points
• Felt outdated even in 2002

5. Ford – “Bold Moves” (2006)

Ford’s “Bold Moves” campaign was meant to reinvigorate the brand but instead came off as desperate. One particularly cringe-worthy ad showed a man stripping off his clothes in traffic to “reinvent himself”—only to put on a new outfit and drive a Ford Fusion.

Why It Failed:

• Confusing and nonsensical messaging
• Failed to connect with consumers
• Quickly forgotten

What Makes a Great Car Commercial?

The best car ads do more than showcase features—they tell a story, evoke emotion, and make the brand memorable. Whether through humor, drama, or sheer spectacle, the most successful campaigns understand their audience and leave a lasting impression.

On the flip side, the worst commercials often suffer from:

• Tone-deaf messaging (e.g., Chevy’s suicidal robot)
• Forced sentimentality (e.g., Nissan’s abandoned puppy)
• Misguided attempts at edginess (e.g., Mitsubishi’s suggestive ad)

Final Thoughts

Car commercials have given us some of the most iconic—and infamous—moments in advertising history. While the best ones make us feel something, the worst ones become cautionary tales. As brands continue to push creative boundaries, one thing remains clear: authenticity and emotional resonance will always win over gimmicks and shock value.

Which car commercials do you love (or love to hate)? Let us know in the comments!