Car brands are among the biggest spenders in advertising, spending millions to make sure potential car buyers remember and consider their brand when in the market for a car. We wanted to shine a spotlight on some of the most iconic car television commercials that have aired on TV from the 1990’s to today. To compile this list, we used the following criteria:

1. U.S. Ads: We included only ads that aired in the United States. 
2. Television Only: The list primarily features ads that ran on television, with one notable exception—BMW’s "The Hire”.
3. Sources: We looked at a variety of sources, including Reddit, USA Today, and Ad Age
4. Additional Considerations: We factored in the context of the ad, music, and technology. 

Disclaimer on YouTube Links: We’ve provided YouTube links for each ad when possible, but please note that these links may become unavailable over time. Due to compliance with advertising royalties and Screen Actors Guild regulations.

Best Car TV Ads from the 1990’s

Car Manufacturer:  Nissan
Year:  1997 
Advertising Agency:  TBWAChiatDay
Ad Name:  "Toys"
Premise :  Released just a few years after the original Toy Story (1995), this ad captures the toys coming to life. A G.I. Joe like character jumps into his red Nissan 300ZX, speeds over to “Barbie like” doll mansion, and takes her on an drive —all set to Van Halen’s "You Really Got Me."  

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Car Manufacturer:  Volkswagen
Year:  1999 
Advertising Agency:  Arnold Worldwide
Ad Name:  "Milky Way"
Premise:  A group of young twenty-somethings cruise under the moonlit sky in a convertible VW Cabrio, heading to a house party. As they arrive, they realize the journey itself is better than the destination, so they drive on. Music from Nick Drake’s “Pink Moon”. 

Car Manufacturer: Chrysler/Jeep
Year: 1994
Advertising Agency: Bozell
Ad Name:  "Snow Covered"
Premise:  In a snowy mountain landscape, possibly the Grand Tetons, something hidden plows through the snow, eventually pausing at a stop sign before making a left turn. The ad ends with the message, "There’s Only One Jeep..."—a powerful reminder of Jeep’s unparalleled off-road capability. 

Car Manufacturer:  Lexus
Year:  1992
Advertising Agency: Team One
Ad Name:  "Ball Bearing Precision”
Premise:  To demonstrate the precision and craftsmanship of Lexus a ball bearing smoothly glides through the car's tight tolerances, such as the door gaps. This ad, showcasing the ES300, played a role in establishing Lexus in the U.S. luxury market, accompanied by the iconic tagline, "The Relentless Pursuit of Perfection”

Best Car TV Ads from the 2000’s

Car Manufacturer: Saturn / GM
Year:  2002
Advertising Agency:  Goodby, Silverstein & Partners
Ad Name:  "Sheet Metal"
Premise: In this ad, there isn't a single car in sight—just people mimicking the motions of their daily commutes: leaving the garage, joining a carpool, waiting in traffic, and stopping at a light. The ad, for Saturn, emphasizes the brand's unique approach, focusing on the people behind the wheel rather than the metal, underscoring Saturn’s commitment to being a different kind of car company.

Car Manufacturer: BMW
Year:  2001
Advertising Agency:  Fallon
Ad Name: "The Hire" 
Premise: Although these ads didn’t air on TV but rather online, they pioneered the idea of blending entertainment with advertising. The series featured short, James Bond-style films that highlighted BMWs in thrilling car chases and starring high-profile actors. 

Best Car TV Ads from the 2010’s

Car Manufacturer: Volkswagen
Year: 2011
Advertising Agency:  Deutsch
Ad Name: "The Force"
Premise:  A young boy dressed as Darth Vader attempts to use the “Force” on various objects around the house, but nothing seems to work. That is, until his dad arrives home in a VW and secretly activates the keyless start, making the car spring to life. Notably, this ad was one of the first Super Bowl commercials to be shared on YouTube before its TV debut.

Car Manufacturer: Chrysler
Year:  2011
Advertising Agency : Wieden+Kennedy
Ad Name:  "Born of Fire"
Premise: A powerful statement of resilience, emerging in the aftermath of the 2009 financial crisis and Detroit's struggles. It aimed to symbolize the city’s comeback, featuring a new luxury Chrysler 200 driven by Detroit native Eminem, with his music providing the backdrop, reinforcing the message that Detroit—and Chrysler—were ready to rise again.

Best Car TV Ads from the 2020’s 

Car Manufacturer: Jeep
Year: 2020
Advertising Agency: HighDive
Ad Name:  Groundhog Day
Premise: Bill Murray steps back into his iconic Groundhog Day role, but this time, he’s driving a Jeep Gladiator Rubicon—making every day an adventure instead of a repeat. Set to Sonny & Cher’s classic "I’ve Got You Babe.

Car Manufacturer: Hyundai 
Year: 2020
Advertising Agency: INNOCEAN USA
Ad Name:  Smaht Pahk
Premise: Set in Boston, two pedestrians with thick Boston accents are in awe as they watch a Hyundai Sonata park itself using the "Smart Park" feature. The ad stars Boston icons Chris Evans, John Krasinski, Rachel Dratch, and Red Sox legend David Ortiz.

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