From dancing hamsters to patriotic jingles, these ads didn’t just sell cars — they became part of pop culture. Let’s rewind the tape. 📼
🐹 Kia Soul Hamsters (2009–2013)
Boxy cars don’t usually scream cool. But Kia flipped the script by introducing *dancing hamsters* cruising around in a Soul while bumping to hip-hop beats. These furry mascots turned a practical hatchback into a pop culture icon, connecting with a younger, music-loving audience. The hamsters didn’t just sell cars — they sold vibes.
🔧 Dodge Ram – “That Thing Got a HEMI?” (2000s)
Sometimes all it takes is a single line. Dodge’s HEMI ads became legendary thanks to two words: “That thing got a HEMI?” Delivered with a goofy, wide-eyed curiosity, the phrase caught fire and turned into everyday slang. Even people who didn’t know what a HEMI engine was started asking the question. Dodge didn’t just sell trucks — they sold a cultural catchphrase.
⚙️ Honda – “The Cog” (2003)
Before viral YouTube videos were even a thing, Honda gave us a masterpiece. “The Cog” was a two-minute Rube Goldberg machine made entirely of Honda Accord parts — no CGI, no tricks, just pure engineering and patience. It reportedly took 606 takes to get it right. The result? A mesmerizing ad that left viewers speechless and made the Accord feel like a work of art.
🚙 Chevrolet – “Like a Rock” (1991–2004)
For over a decade, Chevy trucks were backed by Bob Seger’s gritty anthem “Like a Rock.” The ads showcased trucks hauling, towing, and surviving anything America threw at them. It was more than marketing — it became a patriotic rallying cry. To this day, many can’t hear the song without picturing a Silverado powering through mud.
🚗 Volkswagen – “Think Small” (1960s)
At a time when bigger was always better, Volkswagen did the opposite. Their “Think Small” campaign embraced honesty, minimalism, and humor to promote the humble Beetle. It didn’t just sell cars — it revolutionized advertising itself. To this day, it’s considered one of the greatest ad campaigns in history, proving less really can be more.
🧸 Nissan – “Toys” (1996)
This commercial had kids and adults glued to their TVs. Action figures — G.I. Joe, Barbie, and others — came to life and raced through city streets in a Nissan 300ZX. It blurred the line between toy commercials and car ads, making it unforgettable for a whole generation. Proof that sometimes the best ads feel like playtime.
🐔 Mercedes-Benz – “Chicken Magic Body Control” (2013)
Mercedes took a quirky approach with this one: chickens dancing to Diana Ross’s “Upside Down.” Their heads stayed perfectly still while their bodies moved — demonstrating the car’s “Magic Body Control” suspension system. It was weird, hilarious, and brilliant, instantly going viral while showcasing German engineering with humor.
✨ Highlights
- Kia’s hamsters showed that fun sells just as well as horsepower.
- Dodge turned “HEMI” into a household word.
- Honda proved engineering could be mesmerizing entertainment.
- Chevy tied trucks to American grit and identity.
- Volkswagen’s minimalist honesty changed advertising forever.
- Nissan showed toys could sell cars to grown-ups too.
- Mercedes proved humor and engineering can dance together.
Which Car Ad Stuck With You? 🤔
Drop your favorite in the comments or tag @streetlegalus on Instagram with your throwback picks. We might feature them in a future blog!