Automotive Ads That Lied Harder Than Your Ex
Somewhere between “0 to 60 in 3 seconds” and “family-friendly mileage,” car ads mastered the fine art of fiction. Every decade had its share of automotive snake oil, from 1950s “space-age” safety features to 1980s “turbo” badges slapped on anything with wheels or tires.
Back then, ad men smoked indoors and believed a smiling family in a station wagon could sell you eternal happiness or decent cup holders. Ford promised adventure, Chevy promised freedom, and everyone promised respect. Spoiler: you got none anyway.
Fasten your seatbelt tightly, folks, and enjoy these hilariously deceptive car ads that truly took truth for a joyride.
Everest Attempt
Snowy vertical slopes challenge the Isuzu Trooper II, with a cheering businessman observing.
Extreme Launch
A skydiving scene frames a yellow Mercedes SLK, linking the roadster to extreme stunts and adventure.
Bug Killer
High-speed Porsche 911 Turbo leaves flying insects behind, exaggerating aerodynamic power.
Video Game Durability
Urban ruins serve as playground for a Jeep Wrangler driving over destroyed cars with helicopters overhead.
Instinctual SUV
Strength and stability are exaggerated as a Mitsubishi Pajero balances above a rhinoceros with wheels.
Thrill Tires
Passengers cheer while a red Ford Focus races along a roller coaster, emphasizing tire excitement.
Wedding Wreck
Chaos meets elegance as a blue Ford Focus ST traps a wedding dress under its wheel.
Ice Conqueror
Frozen surfaces can’t stop a Ford Focus pulling an enormous icebreaker across the lake.
Unusual Parking
Office parking at night becomes an unexpected stage for the Volkswagen Touareg.
Abundant Mercury
Illustrations promise more comfort, beauty, and visibility around a 1940s Mercury, exaggerating everyday advantages.
Love Triangle
Romantic tension surrounds a 1969 Dodge Charger R/T, hinting at drama-enhancing automotive presence.
Romantic Van
Under a full moon, candles and rose petals elevate a Honda Odyssey into a romantic setting.
Silent Hunter
Quiet diesel engines let hunters approach prey unnoticed in the back of a SsangYong Actyon Sports.
Post-Apocalyptic Predator
Rubble and giant skeletons frame a Mazda CX-7, portraying extreme strength in a fantasy landscape.
Jazz Adventure
Scuba gear preparation at the water’s edge sets the Ford Maverick in an adventurous lifestyle.
Western Durability
Desert cowboys surround a De Soto, emphasizing the car’s endurance under extreme conditions.
Beach Savings
Relaxing on sand, people enjoy the Ford Fairlane 500 parked by the water, promising extra value.
Rocket Ride
High above, a woman rides a rocket, implying the Oldsmobile '98 moves with explosive glamour.
Traffic Escape
Minimalist black-and-white imagery transforms driving a Porsche 911 into a thrilling fantasy.
Snowbound Rabbit
Wintery terrain receives a Volkswagen Rabbit, with a man stepping out confidently in snow.
Unexpected Charm
Smiles fill the windows as a man drives a Daihatsu Hijet, suggesting surprising appeal.
Industrial Grip
Cranes lift the Vauxhall Cavalier, exaggerating its stability next to a police truck.
Tiny Trouble
Despite its small size, the Volkswagen Polo resists police pushes, proving toughness far beyond expectations.
Safari Ready
Mud splashes as a Land Rover Freelander crosses a river, with hippos curiously observing nearby.
Martini Motors
Engines are tested by balancing martinis on the hood, showcasing BMW’s smoothness in a playful way.
Flying Fantasy
A desert road stretches under an old stone bridge while the Peugeot 106 GTi seems to float above it.
