Then again, Subaru has been known as quirky and hadn't really been mainstream until recent designs. Even then, those are mainstream "for a Subaru", and far from generic.
They use what looks like an old Kia Optima as the starting base, but that's not really fair - the new Optima is far from conventional looking.
Yep, I saw the connection, and it is pretty ironic that Subaru is now much more vanilla than at any other time in its history, while launching this campaign. Still funny though...I suspect there's a demographic who would actually be attracted to such ads.
The upcoming Optima is very flashy for a Kia (still haven't seen one in the flesh)...I don't know about unconventional though, doesn't seem to break any rules (save for the rule of good taste with the proposed faux fender vents).
Sheesh! What a bunch of dorks! It's not like Dad is handing them the keys to his old Hemi 'Cuda or Shelby Mustang. I can understand the girls being excited as most women aren't car enthusiasts, but the son must've spent a lot of time stuffed into lockers or having his head shoved in a toilet bowl if he gets all excited over the prospect of owning an old Camry.
Question: Why don't these kids get a job and buy their own cars?
They went from totally polarizing to merely slightly polarizing, LOL.
Subaru, that is.
Optima has some odd angles, so I prefer the Sonata. Thing is, most people I talk to prefer the Optima. The C-pillars ended up looking like Jag's new flagship, which is a fortunate coincidence for them.
Funny how a vanilla sedan can inspire so much hate.
Relax, guys, there are plenty of Aunt Ednas and Uncle Bobs out there who drive slowly from point A to point B and don't really ever screech the tires. Camry targets them and is still the #1 selling car in America.
The ad appeals to loyal Toyota owners who are middle aged because they were buying Toyota Tercels while their poor friends went broke putting GAS in their Hemi Cudas during the OPEC oil crisis.
Today they're loyal and buy Camrys again and again because Toyotas have been durable. They didn't expect that Tercel to last 200k miles, but it did.
Sure, I'd rather drive an M3. Of course. But maybe not if I was driving to the hospital with broken ribs. Toyotas have a velvet-smooth ride that actually appeals to some people.
Not everyone wants to drive a stiff sports sedan with rock-hard low-profile run-flat tires, folks!
I think the Sienna ads are fake cool, an ironic statement. A Sienna doesn't have "swagger" no matter how much a six-figure stealing marketeer claims otherwise :shades:
Those ads were definitely tongue-in-cheek, but I think that's fairly obvious.
Remember, the ad went viral - Toyota got over 7 million hits on YouTube. For a commercial, no less.
Sales skyrocketed.
Sienna played wall flower to the Odyssey for years. Last month Toyota sold 9920 of them, up about 50% from a year before (and the old model scored higher in Consumer Reports).
Honda fell way behind at 7691 sales. Grand Caravan actually came in 2nd with 8057 sales. And both had good months!
Sienna prices are up about $2000 across the board, so Toyota is selling 50% more vans at higher prices to boot.
Total cash cow.
Sorry to anyone who doesn't like the Swagger Wagon ads, but the fact is - it's probably the most effective campaign of this century. No kidding.
saw that Lund family ad last night on TV. gag worthy.
But, this is the same Toyota that actually used Siad Fred and "I'm too sexy" for the camry back about 10 years ago. ALl for that amazing mid cycle refresh where they changed the taillights.
I always assumed they were being snarky there but maybe not...
Well, to be fair, the current Odyssey is ancient and in desperate need of the new model, and it is also expensive. Sienna, like the Caravan, also sells to fleets, I don't believe the Odyssey does.
People might have viewed those ads to laugh. It could be called a funny campaign, but swagger is something not contained in that vehicle. Lots of swag, maybe.
I've seen them here, unless private owners wear barcode decals. They've been around all summer, I'm pretty sure. And as you say, the old one was loved by fleets...can't see why it would change, as lots of other Toyota products are likewise.
How about backing up that 2K increase? My take on the 'Swagger wagon' video is that it is entertaining in a non real world kind of way. I sent it to several others.
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Those are classics; unfortunately back in the day I could barely afford the '82 Tercel sedan. It was a peppy 5 speed, great shifting, and light and tossable.
But, as you can see from the pic, I could have used the wagon.
Well, there are white side-window sticker-using toll roads up in Pennsylvania, at least there were 10 years ago. Plenty of civilians had stickers for those.
Toyota put in a 4 banger model slotted below it in the price range, but even so, fitzmall.com no-haggle prices started at $20,999 when I last shopped and right now the cheapest van is $23,057, and that's a 2.7l 4 banger, where the old one was a V6!
Costliest one is now $41,271, and that's a street price, already discounted. They didn't break $40k after discounts before. $38-39k was loaded AWD before.
It's a pretty clear-cut $2000 across-the-board increase in price, at least. I think I'm actually under-estimating the increase, probably $2500.
I've never seen a bar code used for tolls around here, and I've never had a rental car that didn't have one somewhere on the exterior. That combined with a lack of license plate frames is usually a positive indicator of a rental.
I've never had a rental without a barcode. Even in Europe, they use the same system.
Barcodes aren't used out here for anything other than rentals as far as I know - toll systems are RFID based and gated communities are like hens teeth. It's a hell of a coincidence that cars that are known to be fleet-dumped (boring domestic sedans, along with many Koreans and Toyotas) just happen to wear these and don't wear license plate frames.
depends where it is. In Atex's area, one place that I know did use them (not sure if still do) was the Rt. 40 Bridge near Havre De Grace. But, that was a big thing on the side window. ANd years ago, before EZ pass, the Philly bridges used them too.
Rentals have little tiny bar codes on the lower corner of the rear window. Probably 1/10th the size of a toll one, and in a place that would not be useful for a toll reader.
Nope, closer to Seattle. I'm willing to wager all of them I see are rentals. Heck, I've seen used ex-rentals on dealer lots still wearing the barcode - was not uncommon a couple years ago when Hertz dumped their A6 fleet.
I've had rentals with the barcode high on the front or rear windshield too. On the 7 series rental I had last year in Germany, there was one on the trunk next to the license plate. But mostly yeah, on a rear side window.
I don't rent cars very often but I never noticed a bar code on one
They try to make them as inconspicuous as possible these days because in places like Miami criminals were targeting visitors by identifying the rental sticker on their vehicle.
I remember the old tourism slogan for Florida ("Maybe You Won't Get Shot"), so I am sure there is something different in that...ummm...place. I remember back in the days before barcodes, they wore rental car company license plate frames, which would be removed to be incognito. But I've never rented a car there. However, for every other car I have rented, they've had barcodes.
At home I have photos of 2 German rentals and a rental in Vegas...I'll have to look for the codes when I'm back.
That's exactly right, and as far as I know, they are used for nothing else today, at least not in my area. See one here and it is safe to bet the car is part of a fleet.
My nice barcoded rentals - the normal cars I have rented didn't get me going enough to snap a pic:
I rented a similar Audi in Vegas. We had a blast flying around the mountain roads with it. When I dropped it off the drivetrain was making a strange intermittent clicking noise. I drove it aggressively but didn't outright beat on it.
I've also noticed the bar codes on most rentals. I think I've even seen them scan them with the handheld scanners when I've dropped off the car.
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I drove mine out in the desert, but didn't abuse it. I remember I got a good rate on it and was thrilled to be driving it rather than a PT Cruiser or something. About a year later a local highline used dealer had a handful of ex-fleet A6s, I remember looking at cars there, and one still had Hertz paperwork on the front seat. I bet some of those cars were beat.
I remember the 7 series was scanned when returned, but barely inspected. I had expected them to go over something like that with a magnifying glass.
The new Mini ad with the fake songs is kind of lame...but maybe that's just in my head as my last couple run-ins with new Mini owners (or operators) give less than a positive impression.
Lexus ad comparing the ES standard features to the 3er and C is inane - the cars don't compete with each other and don't appeal to similar buyers. Those Germans can actually be equipped to drive nice enough, the ES is a FWD recliner on wheels.
Nothing wrong with that for what it is, but it isn't the same market segment as a 3er, or even the more sedate C, both of which can be had with manual, both are RWD, and both of which can be had with sport tuning. The ES isn't inane itself, but the ad is.
...will have the nerve to air the "December to Remember" commercials in this, the third year of the depression? If I had the money to buy a Lexus for my wife, I'd be discreet and not advertise it to the neighborhood as I'd probably become the victim of a home invasion robbery. Things are getting rough on the streets.
I'd wager an awful lot of money we'll be treated to those ads once again, and get to see spoiled housewives receiving new crossovers and SUVs with red bows on top.
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Then again, Subaru has been known as quirky and hadn't really been mainstream until recent designs. Even then, those are mainstream "for a Subaru", and far from generic.
They use what looks like an old Kia Optima as the starting base, but that's not really fair - the new Optima is far from conventional looking.
Still, funny commercials.
The upcoming Optima is very flashy for a Kia (still haven't seen one in the flesh)...I don't know about unconventional though, doesn't seem to break any rules (save for the rule of good taste with the proposed faux fender vents).
OK, what demographic does this ad appeal to?
Pudgy young women and their incredibly boring parents?
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
I liked the Camry one where the dad had a funny/dorky laugh. There won't be a Camry ad showing "cool" owners...not many of those exist :shades:
But what the hey, I'm a minivan guy.
Question: Why don't these kids get a job and buy their own cars?
Subaru, that is.
Optima has some odd angles, so I prefer the Sonata. Thing is, most people I talk to prefer the Optima. The C-pillars ended up looking like Jag's new flagship, which is a fortunate coincidence for them.
Relax, guys, there are plenty of Aunt Ednas and Uncle Bobs out there who drive slowly from point A to point B and don't really ever screech the tires. Camry targets them and is still the #1 selling car in America.
The ad appeals to loyal Toyota owners who are middle aged because they were buying Toyota Tercels while their poor friends went broke putting GAS in their Hemi Cudas during the OPEC oil crisis.
Today they're loyal and buy Camrys again and again because Toyotas have been durable. They didn't expect that Tercel to last 200k miles, but it did.
Sure, I'd rather drive an M3. Of course. But maybe not if I was driving to the hospital with broken ribs. Toyotas have a velvet-smooth ride that actually appeals to some people.
Not everyone wants to drive a stiff sports sedan with rock-hard low-profile run-flat tires, folks!
After my first car got hit, I was able to use a spare car in the family - a Tempo. That got me going to find something else.
I can't stand the front end of the Sonata, I actually prefer the Kia. I don't see a resemblance to the 6-window XJ though.
Then I sold my '82 Tercel after 17 years of ownership. :P
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Either way, a commendable effort for Kia, IMHO better looking than the Sonata.
The Kia has 200hp standard and better mpg to boot, so that along might sway me. For many it might come down to which one has a dealership closer by.
Remember, the ad went viral - Toyota got over 7 million hits on YouTube. For a commercial, no less.
Sales skyrocketed.
Sienna played wall flower to the Odyssey for years. Last month Toyota sold 9920 of them, up about 50% from a year before (and the old model scored higher in Consumer Reports).
Honda fell way behind at 7691 sales. Grand Caravan actually came in 2nd with 8057 sales. And both had good months!
Sienna prices are up about $2000 across the board, so Toyota is selling 50% more vans at higher prices to boot.
Total cash cow.
Sorry to anyone who doesn't like the Swagger Wagon ads, but the fact is - it's probably the most effective campaign of this century. No kidding.
But, this is the same Toyota that actually used Siad Fred and "I'm too sexy" for the camry back about 10 years ago. ALl for that amazing mid cycle refresh where they changed the taillights.
I always assumed they were being snarky there but maybe not...
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People might have viewed those ads to laugh. It could be called a funny campaign, but swagger is something not contained in that vehicle. Lots of swag, maybe.
There must be less Kia dealers as a whole, so no doubt it will sell less unless it becomes a rental queen.
I'm not saying it has swagger, in fact the SE model is not the best seller (the LE is). I doubt the SE even comes in 2nd, probably the XLE.
They only started making them recently.
Aren't those used for some toll booths? I thought that's what they were for, no?
My take on the 'Swagger wagon' video is that it is entertaining in a non real world kind of way. I sent it to several others.
Those are classics; unfortunately back in the day I could barely afford the '82 Tercel sedan. It was a peppy 5 speed, great shifting, and light and tossable.
But, as you can see from the pic, I could have used the wagon.
My LE-8 was $25k, now they're in the $27k range.
Toyota put in a 4 banger model slotted below it in the price range, but even so, fitzmall.com no-haggle prices started at $20,999 when I last shopped and right now the cheapest van is $23,057, and that's a 2.7l 4 banger, where the old one was a V6!
Costliest one is now $41,271, and that's a street price, already discounted. They didn't break $40k after discounts before. $38-39k was loaded AWD before.
It's a pretty clear-cut $2000 across-the-board increase in price, at least. I think I'm actually under-estimating the increase, probably $2500.
Next time I'll look.
I tell ya, though, lots of commuters have bar codes on their cars. I guess it could be a bunch of loaner cars, but all of them? Doubtful.
Barcodes aren't used out here for anything other than rentals as far as I know - toll systems are RFID based and gated communities are like hens teeth. It's a hell of a coincidence that cars that are known to be fleet-dumped (boring domestic sedans, along with many Koreans and Toyotas) just happen to wear these and don't wear license plate frames.
Rentals have little tiny bar codes on the lower corner of the rear window. Probably 1/10th the size of a toll one, and in a place that would not be useful for a toll reader.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I've had rentals with the barcode high on the front or rear windshield too. On the 7 series rental I had last year in Germany, there was one on the trunk next to the license plate. But mostly yeah, on a rear side window.
They try to make them as inconspicuous as possible these days because in places like Miami criminals were targeting visitors by identifying the rental sticker on their vehicle.
At home I have photos of 2 German rentals and a rental in Vegas...I'll have to look for the codes when I'm back.
My nice barcoded rentals - the normal cars I have rented didn't get me going enough to snap a pic:
Vegas - barcode horizontal low on rear quarter window
Germany rental #1 - barcode horizontal low on rear quarter door window (I actually washed this car, felt bad about dirtying it on unpaved roads)
Germany rental #2 - barcode vertical left of license plate
I've also noticed the bar codes on most rentals. I think I've even seen them scan them with the handheld scanners when I've dropped off the car.
I remember the 7 series was scanned when returned, but barely inspected. I had expected them to go over something like that with a magnifying glass.