Car Commercials, the good, the bad, and the annoying!

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Comments

  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,517
    Depends on the jump, but yeah, I'd pass on anything used in commercial or movie stunts anyway. I wonder if any of the soccer moms who are the main CRV demographic will think their soft roader is now super-indestructable.

    Have you seen the pics of what the "General Lee" cars looked like after jumping? Pretty scary.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Yeah, they junked how many cars again?

    Look at the Ford Raptor frames, even that HD pickup can't take that sort of abuse.

    FFWD to 5:52...

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7i2m7W1CR3w

    2nd jump at 6:15, too.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,517
    That curb hitting scene when the door opens would ruin the suspension, too.

    Here's a jumped General Lee:

    image
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Jeff Spicoli:

    Relax, all right? My old man is a television repairman, he's got this ultimate set of tools. I can fix it.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    That's hilarious, my fave so far.

    The dancing holographic monkey is hysterical at 0:28.

    Both car guy celebs, too. Good job casting.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFPMx2vaFNg&feature=player_embedded

    I like the ad, but...

    I don't like the lower bumper on that GS, that's the optional F-sport bumper I think. Reminds me of the M-sport bumper on the 5 series.

    The standard bumper on both looks better.
  • texasestexases Member Posts: 11,133
    This time on 'Fringe', the characters were in Nissan Leaf and the driver, when told they had 40 miles to go, checked the range on the center screen - of course "plenty of range left!"

    It would have been more exciting for them to run dry a mile from their goal, then have to get out and run! :P
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,517
    edited January 2012
    So if it's ugly, you lock it in a box in the basement? ;)

    The first hit on the box (with no damage) reminds me of the typical local Lexus driver trying to park :shades:

    Early prototype styling mule for the GS:

    image

    But seriously, not a hugely memorable ad, but it implies something is dynamic, which is an image the beige L needs desperately.

    And yeah, the M bumper is ugly, looks like it wasn't made for the car.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Besides the coke bottle curve it looks nothing like that.

    Let's see how consumers respond to the ad, they always measure stuff like that. Plus the ads this year aren't as strong, no lil' Vader this time.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,517
    Hourglass grille, ugly eyes, general awkward face. From the side it might not look similar.

    Target market for the GS probably won't see the ad anyway.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Such a shock that you don't like it...

    Let's see what people who buy new cars think. :P
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,517
    edited January 2012
    And such a shock that you are once again playing devils advocate or closeted fanboy when the Toyolex new baby is given criticism :shades:

    Oh I am sure it will drive worlds better than the invisible, bland, and numb previous model, but I can guarantee you that in 20 or 30 years nobody will come back and look at it as a design high point.

    Buying new cars is a red herring, irrelevant distraction.
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,803
    Here's what your favorite autoblog has to say about the Raptor frame issue.
    I got my 02 Explorer airborne unintentionally at about 80 mph one time.
    Had to replace the rear springs a few years later because they had cracked.
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • xrunner2xrunner2 Member Posts: 3,062
    The late 50's, early 60's produced the most incredibly ugly and bizarre styles and designs of American cars EVER. Thank god we are well beyond that era.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,517
    We're getting a few odd things now and then today - moreso than anytime in the past few decades, but nothing like a 61 Mopar anyway yeah.
  • ab348ab348 Member Posts: 20,352
    With vehicles like the Nissan Juke running around, I would suggest we have not progressed very far.

    2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6

  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Oh, I like the Raptor, don't get me wrong. If I was told I could have one truck for free, pick anything, that's what it would be. No question.

    I might not do this, though...

    image

    URL if you can't see image above:

    http://ford-raptors.info/images/ford_raptor_2.jpg

    Great truck, it's just that marketing gets a little carried away...
  • texasestexases Member Posts: 11,133
    I seem to remember Jeep got in problem some years back for commercials showing them busting through/around/over snow berms, etc. Lots of damage, not that you could tell!
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Medley:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=iuvoSw1TiJ8

    Preview of a music video one:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=9Op9owJiujY

    I'm sure young people will get it more than we do. :D
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-9EYFJ4Clo&feature=player_embedded

    Good one. Still think Leno/Seinfeld is better, though.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,517
    As is typical for the past many years, Europe gets cooler Hondas than us.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    They even cost-cut the TSX - the next one will not be the euro Accord.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,517
    And when we got the wagon, we got it dumbed down, all 6cyl and slushbox right? Almost seems like a conspiracy so overpaid execs can say "told you so, nobody likes wagons" when defending their ZDX and Crosstour eyesores. Remember the rumors of the diesel we'd get? Shame on Honda.
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,803
    Every vehicle has it's limits.
    Maybe you didn't read or comprehend the article I posted.
    Marketing carried away?
    Subaru is the best example I can think of with the WRX WRX/STI.
    Subaru symetrical AWD with a Turbo, it's invinceible, just watch the commercials catering to young drivers.
    Locally, after several fatal's killing 3 to 4 kids at a time, everyone has figured out there are limits.
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    edited February 2012
    Instead they are adding a 4 cylinder option to the Crosstour, which nobody is buying. Subaru sells more Outbacks on Tuesdays.

    Edit: 7412 Outbacks in January, 921 for the Crosstour.

    OUCH, I wasn't kidding!

    Toss in 54 of the ZDX.

    Double OUCH. Outback sells about 8 times as many as both combined.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I read the Raptor article, also watched the issue being discussed on Adam Carolla's show (is that still on the air?).

    Matt Farah owns one - his point was that despite the frame being bent, the truck was still running and made it to the next check point, as opposed to a suspension failure that could leave you stranded. The pre-run and course notes are essential (same with any rally, off road or not).

    Subaru doesn't really run many ads for the STI, so I'm not sure why you're picking on them. They do more product placement, viral videos, X Games stuff. I don't think I've ever seen an ad for the STI on television.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    edited February 2012
    after several fatal's killing 3 to 4 kids at a time

    What's with the scare tactics, anyway?

    Is there any single car with more fatal crashes than the Mustang?

    RWD + tons of power + 16 year old inexperience = insanity.

    Kid across the street wrapped a bright green one around a telephone pole.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,517
    I see both of those monstrosities all the time here, the dopey old yuppies in my area must see something the rest of the world doesn't.

    I can't imagine a Crosstour with a 4 being a very good performer...it looks like it weighs about 5000 lbs.
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,803
    The topic is 'Over Hyped'. No scare tactics. When you 'knew' some of those kids and you have had to make room for an Imprezza with some young kid that couldn't hold the line in a curve coming right at you, it's due to the hype.
    Mainstream TV is not the main venue for promoting the performance of these cars.
    X Games, Internet, video games, that's where the invincibility is promoted.
    The cars are very capable, just not invincible. No different than the Raptor in that respect.
    When your kid gets old enough to drive, you'll see there is a big difference between a 50k Raptor and a 25K Imprezza. Lot's more kids can afford an Imprezza.
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,517
    I'd say any parent who buys their kid a 25K+ car of almost any variety (kids don't have that kind of money without parental aid) should be questioned and held accountable more than the kids or cars themselves. Sadly, in this new reality, there is too often a sharp divide between being affluent and being sensible or responsible.
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,803
    There are plenty of high school kids near in town that drive really nice cars/trucks.
    When I would ask my kids about it, usually it turned out the parents were divorced and the kid played them against each other.
    For Connecticut, I live in a pretty nice area.
    When I flew over where ateixeira lives, the nice houses up here look like tool sheds compared to the DC area.
    A huge concentration of wealth there. The kids probably have to decide between a 335 or an M3. :)
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,517
    I live in a well to do area too, plenty of newer highline cars/SUVs driven by kids, and they don't seem to fare any better than kids in normal old cars.

    And when the princes and princesses wrap it around a tree and maybe take themselves out with it, it's their fault and their parents fault IMO - not the car, whether it be a Mustang or WRX or otherwise. We can just hope no innocents are harmed.

    Anyone who buys a kid an M3 should be tarred and feathered. Instead, we give em tax breaks :sick:
  • lemkolemko Member Posts: 15,261
    My Dad would never buy me a car. My best friend's Dad bought him a car and I foolishly brought up the topic with him. He replied, "I'm not buying you any (expletive) car! You buy your own car and pay for the (expletive) insurance!" Well, I did manage to buy a 13 year-old 1968 Buick Special Deluxe for the princely sum of $650.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,517
    edited February 2012
    I can see helping a kid buy a reasonable car (but making him pay insurance) or even giving a car - if that car is so dreary that the kid will be motivated to buy his own. Have fun with that 87 Celebrity, son :shades:
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Tell Chevrolet, with the Sonic kick flip by Rob Dyrdek (popular skate boarder).

    As for WRX, compare insurance rates for the Mustang, they're even worse. AWD is less bad than RWD when you have that sort of power.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    edited February 2012
    Who had the best Super Bowl ad, in your opinion?

    My vote goes to Chrysler, with Clint Eastwood. Gave me goose bumps. Maybe I'm biased since dad just got one, but that was pretty awesome!

    Never mind that they are Fiat owned and they basically wrapped the flag around themselves. It was still by far the memorable ad that we'll all be talking about for the year to come.

    Any others?
  • texasestexases Member Posts: 11,133
    I got a laugh out of the Veloster ad with the cheetah chasing the guy.

    I thought the Chevy pickup ad was a cheap shot at Ford.

    The VW ad with the fat dog was good, but the ad-on Star Wars bar part seemed out of place.

    I wanted to see more NSX, less people talking!
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Veloster ad with the cheetah chasing the guy

    Funny. I kinda saw it coming, though.

    Chevy pickup ad was a cheap shot at Ford

    Agreed, and when you mention a competitor they become the de-facto bench mark.

    Star Wars bar part seemed out of place

    I think they wanted to link it to last year's Little Vader ad, which was a hit. The family didn't get it, though, I had to explain it to them.

    more NSX

    Kids don't know Leno/Seinfeld so they may have missed the younger generation. I liked it.

    The kids' favorite car ad was the Camaro grad gift, they LOVED it. Laughed out loud for a long time.

    Their favorite ad overall was a Doritos one. Funny how effective the ads are, they kept asking for Doritos by name!
  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,389
    Here were some of my random thoughts on a few Super Bowl ads...

    Chevrolet had a lot of nerve running that apocalypse ad- especially considering that GM couldn't even survive the free market without a massive government bailout.

    My mutt -AKA: Rooney the Wonder Dog- liked the Doritos missing cat spot.

    My 17 year old son on the Camaro graduation ad: "I'd be happy too if someone gave me a new Camaro convertible- because I could sell it and buy something I like; either a Boss 302, an E46 M3, or a WRX STi."

    Why use Clint Eastwood in an ad and not let him shoot somebody?

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
    Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
    Son's: 2018 330i xDrive

  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Doritos missing cat spot

    Bingo - that's the one my kids liked, and your comment helped me locate it:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQ4K-TZXt7E

    Yeah, we're dog people. :D

    Why use Clint Eastwood in an ad and not let him shoot somebody?


    No need for a gun, he scared 100,000 people in to buying a Chrysler.
  • anythngbutgmanythngbutgm Member Posts: 4,277
    My favortie ad was the snippet of the NSX engine rev at the end. I must've rewound and played that a dozen times :D

    My wife was cracking up at the Audi twilight spoof. I was clueless since I never read the books but she does.
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    I kind of liked the Audi vampires even though I didn't see where it was going until the very end.

    The Chrysler ad did nothing for me and I absolutely HATED the Silverado ad.

    The Hyundai ads were cute.

    Overall it was a disappointing day for ads but a great day for football.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • xrunner2xrunner2 Member Posts: 3,062
    Very entertaining commercial, kind of funny and touching if one has a dog.
  • xrunner2xrunner2 Member Posts: 3,062
    Really poor taste by GM and Chevrolet running this commercial. Super Bowl day, game, parties, etc are supposed to be about fun.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,517
    I don't think kids are in the target market for an NSX, unless they are the devilspawn of corrupt other world officials who have bought their way in and are now professional spenders :shades: ...Leno/Seinfeld might be right in the actual demographic for the car. Funny ad for car people who know those two are enthusiasts.

    Chevy vs Ford ad was terribly lame and lazy, Chrysler ad was cool just for the voice.
  • xrunner2xrunner2 Member Posts: 3,062
    If any "American" car company to cheer about it is Ford, who did not need any taxpayer bailout. GM and Chrysler were embarrassments to the US for their gross mismanagement. Can't understand why Eastwood agreed to do a commercial for a company majority owned by an Italian company.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    NSX is an aspirational car, and gets people in to ... a TSX.

    I liked the ad, I know both comedians and how much they are car guys, even if Seinfeld was always a Porsche guy.

    I half expected Eastwood to say, "Go ahead, buy an import, make my day..." :D
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