The 2025 Superbowl came and went. For people like me who grew up outside both sides of Philly, the game was a feel-good event where the anti-hero beat the team that social media wants to hate. But, truth be told, I’m a fair-weather fan who watches the Super Bowl for the commercials. When it comes to cars and commercials, the pickings were slim, but here’s a list of the few that will entertain automotive enthusiasts, plus a halftime surprise.
Jeep “Pride is a Terrible Driver”
Do you remember the “Born of Fire” commercial that Eminem narrated in 2011? This Jeep commercial commercial somewhat felt to be written by the same copywriter(s). Sure, celebrities are the easy way out for advertisers, but Harrison Ford was the guy to do it. Note the clever use of inspiration while driving by a Bronco, not to mention the poetic backhandedness of mentioning Ford.
Ram Trucks “Goldilocks and the Three Trucks”
Do you lament how Dodge has deleted the V8? Sure, for its car line, but trucks are a different story. This spot saw Ram returning in good form, portraying actor Glen Power as both a proper Dad and brash Goldilocks in this folk tale that’s bound to bring future adults to the Ram fold. ‘Murica, this one was for you.
WeatherTech “Whatever Comes Your Way”
No, not quite a car commercial, but a 1962 Lincoln Continental plays a starring role as a group of golden girls getting their best Thelma & Louise on (minus the revengeful misandry). Of course, using Steppenwolf’s version of “Born to Be Wild” in the background is a nice way to highlight the hi-jinks.
Häagen-Daz “Not So Fast, Not So Furious”
I like ice cream. Vin Diesel’s movies? Not so much, but ya gotta admire what the man has done. He and “Fast” alum Michelle Rodriguez are seen driving a 1969 Camaro SS convertible, and closeups show that it’s powered by a 396. So why isn’t the rear panel painted black, a signature of big-block cars? Vin, we expected better of ya!
Poppi “Soda Thoughts”
I know Poppi as being an overpriced soft drink (sorry, Homey don’t do “pop”) with limited amount of sugar—the antidote for those who have a soda habit but want to keep it in check. We have another Camaro making an appearance during a game break, this one a 1967 convertible. This spot invokes Los Angeles culture to these eyes, which happens to remind me I’m not quite hip enough, though maybe it’s because I look like I’ve drunk a few Cokes.
Kendrick Lamar’s Halftime Show
I’m not a rap music fan, but I do understand the genre, even if much of it has become modern pop music for the masses. As we should expect pop to be prevalent in the Super Bowl halftime show, it stands to reason to have a rap performer during halftime. However, Lamar’s rap sheet (pun intended) may have been overshadowed by the 1987 Buick GNX on stage. Was it a real GNX? No, it was a prop, but Lamar’s latest album is called “GNX,” and reportedly he is the owner of car 191 out of the 547 that were built.