Top Super Bowl Car Ads of 2011

The Super Bowl is watched as much for its commercials as it is the football game, making it one of the largest and most expensive advertising platforms. Through the years, automakers have launched some of the biggest and most anticipated campaigns during the big game, and 2011 did not disappoint. In fact, the number one commercial on our list topped almost every other list of top ads from Sunday, whether they were voted on by companies, consumers, or other advertisers. And, unlike ours, their lists weren’t even car-specific.

1. Volkswagen “Darth Vader”
Everyone seemed to immediately fall in love with this commercial for the VW Passat, thanks to its perfect mix of a cute kid, good looking car, and a cool feature of the vehicle that not only ties the ad together, but makes the viewer want to know even more about the Passat.

2. Chevy Camaro “Miss Evelyn”
This Chevy Camaro ad gave a comical look at what most guys would consider the perfect car commercial. In fact, there is a good chance that before it even premiered; somewhere out there a group of guys watching the game described this ad exactly.

3. Volkswagen “Black Beetle”
This commercial caught people’s attention, because although it gave no indication of exactly what was being advertised until the end, it had viewers questioning if this could be the first peek at the much-anticipated, all new 2012 Volkswagen Beetle.

4. Audi “Release the Hounds”
Audi was very creative in their attempt to show how their vehicles defy the confines of traditional luxury and are more progressive than their competition, and it paid off.

5. Chrysler “Imported from Detroit”
This ad for the Chrysler 200 effectively uses Eminem, a popular rapper and proud Detroit native, to show off the city where most “American Made” vehicles are built and to kick off Chrysler’s creative new tagline, “Imported from Detroit.”

Popular Cars by Region

What determines which type of car you drive? Most people would say style, individual needs, and budget are the three main factors that influence their purchase decision when buying a new car. However, where you live is apparently a major factor too.

This makes sense, when you consider that people who live in different areas of the country generally live different lifestyles, and therefore have different wants and needs. A recent study has confirmed this, by naming the top five best selling cars in each of the four major regions of the United States (Northeast, Midwest, South, and Western regions).

So, what are people driving in your part of the country? Do you fit the list, or do you break the mold?

Northeast Region
1. Nissan Rogue
2. Mercedes E-Class Sedan
3. Honda CR-V
4. Chevrolet Malibu
5. Jeep Grand Cherokee

Midwest/Central Region
1. Chevrolet Silverado 1500
2. Ford F-150
3. Cadillac SRX
4. Toyota Camry
5. Chevrolet Impala

Southern Region
1. Chevrolet Camaro
2. Ford F-150
3. Toyota Tundra
4. Lexus ES350
5. Dodge Ram 1500

Western Region
1. Toyota Prius
2. Lexus IS Sedan
3. Honda Fit
4. Audi A4/S4
5. BMW 3 Series Sedan

Best Resale Value: 2011 Models

There are many factors to think about when purchasing a new car. Price, size, brand, and safety are all major considerations. Another factor consumers should think about when making this decision is the resale value of a vehicle. This is an important issue, as it not only estimates how much you can expect to get for the automobile if you decide to trade it in, but it is also an indicator of a high quality vehicle that is built to retain its value. Kelley Blue Book recently named the 2011 vehicles with the best resale value for each major category. And the winners are:

- Subcompact car: Honda Fit
- Compact Car: MINI Cooper
- Mid-Size Sedan: Honda Accord
- Full-Size Sedan: Ford Taurus
- Wagon: Subaru Outback
- Sports Car: Subaru Impreza WRX
- High-Performance Car: Ford Mustang GT
- Hybrid/Alt. Energy Car: Volkswagen Golf TDI
- Compact Utility Vehicle: Honda CR-V
- Mid-Size Utility Vehicle: Toyota FJ Cruiser
- Full-Size Utility Vehicle: GMC Acadia
- Van: Toyota Sienna
- Near-Luxury Car: Lexus IS
- Luxury Car: Audi A5
- Full-Size Pickup: Ford F-Series Super Duty
- Luxury Utility Vehicle: BMW X5
- Hybrid/Alt. Energy Vehicle: BMW X5 xDrive 35d
- Mid-Size Pickup: Toyota Tacoma