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This summer marks the 25th anniversary of Nike’s “Just Do It” slogan.

A recent article in USA Today recalls how legendary advertising agency Wieden+Kennedy tweaked the original slogan, “Let’s Do It,” to fit the Nike brand. Nike has never been the same as “Just Do It” has become synonymous with the brand–and vice versa.

This got us thinking about some of the best (and worst) slogans in the automotive world. There have been some good ones. There have been some really bad ones. And worst of all, there have been hundreds of forgettable ones. Here are our ten faves, along with our five most hated. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section (we’re sure we missed some good ones).

Our 10 Best Automotive Slogans of All Time

10. Have You Driven a Ford Lately?

Brand: Ford
Comment: If they had to ask the question, apparently not many people had, in fact, driven a Ford lately. Still, one of the most memorable of Ford’s many slogans.

VW_Cows_sm9. Fahrvergnugen!

Brand: Volkswagen
Comment: Not sure what it means, but we sure remember the slogan. Hope it means something good.

8. We’re Driving Excitement!

Brand: Pontiac
Comment: “Pontiac Excitement” is a phrase that stuck with the company for a long time–right up until its demise.

7. Zoom Zoom

Brand: Mazda
Comment: Confession: We actually hate this slogan, but it gets stuck in your head–exactly what an advertising slogan is supposed to do. 

6. This is Not Your Father’s Oldsmobile

Brand: Oldsmobile
Comment: Apparently, your dad’s Olds was much slower and stodgier than the late-60s cars this slogan represented.

toyotaad5. Oh, What a Feeling!

Brand: Toyota
Comment: It was part slogan, part jingle. And we can still see the 1980s commercials that featured it.

4. See the USA in Your Chevrolet

Brand: Chevrolet
Comment: The Chevy brand was always good at appealing to your patriotic side with its slogans–and this one rhymes. It’s the simple things that make us happy.

3. There’s a Rocket to Fit Your Pocket

Brand: Oldsmobile
Comment: Get your mind out of the gutter and enjoy this 1950s slogan pushing Oldsmobile’s mass appeal. Did we mention we like rhymes?

2. The Ultimate Driving Machine

Brand: BMW
Comment: It’s not a car, it’s a machine. And this slogan makes us want to own one.

1. The Heartbeat of America

Brand: Chevrolet
Comment: Chevrolet has had many slogan over the year, but this one sticks with us the most.

Our 5 Worst Automotive Slogans of All Time

5. Relieves Gas Pains.

Brand: Volkswagen
Comment: So does Gas-X and Bean-O. Does it actually run?

4. Drive One.

Brand: Ford
Comment: Just one?

1995-Dodge-Neon-Cuteness-Picture-courtesy-of-Chrysler3. Hi.

Brand: Dodge Neon
Comment: Some called this slogan cute. We called it annoying. We said “hi” to a Neon once, and then said “hello” to a new transmission shortly thereafter. But we’re not bitter.

2. When Better Automobiles are Built, Buick Will Build Them.

Brand: Buick
Comment: Translation: “We’ll get around to making a better vehicle when we feel like it.” Or something like that. Right?

1. Isn’t That the Kind of Car America Wants?

Brand: Plymouth
Comment: Be careful what you ask. In some cases, you might not like the answer.

 

 

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Author: David Fuller

David Fuller is OnAllCylinders' managing editor. During his 20-year career in the auto industry, he has covered a variety of races, shows, and industry events and has authored articles for multiple magazines. He has also partnered with mainstream and trade publications on a wide range of editorial projects. In 2012, he helped establish OnAllCylinders, where he enjoys covering all facets of hot rodding and racing.