A recent online poll asked motorists to name the car company slogan that sticks in their mind, creating a snapshot of the taglines that have shaped brand identity over the past decades.
Mazda Leads the Crowd
Mazda’s “Zoom-Zoom” emerged as the top-voted slogan. The ear-worm jingle from early-2000s commercials paired with a promise of driving enjoyment, helping the brand stand out among competitors focused on practicality. Its rhythm quickly became associated with the company’s emphasis on driver connection.
Classic Slogans Resurface
Honda’s “You meet the nicest people on a Honda” is credited with shifting American attitudes toward motorcycles, turning it into a mainstream automotive player.
BMW’s “The Ultimate Driving Machine” topped the list of most-loved taglines, while “Like a Rock,” accompanied by repeated Bob Seger tracks, ranked as the most-hated. The “Like a Rock” campaign leveraged the song to suggest durability and strength.
Pontiac used “We Build Excitement,” a line that matched its sporty image before the brand was discontinued.
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Lee Iacocca’s blunt challenge, “If you can find a better car, buy it,” still defines Chrysler for many, alongside the 1990s slogan “Engineered to be Great Cars,” reflecting the company’s engineering focus.
Porsche fans often cite “There is no substitute” as a favorite, though some express dislike for newer water-cooled models, preferring classic 993 4S versions.
The revived Chevrolet line “See the USA in Your Chevrolet,” originally sung by Dinah Shore in the 1950s, demonstrates how nostalgia can be leveraged to reconnect with older audiences.
Ford’s “Quality is Job 1” was also noted.
VW Enthusiast Story and Engineering Reputation
“I loved VW’s Farfegnugen,” one participant recalled. He said a salesman and his friend were trapped in a Golf during a Farfegnugen competition. The contest highlighted the brand’s playful marketing style.
