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There are many special interest groups, organizations and everyday people who are offended by just about everything. From the Italian-American Anti-Defamation League shouting out against any commercial starring a former Sopranos cast member (seriously, what else are they going to do after a hit HBO series?) to Calvin Klein and his hot-teen-sex-orgy billboards in lower Manhattan – pretty much everybody’s covered when it comes to being anti-anything. Car ads have been some of the worst offenders throughout, and we gathered 10 of the most sexist, inappropriate and outdated snippets for your cringing pleasure.

10. Subaru – Like a Woman Needed to be Tamed

The Subaru, apparently the woman driving it is such a whore she needs to be beaten down like a small 4-cyl automobile.

9. BMW – You Know You’re Not Her First

BMW’s recent and very controversial ad for their Pre-Owned vehicles shows an enticing gal who, whether you like it or not fellas, has probably had a few partners. At least that’s what this poster wants you to think.

8. That Smell on the New Jersey Turnpike

We may be getting too local – but over a decade ago Gov. Christie Todd Whitman of New Jersey had a commercial (for Mitsubishi or Mercedes, I think?) pulled after one airing during Live With Regis & Kathy Lee because it stated you could drive quickly past “that smell on the NJ Turnpike.” As a born-n-raised Jerseyite I always wondered if this ad was pulled for being accurate.

7. Boch Dodge – Come on Down

I wouldn’t exactly say this is sexist or inappropriate – but judging from the age of Mr. Boch it is offensive to the eyes.

6. Cadillac – Discriminate Your Car

Pretty sure this ad is photoshopped – vintage automotive advertisements can be insulting (as this post alone proves) but I doubt Cadillac would approve something so blatantly prejudice.

5. Audi – Tuned “White Power” RS6

Earlier this year a German Tuning company took one of Audi’s new RS6 Sports Wagons and enhanced it with better engine performance, suspension and an all-white paint job. The German-to-English translation of this tuned ride was the “White Power” RS6. This name was later corrected, I mean you know those Germans and their white power.

4. Triumph Spitfire – Hairpins are Ladylike

Still not quite sure what this full-page clip from the Triumph Spitfire is hinting at – surely something about a woman letting her hair down, and possibly putting her head down on his lap, while driving – get it? It’s a road head reference.

3. Dodge Charger – The Eternal Object

You girlfriend or your 1969 Dodge Charger R/T – which one do you choose? Guess it doesn’t matter, because despite woman’s liberation both are still seen as objects.

2. Fiat – Good Ol’ Fashion Italian Sexism

See, ladies like small, simple cars for their female hands and feet to control. This Fiat ad is truly dated in both its message and the fact that Fiats have not been sold on US soil in decades.

1. VW Bug – Women are Soft & Gentle, But They Hit Things

The classic “women are bad drivers” routine, a VW is no match for your wife when she gets behind its wheel. It’s almost laughable to look at, but these ads are not very old – along with their frame of mind. But where is everyone’s limit? When ideas of what is appropriate run an intense gammit advertising agencies are faced with a more difficult job then ever trying to stay out of the insult zone.

Categories: Articles
Tags: Features, funny advertising, inappropriate ads, offensive advertising, racist ads, sexist ad, sexist car ads