Why Barbie Poking Fun At The GMC Hummer EV Is One Of The Best Parts Of The Film
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Barbie's 12 Best Car Commercials

From 'Vettes and Ferraris to customized classics and a minivan, Barbie's garage has had some slick and sensible rides.

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Barbie Volkswagen New Beetle Commercial, 2001.
Barbie Volkswagen New Beetle Commercial, 2001.
Screenshot: Mattel, Inc.

If you had been a young girl or had a sister sometime in the ‘90s, your level as the cool house to go play Barbies likely depended on what Barbie car you had. I, sadly, didn’t have one until my later years of elementary schooling, and it wasn’t even an officially branded one. I used my Christmas money to finally purchase a red off-brand, Miata-like convertible, and that was at least something. However, I ached to be just as cool, and have something like her Magic Van.

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Barbie has been an insane influence in young girls’ lives for decades, and while she’s taken on so many careers and adventures, she’s also had some cool rides. And the way to make us lust after them like we did? The commercials in-between our favorite Saturday-morning cartoons.

These have to be some of the best Barbie Car commercials. I made sure to throw in a couple of nostalgia nuggets for my overall car audience folks as well.

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Barbie Mustang, 1990s

Barbie Mustang, 1990s

90's Barbie Mustang Commercial

The official Barbie Mustang made its debut in 1993, and had some wild iterations through the ‘90s and into the 2000s. But this iteration, was probably one of the best. Why? Because it extended. Barbie just wants to look cool while they drive around, but if she needs room for her friends in what looks to be every convertible’s cramped back seat, she can just extend it, and voila! You can fit all of your friends to cruise Malibu.

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Barbie’s Volkswagen New Beetle, 2000s

Barbie’s Volkswagen New Beetle, 2000s

Barbie Volkswagen New Beetle Commercial [2000]

The Volkswagen Beetle made a return to the American market and around the world with it’s newly redesigned and imagined “New Beetle.” It’s bubbly, curvy lines fit right in with the 2000s where everything was just a little more... also bubbly. VW joined the ranks of other brands in general, with strange, innovative commercials, and you’ll see the same thoughts emulating a similar vibe in its own commercial.

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In all honesty, the Beetle and Barbie really worked together. Also, Barbie would definitely use the flower holder on the dash. C’mon now.

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4 / 14

Barbie Paint ‘N Dazzle Car, 1993

Barbie Paint ‘N Dazzle Car, 1993

Barbie Paint ‘N Dazzle Car Commercial - 1993

There’s never been a mechanic or detailer Barbie, but you could learn to wrap a car for your Barbie. Holy shit. Five-year-old me has been crying since I discovered this. There’s no coming back.

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5 / 14

Barbie Ferrari, 1987

Barbie Ferrari, 1987

BARBIE Doll drives a FERRARI - 1987 TV commercial

Everything about this commercial screams the 1980s. Looking beyond that aesthetic though, Barbie was moving up in the world and owned a Ferrari. Now where is her pastel linen suit and espadrilles?

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6 / 14

Barbie Power Wheels, Lamborghini

Barbie Power Wheels, Lamborghini

Barbie Lamborghini Car Commercial 1993

Power Wheels were really for kids, and not Barbie. But would you not want to go hang out with Barbie, in her Beach Patrol Jeep or Lamborghini?

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Barbie’s ‘57 Chevy

Barbie’s ‘57 Chevy

1990 Barbie ‘57 Chevy commercial

Cue the jukebox. There’s going to be a lot of ‘50s rock piano in your ear.

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8 / 14

Barbie Super ‘Vette, 1979

Barbie Super ‘Vette, 1979

Kim Fields 1979 Mattel Barbie Super ‘Vette Commercial

While Barbie has a lot of ‘Vettes over the years, this one is especially unique. It’s a remote control car! Also, this may be the first time we hear that Barbie actually needs to take a driver’s test.

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Barbie Rockers Ultra ‘Vette, 1984

Barbie Rockers Ultra ‘Vette, 1984

Mattel:Barbie Barbie Rockers Ultra’ Vette’ 30 sec MABA 9003 5:1:86 Ogilvy & Mather L A Red Car

Again, there are a lot of ‘Vettes in Barbie’s garage. But this one is the rockin’-est.

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Barbie Mini Van, 1995

Barbie Mini Van, 1995

Barbie Mini Van Commercial (1995)

I guess Barbie had to settle down at some point, and give in to having a minivan like every other mom of the ‘90s. Although, looking at it now, this looks to be more of a hatchback. Not a minivan. Do you agree?

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Barbie Star Traveler, 1979

Barbie Star Traveler, 1979

1979 Mattel Barbie Commercial

Barbie is living up to her gendered duties, making food and setting the table in her camper... Really, the music for this is great, including the faint “star traveler” in the background of the track.

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Barbie’s Magic Voyageur, 1991

Barbie’s Magic Voyageur, 1991

Barbie Magic Voyageur Commercial 1991

Notice the spelling of Voyageur, as I’m sure Mattel wasn’t able to collaborate with Ford and Mercury on this one. But man, this was the ultimate car setup to have as a girl in the ‘90s.

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Nissan’s 300ZX, Featuring Barbie & Ken, 1996

Nissan’s 300ZX, Featuring Barbie & Ken, 1996

Nissan Toys Commercial featuring Barbie and Ken and Van Halen, You Really Got Me, 1996 Nissan 300ZX

You thought I wasn’t going to include this one, didn’t you?

If you were around in the ‘90s, chances are when you now hear Van Halen’s “You Really Got Me,” your mind automatically wanders to this very commercial. It made Barbie look like a badass, ditching the Hamptons Ken for a bad-ass GI-Joe, while also making Nissan look pretty cool. Ken just couldn’t hack it. Nissan continued the Ken-shaming theme with another commercial, featuring Kiss’s “Call Me Doctor Love.”

Forget Ken, we’re totally Team G.I. Joe.

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