The Best Toyota Truck Commercials That Still Make Us Smile

No one can take anything away from Toyota, especially not the trucks. These things have been a staple of American roads for decades,  and so have their TV ads. Toyota knows how to build trucks and creatively show the brand’s unshaking reliability, ruggedness, and even style. Here are six of the best Toyota truck commercials that fans still love, whether for nostalgia or pure off-road appeal. If you are like me and have forgotten many of these old TV spots, I think you will enjoy this list very much. Within seconds, most of these ads crashed back into my brain with a wonderful bump of “Oh, man! I remember this.” 

The 1979 "Oh, What A Feeling!" commercial is a classic. Granted, this is not one that I remember from my life, but it's a great old truck ad that will make you miss the good old days of smaller, cheaper, yellower trucks. This one features a silly but catchy jingle and a memorable scene with a judge; the ad perfectly captured the reliability and playfulness of Toyota trucks at the time. For anyone who grew up seeing this ad on TV, it’s a perfect example of a classic Toyota commercial that blends clever marketing with genuine enthusiasm for the brand. This commercial helped cement Toyota’s reputation as a maker of dependable trucks that could handle everyday life with a smile.

"You Asked For It" (1976)

In the 1976 "You Asked For It" commercial, Toyota boldly challenged competitors with the tagline: “If you can find a better truck, buy it.” This might well be the best line in any truck commercial ever. 

This advertisement was meant to really press down on Toyota’s commitment to quality and reliability, positioning their trucks as a smart choice for hardworking Americans. Even decades later, it remains one of the most iconic Toyota truck commercials, a nostalgic truck ad that reminds viewers why Toyota built a reputation for long-lasting vehicles.

"Girlfriend" (2004)

Now this one was a hit from my own childhood, and stands as one of the better truck commercials, period. The 2004 "Girlfriend" commercial for the Toyota Tacoma is perfect. It’s funny, smart, dramatic, and perfectly (at least in a completely over-the-top way) highlights the Tacoma’s legendary toughness. The ad tells a playful story that keeps viewers entertained while showing off the truck’s unbreakability. This commercial proved that Toyota could create ads that were not only informative but genuinely funny. The timing of the scream and cut is perfection.

"Truck Like You Truck" (2024)

Not all of these are from a time when we weren’t waiting to see what catastrophe our president would spike into the dirt. Fast forward to 2024, and Toyota is still at it with "Truck Like You Truck," a high-energy commercial promoting the 2025 Tundra and 2024 Tacoma. This one starts like any cliche truck commercial, but then takes a turn as the dad uses the bed to change a baby’s diaper. 

This one is interesting because its message is that, even in the darker, divided days, Toyota knows that all different kinds of people use trucks for all manner of jobs. The focus on customization also speaks to the brand’s commitment to meeting diverse customer needs in today’s truck market. Maybe not as fun as some of the others, but still noteworthy. 

"Steve Young Toyota Tacoma Commercial" (1999)

Oh yeah, baby. This was a classic truck commercial formula back in the day. NFL star Steve Young stars in this delightfully nostalgic 1999 Toyota Tacoma commercial.  

The ad is funny, relatable, and still hits its performance message. Something I found funny was that, although this commercial isn’t that old, small touches like asking Young asking for ground pepper was a joke aimed at him being silly and “bougie.”  Compare this to today, and the placeholder for the pepper would have to be some viral baked good from TikTok that costs $489. 

"Super Bowl LVIII" (2024)

We had to include a classic Super Bowl ad. This 2024 ad leans on the Tacoma’s off-road capabilities in a fast-paced, cinematic style. As one of the most high-energy Toyota truck commercials, it demonstrates that the brand still cares about performance and innovation. Fans of both trucks and memorable commercials will appreciate how this ad gives us a little truck action, ruggedness, and clever storytelling.