The BEST Lexus Commercial EVER - But Somehow They Managed To Get It Wrong!

The BEST Lexus Commercial EVER - But Somehow They Managed To Get It Wrong!
I was watching TV tonight, well allow me to rephrase, the TV was on while I was working on my laptop tonight when I happened to look up to catch a commercial involving a little boy on Christmas Day and a Big Wheel.

If you were born prior to about 1985, you know exactly what I am talking about.

The Big Wheel. 

Three Wheels of neighborhood freedom.

Long before kids cruised around neighborhoods in battery powered cars made to look like Mustangs, Escalades and numerous Jeeps, the three wheeled Big Wheel was the ride to have.

Available in numerous themes including as I recall a Spider-Man edition, this toy was something that I think most boys lusted after, and looked with envy as others rode by on theirs.

Perhaps it is that memory of childhood that this commercial so aptly captured my attention as I sat on the couch.

I have to tell you though, my jaw nearly hit the floor when I saw the car being advertised.

For you see I rode a Big Wheel as a child - but I never wanted a car like this.

Here, watch the commercial first and then we can talk further...



The commercial is great, well, except for the ES350 parked in the final shot.

Why didn't Lexus put the IS-f or at least the IS series.  The ES350 is more or less an "Old Mans" car.  A Japanese Buick if you will.

Some would say the Lexus is BORING!  It may be a great car that does everything well while pampering the driver in luxury.

But I don't think it is the kind of car the kids riding Big Wheels grew up fantasizing about.

I'll reiterate that I think the IS-f would have been a better car to advertise.

Heck, it would be a better car to remind us that exists, since most people don't think of Lexus when they think of sporty.

Hey, tell me I am wrong - I just think Lexus got this one wrong, brilliant concept with the wrong conclusion.

When you get done telling me how wrong (or dare I say correct) I am, take a moment to give thanks for everything you have.

Happy Thanksgiving!


dlindlin - 11/27/2008 12:06:28 AM
-4 Boost
"Big wheel" reminds me of so many Chrysler 300C out there.


HyundaiHyundai - 11/27/2008 12:29:00 AM
0 Boost
I totally get what you're saying 00J.

The split second (and I didn't read what you wrote until AFTER I watched the video) I saw the ES I thought, "What? No IS-F? Who the hell thinks 'Oooh, the wind in my hair..' when driving an ES 350?"

Geez... you're right, that commercial could have been MUCH better. The ES is the most BORING Lexus model.


SanJoseDriverSanJoseDriver - 11/27/2008 1:01:29 AM
+1 Boost
The RX, GX, LX, are all more boring than the ES. It's pretty quick and luxurious at least. The Panaramic roof is slick too, can't believe they didn't pick an ES with that option in the video. At least show off the high end ES if that's the car you're going to show in the commercial.


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 11/27/2008 2:56:58 PM
0 Boost
"It's pretty quick and luxurious at least."

Pish posh, it's a re-bodied Camry. The LX is less boring because it's actually quicker from 0-60 IIRC and has way more gadgets, not to mention it can off-road.

But who cares if the SUVs are more boring than the ES? Does that justify its presence in this commercial?


ghosthunterghosthunter - 11/27/2008 3:37:44 PM
+2 Boost
funny how a ES is actually faster than many BMW, AUDI and Benz.

and that is especially true when you consider markets out side of N/A.

buy ANY lexus ES on this planet, you will be assured that it had that 3.5L engine and goes 0 to 60 within 6.8 second. something you cannot say for 3, A4, or C class. hell, something you cannot say for 5, A6, or E class.

by the same token, buy ANY infiniti ANYWHERE on this planet and you will get a true sports sedan, that alone, to me, has more brand prestige than BMW (yeap, 320i anyone? 118 anyone? 520 anyone? 730 anyone?)

a true sports brand has no underpower vehicles in their lineup.


WorldofLuxuryWorldofLuxury - 11/27/2008 4:31:08 AM
+1 Boost
You've got a good point...Lexus might as well make an ad for the IS F too.

lol, Lexus ads are great, even when they're emphasizing on discount marketing (or however you would call it) :)


davidleedavidlee - 11/27/2008 7:14:47 AM
-2 Boost
When I first saw the hot wheels part of the ad I thought it was going to be an updated "Zoom Zoom" commercial for Mazda. I was expecting a new Mazda6 or MX5 to show up at the end - definitely NOT a Lexus. I don't connect fun to drive and Lexus with any of their cars.


finishlinefinishline - 11/27/2008 8:29:51 AM
0 Boost
I had a Big Wheel when I was a kid, and you're right, I don't want an ES, but all I was really thinking at the end is I'll take one if I can have that dude, too.


0to600to60 - 11/27/2008 10:16:38 AM
+4 Boost
wow, TMI


atomicbriatomicbri - 11/27/2008 9:06:12 AM
+1 Boost
Ok, As a former Big Wheel owner once myself, I can say that, WOW I would NEVER consider that car as a follow up to my Big Wheel years later! Lexus should have at least featured the IS as the car in the commercial. But I guess the ES is one way like a Big Wheel... they are both front wheel drive! LOL!


100tnega100tnega - 11/27/2008 10:52:36 AM
+2 Boost
Good ad, wrong product. Everyone who had a Big Wheel back in the day knows you owned your block. Especially if you were sporting the Dukes of Hazzard edition. This would have been the best commercial ever if it were a guy laying down a 100ft patch in a Dodge Challenger SRT8.


answeranswer - 11/27/2008 11:32:46 AM
+1 Boost
As a former owner of a Spiderman big-wheel, I agree with 00J.

Side note, anyone have the big-wheel with the "emergency brake" thing? I always wanted one.


_43LE_43LE - 11/27/2008 11:51:19 AM
+1 Boost
So that you could do a spin-out? Wasn't that the green machine?


FinitiFiniti - 11/27/2008 2:20:41 PM
+3 Boost
They made one for the IS250.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GimUhbsE2Gs



EL34EL34 - 11/27/2008 2:46:40 PM
0 Boost
You see, I would rather be driving a Ferrari California than a Lexus ES350.

:-D


open_mindopen_mind - 11/27/2008 4:19:29 PM
+1 Boost
I just saw another one with an Atari followed by the IS. Perhaps the same as the one listed above.


aarononymousaarononymous - 11/27/2008 6:11:53 PM
0 Boost
older asian women have no idea what a big wheel is.


XYZZXYZZ - 11/29/2008 8:20:21 AM
+1 Boost

i think you guys got this all wrong.

the IDEA of a Big Wheel to a kid, is about FREEDOM to break away from home and zoom down sidewalks and explore the neighborhood.

in this commercial, they're appealing to that free, breaking AWAY feeling. as in, breaking away from mundane, cheap cars, and experiencing the world as a Big Shot in a LEXUS. (even if it's the cheapest lexus.)





autoproautopro - 12/1/2008 7:56:46 PM
+1 Boost
Its designed to be a mini Ls460.


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