Autobytel’s Super Bowl Commercial from 1998

Want proof that Autobytel was truly ahead of its time? Well, it was the first Internet company ever to run a commercial during the Super Bowl. And then Autobytel aired its second Super Bowl commercial, which you can see right here. And this Autobytel ad featured a cat, and this was back in 1998, well before the Internet became overrun with cute cats of all kinds. This Super Bowl commercial plays another important role, too — it helped Autobytel guide consumers toward the Internet as a way to learn all about new cars and truly get prepared to make a purchase. Before new car shoppers started using computers to learn about new cars, they’d use reviews in the newspaper and maybe visit a few high-pressure dealerships. Since this commercial aired, the Internet has become the first and most important tool for most car shoppers. Autobytel’s goal in this ad, to make the car buying process fast, easy, and painless, has never been more true, though the commercial also provides a bit of history into Autobytel’s history, from a site where people could actually purchase a car to a site that provides a wealth of valuable information. You can still use Autobytel from the comfort of your own pajamas, though.