AUTOBYTEL — First Internet Company to Advertise During the Super Bowl

Autobytel’s earned the distinction of making history, and not just because it was one of the fastest-growing automotive research sites on the Internet. Autobytel was actually the first Internet company to air a commercial during the Super Bowl, touting the benefits of researching new cars in the comfort of home, before making that emotional trip to a dealership. This Autobytel video showcases the company’s second television commercial, aired during the 1998 Super Bowl. It’s from an era when researching a car on the computer seemed a little iffy at best, and you couldn’t even imagine buying a car online. And that’s not just because the dial-up connection was too slow. Autobytel has since helped build consumer confidence in the car-buying process from start to finish, to the extent that the Internet is the first place the majority of car buyers go to begin their research. Auto manufacturers’ websites are an important piece of the puzzle, but Autobytel helps provide a more well-rounded experience with a variety of new car reviews, news, technical features, and videos. And like the characters in this animated gem from 1998, Autobytel has helped numerous readers find the perfect car and drive off happily into the sunset.