Automobile Upgrades
Launched in the U.S. in 2000, this quirky, fuel-sipping Japanese hatchback became the world’s most famous and top-selling hybrid vehicle.
Toyota Prius
This boyband had a massive hit in 2000 with a song that told a departing lover, “Bye Bye Bye.”
*NSYNC
In 2007, audiences were first introduced to a green, swamp-dwelling ogre and his talking donkey sidekick in this animated blockbuster.
Shrek
This famous Hollywood power couple, dubbed “Bennifer” by the media, shocked fans when they called off their massive 2004 wedding, only to get back together decades later.
Ben Affleck & Jennifer Lopez
A man in Verizon commercials walked around constantly asking this iconic 4-word question.
“Can you hear me now?”
In 2004, General Motors completely shut down this historic American car division, which had been producing vehicles since 1897.
Oldsmobile
In 2005, this vocal powerhouse sang about an unforgettable heart-break, singing, “we belong together.”
Mariah Carey
This 2003 Disney-Pixar film had everyone repeating the phrase “just keep swimming” as a clownfish searched the ocean for his lost son.
Finding Nemo
The world of country music was rocked when the lead singer of this all-female band made controversial political comments about the president during a concert in London.
Dixie Chicks
This insurance company introduced a cute, green reptile with a British accent to save your money.
GEICO
Introduced to the consumer market in 2002, this massive rugged, military-inspired SUV brand became a controversial symbol of early 2000s gas-guzzling luxury.
Hummer (HZ)
In 2007, this pop superstar had everyone singing, “you can’t stand under my umbrella ella, ella, eh, eh.”
Rihanna
Johnny Depp delighted audiences in 2003 when he first stepped into the boots of the eccentric Captain Jack Sparrow in this high-seas adventure.
Pirates of the Caribbean
Tabloid magazines were obsessed with the 2005 Hollywood breakup between Jennifer Aniston and this leading man, right before he starred in Mr. & Mrs. Smith.
Brad Pitt
Budweiser commercials had groups of friends yelling this hilarious, tongue-wagging greeting at each other.
Whassup
In 2005, Ford officially ended production of this iconic retro-styled two-seater car, exactly fifty years after the very first model debuted in 1955.
Ford Thunderbird
This smooth R&B singer dominated 2004 by singing about a complicated relationship situation in his hit song “Yeah!”
Usher
This epic fantasy trilogy wrapped up in 2003 with The Return of the King, sweeping all 11 academy awards it was nominated for.
Lord of the Rings
This reality Tv star and hotel heiress caused massive stir in 2007 when she was sentenced to 45 days in jail, sparking a media circus when she was briefly let out on house arrest.
Paris Hilton
This credit card company listed various expenses before ending the commercial with the word: “priceless.”
Mastercard
First introduced in 2000, this retro, high-roofed American hatchback cruiser was designed to mimic 1930s hot rods but became a highly debated styling choice.
Chrysler PT Cruiser
This country music cross over story told us a story about a first love in her 2006 debut hit single, named after Tim McGraw.
Taylor Swift
In 2004, this romantic drama based on a Nicholas Sparks novel became a massive hit, following the lifelong love story of Noah and Allie.
The Notebook
Television screens everywhere were filled with drama in 2005 when this superstar actor jumped up and down on Oprah Winfrey’s talk show couch to declare his love for Katie Holmes.
Tom Cruise
Southwest Airlines ran funny ads showing people making embarrassing mistakes, followed by this 4-word slogan.
“Want to get away?”