In 2023, it’s hard to believe that a simple Craigslist ad for a used car could turn into a viral meme that has lasted for years. But that’s exactly what happened with the infamous 1999 Toyota Corolla Craigslist ad. Let’s take a look at the history of this meme and how it still lives on today.
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The Original Ad
In 2009, a Craigslist user by the name of “Best Of” posted an ad for their 1999 Toyota Corolla. The ad was written in a humorous and sarcastic tone, with lines like “It’s a Corolla, not a Porsche” and “The car isn’t going to win any beauty contests, but hey it’s a freaking Corolla.” The ad went viral and was shared on social media and various websites.
People were amused by the seller’s self-deprecating humor and the fact that they were honest about the car’s flaws. It was a refreshing change from the typical sales pitches that people see on Craigslist.
The Meme Takes Off
After the original ad was posted, people began to create memes using the same format. They would take a picture of something that was old or run-down and write a sarcastic description, similar to the Corolla ad. The memes became popular on sites like Reddit and Imgur and were shared on social media.
One of the most popular iterations of the meme was a picture of a house with the caption “It’s not much, but it’s my first mortgage.” People found the meme relatable and funny, and it quickly spread across the internet.
The Legacy of the Meme
Today, the 1999 Toyota Corolla Craigslist meme is still popular. People continue to create new versions of the meme and share them on social media. The original ad has even become a bit of a collector’s item, with people selling t-shirts and other merchandise with quotes from the ad.
Despite the fact that the meme is over a decade old, it still resonates with people today. The humor and honesty of the original ad have made it a classic in the world of memes.
Responses from People Who Know It
I spoke with a few people who were familiar with the 1999 Toyota Corolla Craigslist meme to get their thoughts on why it has lasted so long.
“I think it’s because it’s relatable,” said John, a 27-year-old from Chicago. “Everyone has owned a crappy car at some point, and the seller’s humor about it was refreshing. Plus, the format of the meme is easy to replicate, so people have been able to put their own spin on it.”
Emily, a 29-year-old from Los Angeles, agreed. “The meme is funny because it’s so true to life. We’ve all been there, trying to sell something that’s not in great condition and not expecting much. The seller’s attitude was just so refreshing.”
Overall, the 1999 Toyota Corolla Craigslist meme has become a beloved part of internet culture. Its humor and honesty have made it a classic meme that will continue to be shared for years to come.
