It certainly was an exciting game, rivaling last year's New York Giants win over the then-unbeaten New England Patriots. But for many, the game is secondary either to the Super Bowl parties or the heated competition between the commercials. The latter is so important that there are dozens of websites dedicated to the competition between the advertisers.

With spots running $3,000,000 for 30 seconds and untold millions spent on their production, this is a win-at-all-costs battle with each advertiser hoping to rise above both the game and the clutter of other advertisers.

We've got videos of all the automotive- and travel-themed spots in case you missed them. The automotive and travel links may be tenuous, such as the Dodge van in the Pepsi "Reflections" commercial (my favorite spot of the afternoon), but we would love your comments and thoughts on this year's commercials. For a more scientific, measured approach be sure to check out USA Today's Ad Meter 21 where the popularity of all the commercials will be ranked.

What is significant to Automotive Traveler readers? First, there is the absence of the Detroit Three, even Ford, who has yet to take any Federal bailout funds, from the advertising mix. Also significant is the shots both Hyundai and Audi took at the old-guard luxury-car manufacturers, who weren't there to defend themselves directly.

While how much Audi spent on their "Chase" spot is unknown, I suspect that it was among the most expensive of all this year's spots...and it shows. Coming on the heels of extensive product placement in the weekend's biggest movie "Taken," it represents an impressive investment on Audi's part. While its competitors are almost unanimously in a retrenchment mode, Audi has the pedal to the metal, realizing that grabbing market share will never be easier than it is right here, right now.

Of the automotive and travel spots featured here, which is your favorite? Why? Post your comments below. Interestingly, in the USA Today Ad Meter 21, the Bridgestone Potato Head (#4), the Cars.com David Abernathy (#6), and the Castrol Grease monkeys (#9) spots all scored in the Top 10 with the Audi "Driven" spot just outside the Top 10 with a 12th place finish just behind the top-rated Coke commercial. The Coke spot was bested by my favorite, the Pepsi "Reflections" spot in 8th.

The lowest ranked spots, Hyundai's assurance spot in 50th, the Toyota Venza in 49th and the Hyundai commercial featuring the bosses of competitive brands screaming clocked in at 48th, which must be considered a disappointment.

Finally, as Bridgestone was the sponsor of the halftime show, I would be remiss if I didn't mention that having grown up in the Garden State, New Jersey's favorite son, Bruce Springsteen, and the E Street Band put on what must be considered one of the Super Bowl's best halftime shows. It's amazing how The Boss can still move around at 59. Only thing missing? Courtney Cox jumping up onstage while the band played Dancing in the Dark.

As a special treat, here's the E Street Band's entire Super Bowl show in two videos. Enjoy.

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