Ultimate Road Trip Vehicles Over the Years

With summer approaching, many people will start dreaming about an American tradition: the road trip. Who doesn’t want to see new sights, create the perfect mix of music, pack a cooler full of snacks, and start driving? Whether you have no destination in mind or the ultimate dream vacation plotted out, there’s no resisting the call of the open road.

There’s one important element that can make or break your road trip. It’s your ticket across the country: the road trip vehicle. Just think back to iconic road trip movies like National Lampoon’s Vacation. The Wagon Queen Family Truckster was an iconic part of the Griswold family’s trip. Before you hit the road, you’ll want to make sure you are road-tripping in style and comfort. That means you’ll have to choose the right vehicle for the job.

We’ve rounded up a list of some of the best vehicles for a road trip so you know what rental to request or what details to add to your ultimate road trip fantasy. We’ve included a list of classics, modern vehicles, and luxury rides to fit your style. Check out our list and explore other options to find your dream road trip ride!

1965 Ford Mustang Convertible

If you’re traveling in California or the Southwest, these sights were meant to be seen in a Mustang convertible. Enjoy sea breezes or warm desert air and a panoramic view in this stylish vintage ride. Don’t happen to have a ’65 Mustang convertible kicking around the garage? No worries! There are companies that will rent one to you. The advantages of rentals are roadside assistance and itinerary suggestions. What’s more classic than driving the California coast in a vintage Mustang? Make that dream come true this summer!

1967 VW Camper Bus

This is the vehicle many people imagine when they think of some free-spirited people taking to the road and living out of their backseat. You’ve also seen it in movies like Little Miss Sunshine. This little bus is known for being colorful, spacious, and comfortable. Not only can you travel many miles in this dependable vehicle, but you can camp right out of the back, too. Sure, you could opt for a modern camper bus, but there’s no denying the style and nostalgia of the 1967 model.

Ford LTD Country Squire

This old station wagon conjures up images of classic road trips from American summers past. When you think of a family road trip, odds are good that you’re imagining a teardrop-shaped trailer hitched to one of these wood-paneled station wagons. These cars were extremely popular with families because of their large, comfortable seats and a huge amount of storage space. They’re resilient and can hold up for many miles towing a trailer along with extra luggage strapped to the roof. Sure, Vacation might have painted station wagons in a bad light, but those who have taken a road trip with one know that these vehicles are tried and true and will get the job done.

1955-57 Chevrolet Nomad Wagon

Even the name evokes wanderlust! Become a nomad yourself when you hop into this rover. The Nomad Wagon was a redesign of the Bel Air series. The hardtop is stylish and eye-catching. With plenty of trunk space, you can pack enough bags to support a road trip that lasts all summer long.

1954 Ford Ranch Wagon

The Ford Ranch Wagon is one of those vehicles left over from the last days of the original wood-bodied station wagons. Seeing as wagons are the most classic type of road trip vehicle, we want to make sure you have options! This station wagon is favored by families, but anyone can relax with plenty of room to stretch out and pack your bags or camping gear in this car.

Ford Crown Victoria

Does the Crown Vic seem like an odd choice? Think of it this way: Cab drivers and police officers have spent countless hours in these vehicles, and it’s been a comfy, smooth, and reliable ride for them. Why not take a Crown Victoria on your next road trip? The Crown Vic has already proven it’s up for hours spent at work on the road.

1958 Edsel Bermuda Wagon

We’ve added another station wagon into the mix because in case you couldn’t tell, we love a station wagon for a road trip. What makes the Edsel stand out? Some of these models could hold six passengers, while others could carry a whopping nine! This station wagon wasn’t a huge hit in America and can be hard to find, but with so much passenger space, we’d be remiss to skip over it.

1971 Ferrari Daytona

Some people consider this car to be the ultimate road trip vehicle. Why? Because this vehicle was designed for touring. Combine the style of a sports car with total luxury and you have a grand touring vehicle designed for both comfort and performance that you’ll enjoy for hours on your road trip. The Daytona was designed specifically to embody these touring characteristics. There’s no better car to cruise in for hundreds of miles at a time.

Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen

We’ve talked about a lot of classic station wagons, so it’s time to mention a modern station wagon. The Jetta Sportwagen is perhaps the last of its kind, and with room for up to five people, a huge sunroof, touchscreen navigation, and a rear-view camera, you’ll be cruising in safety and comfort.

Toyota Prius V

Were you, frugal travelers, wondering when we would get to you? If your primary concern is the gas bill after a long road trip, look no further than the Prius. This car is infamous for its incredible mileage. You won’t have to worry much about whose turn it is to buy gas when you only have to fuel up every few hundred miles.

Subaru XV Crosstrek

For the off-roader or camper, you might want to consider the Subaru Crosstrek as a reliable and resilient choice with plenty of ground clearance. There’s ample cargo space and legroom in this crossover vehicle and it gets great gas mileage, better than can be expected from other vehicles of its size.

No matter what you are driving this summer, it is important to take care of your vehicle. It is also important to take care of your financial health. Whether it’s an emergency car repair or a more serious or emergent situation, TitleMax is here to offer alternative lending solutions that allow you to use your vehicle title to secure a loan while still being able to drive that vehicle.