Nothing quite captures the spirit of the holidays better than a seasonal flick. In fact, some of the most nostalgic winter movies feature a clever script, unforgettable characters, and even a unique vehicle that enhances the storyline. From the LeBaron in Planes, Trains and Automobiles, to Clark Griswold’s infamous station wagon in Christmas Vacation, and even Kristoff’s sled in Frozen, the rides featured in these films have created some of the most notable—and often chaotic—cinematic scenes.

Discover more about the best cars from holiday movies and how these films can inspire a little pre-holiday prep to help prevent chaos from ruining your plans.

Iconic On-Screen Rides and the Stories Behind Them

Just as the characters in holiday films become memorable, many of the winter movie vehicles have also become unforgettable. Let’s explore some of the most iconic automotive rides winter films have produced over the years:

Planes, Trains and Automobiles

The “Gran Detroit Farm and Country Turbo,” a fictionalized car seen in this 1987 Thanksgiving film, was inspired by the 1986 Chrysler LeBaron Town & Country convertible. With its wood trim and green paint, the burnt-out LeBaron is supposed to help Neal Page and his travel companion, Del Griffith, get home to Chicago for Thanksgiving. However, since the film is a comedy, the car goes through a series of bizarre mishaps; it breaks down, gets damaged, and is ultimately destroyed by the end of the movie.

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

Few films capture the chaos of the winter season as well as this 1989 holiday classic, which features one of the most infamous Christmas movie cars of all time. As the Griswold family sets out to find the perfect Christmas tree, Clark (Chevy Chase) manages to get the family’s holiday road trip car, a 1988 Wagon Queen Family Truckster, stuck under a tractor-trailer during a road-rage fit. As he tries to make his way back into the other lane, Clark nearly hits a snowplow and loses control of the Ford Taurus wagon carbon copy. The wagon then launches off an embankment, but it ironically lands in a Christmas tree parking lot. By the end of the scene, viewers are treated to the humorous sight of an oversized tree strapped to the top of the Family Truckster.

Home Alone

Planning a vacation can be challenging, especially when you’re coordinating a trip for a large group around Christmas time. A classic example of this is seen in the 1990 film, Home Alone. After waking up late for their flight to Paris, the McCallister family frantically packs up the rental van to shuttle the group to the airport, but leaves their son Kevin behind. And while the “Airport Express” is not the most famous vehicle featured in the film, the Wet Bandits’ “Oh-kay Plumbing & Heating” 1986 Dodge Ram Van is what hits most holiday movie car lists—the scene sets the stage for the rest of the storyline and Kevin’s encounters with Harry and Marv.

Groundhog Day

One of the most unforgettable scenes in a winter comedy features a 1971 Chevrolet C-10 pickup and a kidnapped groundhog. In this 1993 film, the character Phil Connors kidnaps the beloved Punxsutawney groundhog and drives himself and the rodent off a cliff, causing the red C-10 to burst into flames. However, since Phil is forced to relive February 2nd, the audience knows Phil and the groundhog are safe from death and that the day will reset the next morning.

Frozen

Traveling can look different when you’re a Disney character. In the 2013 animated film Frozen, Kristoff uses a sled to haul ice and sell it throughout Arendelle. However, his sled isn’t just a means of transportation for his ice-harvesting business. The sled represents Kristoff’s independence and way of life, his connection to nature, and his journey with Anna and Sven.

How Those Movie Cars Stack Up as Real-World Daily Drivers

The 1986 Chrysler LeBaron convertible, featured in Planes, Trains and Automobiles, was considered a comfortable ride for its time. Owners liked its fuel efficiency and optional 2.2L turbo engine. However, rust, maintenance costs, and long-term reliability were all concerns. The 1988 Ford Taurus wagon was a popular family car because of its contemporary design and the space it offered. But the wagons faced engine and transmission issues as they aged. The classic 1971 Chevrolet C-10 was known for being reliable and easy to repair. But it did use more gas and lacked modern safety features like airbags and anti-lock brakes.

When driving isn’t an option—you’re stuck at home because the weather is bad, you don’t have a car, etc.—thinking outside the box can be helpful. Shuttle services typically use newer, lower-mileage vehicles that are more spacious, offering seating for multiple passengers and luggage storage. Still, the service can be expensive, and passengers may be inconvenienced with scheduling conflicts when booking. A sled, which most families have in their basements or garages, can be used to haul groceries and other essentials back home across snowy streets. Even better, you don’t have to pay anything extra to use it.

Cold-Weather Strengths and Weaknesses Of Each Pick

While some movie props stand out more than others, are any of these iconic movie cars winter-appropriate? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each in cold weather conditions.

1986 Chrysler LeBaron Convertible

• ✅ The compact size made city driving and parking easier.
• ✅ The model was more fuel-efficient.
• ❌ The soft top roofs were not designed for cold weather.
• ❌ Front-wheel drive struggled more in heavy snow and ice.

1988 Ford Taurus Wagon

• ✅ Ample passenger and cargo space improved travel.
• ✅ Drivers had better visibility for navigating snowy roads.
• ❌ Older models had transmission problems in cold weather.
• ❌ A heavier build made driving on icy roads more difficult.

Airport Vans/Shuttle Services

• ✅ Businesses use AWD cars for winter driving.
• ✅ The vehicles seat more passengers and luggage.
• ❌ Services can cost more than other independent rentals.
• ❌ There may be limited availability based on times/dates.

1971 Chevrolet C-10 Pickup

• ✅ Snow tires and extra weight helped improve handling.
• ❌ Two-wheel drive made driving in snow and ice harder.
• ❌ Older engines were less fuel-efficient in winter conditions.
• ❌ There were no winter driving features like heated seats or remote starts.

Sleds

• ✅ They are easy to pull and glide with little resistance.
• ✅ No fuel or maintenance is required.
• ❌ You have less space for larger or heavier items.
• ❌ You’re more likely to get frostbite or hypothermia from cold exposure.

Budget, Upkeep, and Parts Availability For Fans

Whether you have one of the best cars for snow or drive an older classic like those seen in the movies, regular maintenance can help keep it in good shape and prolong its life. But remember, upkeep doesn’t have to be expensive. An extended car warranty, more accurately called a vehicle service contract, may help reduce out-of-pocket costs for certain covered repairs. If sticking to a budget is a concern, Endurance Warranty Services offers a range of plan options that consider your budget and vehicle needs. Plus, you can choose any ASE-certified mechanic, giving you peace of mind about part availability and location.

Holiday Travel Prep Inspired By the Films

Getting ready for the holidays can be overwhelming, especially if you’re leaving town. With so many uncertainties like weather changes, traffic delays, or car troubles, the season can quickly turn stressful. However, planning can help ease some of those concerns.

For example, if you’re flying, buy your tickets and schedule your accommodations early. If you’re driving, have your mechanic inspect your vehicle before you leave. Ensure things like tires, fluids, filters, brakes, lights, and the battery are ready for the long drive. Also, keep an emergency roadside kit in your car and have an active extended warranty with 24/7 roadside assistance to help with potential breakdown expenses.

Are you planning to stay home and host guests? If so, try to complete any holiday tasks early. For example, buy gifts and wrap them sooner rather than later. Doing so will help you avoid the crowds and any last-minute stress. Also, plan out meals for the week so you don’t have to run to the store later. Also, make a list of chores to complete before your guests arrive. Enlist your family members to help with tasks like cleaning/sanitizing, changing bed sheets, and gathering extra blankets and toiletries. Making it a group effort will get you ready faster and ensure your visitors feel comfortable and welcome when they arrive.

Peace of Mind for the Holiday Season

Before the holidays, consider investing in a comprehensive vehicle service contract that covers costly auto repairs and provides trip interruption coverage. Contact an Endurance representative at (800) 253-8203 or request a FREE email quote. You can also see your price and plan recommendations instantly through our online store.

If we missed any notable classic cars from your favorite holiday movies, from Die Hard to A Christmas Story to It’s a Wonderful Life, let us know on Twitter/X.