6 Best Vacation Cars

Baseball, hot dogs, and light beer.  America may not have a long history compared to other cultures, but we’ve certainly figured out how to relax with our favorite pastimes.  The love of cars and road trips is certainly among the beloved pastimes of America, but what makes a good road trip car?  Here’s our take on it!

Jerry’s Picks

Lincoln TownCar

One of the last quintessential American luxobarges, the TownCar is heavy, not particularly powerful, and reeks of octogenarians.  But it’s massive trunk, unstrained V8 power, and limo quality interior and ride will coddle it’s passengers from coast to coast without breaking a sweat.  If it’s good enough for fleet duty as a limo, it’s good enough for a road trip.

VW MicroBus

The 60+ year old VW Type 2, fondly remembered as just the VW Bus, doesn’t have much going for it in the specs department. The air cooled engine makes more noise than actual thrust.  After half a century, those original 30 horses have either died or gone senile.  Thankfully, road trip memories aren’t measured in raw power, and a classic icon like the Bus guarantees the trip of a lifetime.

HBTV: Depth of Speed – Simple Soul from HBTV on Vimeo.

Porsche Panamera

When I first saw a Panamera in photos, I thought it was hideous and an abomination to the Porsche brand – much more so than even the Cayenne.  Unlike other cars that turn out better in person, the elongated 911 looked even worse in person.  But, just like the TownCar, the Panamera excels at eating up the miles in absolute comfort.  Four individual bucket seats are all trimmed in rich alcantara leather. Who cares how ugly the outside of the car is when you’re sitting in it?
yes it really is that ugly.

Ben’s Picks

2008-2011 Ford Excursion

The perfect vacation car depends upon where you’re going.  Traveling to Death Valley or Pismo Beach requires different rides than snaking up the PCH.  That’s why the Excursion is a perfect vacation vehicle – it can travel anywhere, on road or off, and bring lots of stuff with it.  These custom built 2008-2011 Excursions are even better than their factory-made predecessors because they include a modern frame and engines with much more power, not to mention the 6-door option.  So why go through the trouble of custom building an SUV instead of just buying the new pickups that they’re based on?  Simple – traveling requires bringing lots of important stuff, like luggage and passports.  It’s harder to steal if its enclosed by dark tinted windows, instead of just sitting in an open pickup bed.

Maserati GranTurismo MC

If finding the world’s most exotic locales is the goal, then this is the car for the job.  Sure, the Mercedes SL is more comfy and Ferrari’s are faster, but what’s the rush?  This car’s engine tells the world you’ve brought sexy back – in case the gorgeous body hadn’t already made that obvious.  The available electronically adjustable suspension keeps the car stable on the scenic byways while coddling occupants on the highways.  The small rear seats discourage friends from tagging along, while providing space for a pet.  A truly great vacation car if the destination is in the mountains or on the coast, along a tiny little scribble on the map.

Toyota Camry Hybrid

Ok, this is pure blasphemy and we will have exactly zero readers after this suggestion – but it’s a good one!  Sometimes, vacation destinations aren’t always the safest places.  That’s where the Camry comes in, helping an obvious traveler to blend in with everybody else.  That way, prying eyes won’t be looking to steal all that expensive luggage, or rob a naive tourist overflowing with cash.  The Hybrid model will net better fuel economy and slightly more power, while still delivering the Camry’s trademark – a quiet, cushy ride.