What Kind of Car Did the Griswolds Drive in Christmas Vacation?

By Anna Duncan

If you’re a fan of the holiday classic “Christmas Vacation,” you probably remember the iconic family car that the Griswold family drove. It was a station wagon, but not just any station wagon – it was a 1989 Ford Taurus station wagon. This car became an instant classic, and fans of the movie still talk about it to this day.

The Ford Taurus was first introduced in 1985 and quickly became one of Ford’s best-selling cars. It was seen as innovative at the time due to its aerodynamic design and front-wheel drive. The Griswold’s Taurus, however, was not just any ordinary Taurus.

The car in “Christmas Vacation” had wood-paneling on the sides, which was a popular design element for cars in the 1970s and ’80s. This feature gave the car a nostalgic feel, as if it had been passed down from generation to generation.

The Griswold’s Taurus also had a unique feature that made it stand out even more – a luggage carrier on top of the car. This carrier played an important role in one of the movie’s most hilarious scenes when Clark Griswold accidentally traps himself on top of the car while trying to untangle Christmas lights.

Overall, the Griswold’s Ford Taurus station wagon perfectly encapsulated the family’s quirky personality and their determination to have a memorable Christmas despite all their mishaps.

If you’re interested in owning your own piece of “Christmas Vacation” history, there are still some vintage Ford Taurus station wagons available for purchase online. You can even find some with wood paneling if you want to recreate that classic look.

In conclusion, while there have been many memorable cars in movies over the years, few are as beloved as the Griswold’s Ford Taurus station wagon from “Christmas Vacation.” Its unique design and role in the movie have made it an iconic part of pop culture history.