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

By Alice Nichols

If you’re a fan of the classic Christmas movie, “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” you might have wondered about the kind of car that the Griswolds drive. The car plays a significant role in the movie, and it’s hard to miss the iconic station wagon that the family uses for their road trip to visit their relatives.

So, what kind of car is it exactly? Let’s find out!

The Griswold Family Station Wagon

The car driven by the Griswold family in Christmas Vacation is a 1989 Ford Taurus Station Wagon. This iconic car has become synonymous with the movie and has been featured in various promotional materials, merchandise, and even parodies.

The Car’s Appearance

The Griswold family station wagon is a metallic pea green color with wood paneling on its sides. It has eight headlights, two grilles, and a hood ornament in the shape of a moose. The car’s appearance perfectly captures the style and trends of the late 80s when it was produced.

The Car’s Role in The Movie

In Christmas Vacation, the Griswold family uses their station wagon for their road trip from Chicago to visit their relatives in rural Kansas. The car becomes an integral part of many scenes throughout the movie, from being packed full of luggage to being tied up with a giant tree on its roof.

One memorable scene involves Clark Griswold trying to start his car while it’s covered in snow and ice. He ends up accidentally launching his neighbor’s plastic Santa decoration through a window. Another scene sees Clark taking his son Rusty for a joyride around town while listening to Lindsey Buckingham’s “Holiday Road.”

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Griswold family station wagon is an important character in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. It’s a 1989 Ford Taurus Station Wagon with a unique appearance that perfectly captures the style of the late 80s. The car’s role in the movie is significant, and it has become an iconic part of Christmas movie history.

So, next time you watch Christmas Vacation, pay close attention to the Griswold family station wagon and appreciate its role in making this classic movie even more memorable.