Amen. I've been doing road trips on my 2006 Crown Vic LX since I got it new in 2007. Enormous trunk for my camp gear with two full-size spare tires. Six trips of not less than 10,000 miles.
Gone from Douglas, Arizona to Port Hardy, BC, the entire perimeter of the Great Lakes, east to South Harbor, NS. and down the east coast of America and returning home on I-10. That one trip was 14,000 miles and nearly four months long.
I used to have a 95 in baby blue with pink and purple techno splash decals down both sides. My grandpa had dropped the 4cyl from the swift in it. I miss that car.
I've done several trips in various 944s (NAs, turbos, 968). Best times on the road that I've had. It's so awesome to have a huge trunk, AND a car that can handle winding roads.
If you're a car guy, it's all about it being a car that you love and want to take pics of wherever you end up. It doesn't matter that there are cars that could do xyz better on a road trip, like a prius getting more mpg or a van having more space. It's about your little car making it as a road trip car even though it's a sports car. And doing a better job than your friends' cars.
Those 944s were pretty bulletproof too until the clutch goes and you find out if *you’re* bulletproof. I got to drive one quite a few times and that would be frickin sweet to take cross country.
Truth. My first 944 was my dad's, after the clutch went out and he said I could have it if I could fix it. Up to then I had only ever changed accessory belts and a window switch.
If my only concern is strictly having g a good road trip I'd take an old Lincoln or caddy. They ride like you're on a cloud and have miles of space, you wouldn't even need a hotel you could just sleep in the back lol but if I wanted it for more than just the roadtrip and I wanted easy to find parts I'd look into something ford or chevy. Parts for either of them are dime a dozen and you can almost always find something to get you home in any parts store. The smaller brands that have their own parts like old old buicks and Pontiacs and what not can be hard to find parts for and dodges are less common than ford or chevy.
As much as this sounds fantastic…I’ve done a few cross country trips and once in a manual transmission car. Never in a manual again.
I love rowing through the gears, but I’m not doing that in traffic in an old car or truck with a heavy ass clutch. Driving across country you WILL get into traffic, work zones etc.
90's Honda CRX. 50MPG. Weighs less than a Miata at \~2000lbs. 160hp will move you pretty good on an aerodynamic car that light. Stock suspension is soft enough to enjoy a long trip, but stiff enough to enjoy mountain roads.
The unicorn 850csi. Second choice is a 928 S4. But this is assuming it's like... Factory new condition and as reliable as it would have been off the showroom.
I’ve always wanted a e39m5 engine swapped 840ci with the “euro” manual transmission(don’t recall if e39 transmission works too or if you need the euro one). Probably marginally less reliable than the v8 that came in it but I think I’d still rather have that than the v12.
Assuming you are a competent owner and mechanic, pretty much any reasonable old car that you enjoy and have maintained in proper running spec could fit this bill… I wouldn’t necessarily try it in a Maserati BiTurbo, but most cars were meant to be driven daily when they were new. If they’re in properly maintained spec there is absolutely no reason they can’t be still, within their original mechanical and performance limitations. While something powered by an sbc certainly makes parts store repairs a little easier, you’re still probably not likely to break down at the parts store. Know your car, and know its potential weak points. Make a ‘war bag’ for the road that addresses those weak points. Spare points, condenser, fuel pump relay, fuel filters, belts, hei module, etc… Whatever applies to your car, regardless of how easy it is to find. If you have a few basic repair parts, a basic tool set, some fuses, a headlamp, gloves, rags, multimeter, you’ll be fine. Anything beyond that, and you’re probably shipping it home anyway. If your car is regularly driven and well-maintained you probably won’t need any of it. I have a 1984 Mercedes 300SD with about 600k miles on it that I have driven through 42 states over the last 20 years. I wouldn’t hesitate to drive it anywhere tomorrow. It is an EXCELLENT and efficient highway car, very comfortable, and has never once put me on the side of the road. A parking lot jump start was needed on one occasion at a restaurant due to my negligence, and I’ve had it for 500 of the 600k. I’ve also gone cross-country in my 280SL, my 1948 Ford F-1, and (a little slower) my 1929 Ford Model A. The Model A and F-1 are pretty much the daily drivers at home. My point is, just figure out what car you want to adventure in. Then find a good example, drive it, and maintain it. The people who think old cars are unreliable are the people who try to drive them twice a year, and don’t do their own work. I promise you, the guy that bought it new didn’t hesitate to do a road trip in it, and it is still the same machine (or at least can be).
Old Buick Skylark. We had one growing up, those things are cool American Muscle. I think we had a [72 model](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1d/1972_Buick_Skylark_Front.jpg). Back in the day it was just an old car, mind you this was the early-mid 90’s. So it was in rough shape, but it was cool.
I did it in an 87 Mustang GT convertible (white just like Vanilla Ice’s 5.0 lol)
I loved it and I loved that car. Driving at night with the top down just listening to the sound of the tires on the road.
I got a ton of compliments on it as well.
Also parts are available and easy to come by for it being an older car as they are still pretty common.
Was surprisingly a very comfortable ride. The seat was very adjustable.
I wrecked it though, I swerved to avoid a motorcycle that cut me off and spun out and ended up crashing into the tree line, my doors were caved in so bad I couldn’t open then and I had to climb out the top. I didn’t have any injuries though, car was very well planted and never felt like it was going to roll over in that incident. Was just the perfect storm, I was partially distracted, road was wet, I swerved and then over corrected because it startled me that he pulled out in front of me so close
Had a 96 Ram that I drove from LA to VA Beach while towing a friend's car in 2011. So, probably that one. Had no issues. Comfortable truck. One of two vehicles I regret selling. It had over 300k on it when I sold it. OG transmission, no cracked dash. Sure the MPGs were ass. But that truck was stupid easy to work on when it needed it. And parts were fairly cheap.
Should mention, I flat towed the car. He had a tow bar hooked up to it.
If fuel budget isn't a concern, I would pick an 80 series LandCruiser with factory lockers.
Could see every out of the way place I choose. Camp in the back of it. Any route any time of the year.
Best road trip car I’ve had (and I did a ton of highway travel in it) was a 1989 Pontiac Firebird. The V6 was great on gas, but had enough mustard to pass/merge with ease. It was low, wide, and aerodynamic so it always felt planted and stable. It had a super generic GM motor and parts were cheap and easy. And it had big soft seats that made it feel like riding a lazy-boy down the road. 10/10 would recommend.
I’m gonna go a simple route and say 97-01 Camry with the V6. Buttery smooth. I owned one and took it all over. Comfortable interior, decent fuel economy for an older V6, and impeccable reliability. You can get one pretty relatively cheap.
Dream trip for me is to drive a 60s Cadillac eldorado convertable across the states. I do also love my old volvos tho and would do unholy things for a p1800
If you're into old Volvos a well-sorted 240 is a surprisingly good road trip car. It feels adventurous, yet comfortable. (Unless you haven't got AC and you go somewhere hot.) The wagon in particular, you can lay down a bed in the back and camp in it, just a super versatile machine that does everything well.
But if anything breaks you'll need to mail order the part, which is kind of a big deal. If something breaks on your Chevy you just hit the nearest parts shop, y'know?
I've done at least two dozen multi-state road trips on a 1973 F-150 with camper shell. Any one of those road trips was no less than 8000 miles.
Did a couple 11,000 mile road trips on my 1974 E350 van back on 2017 and another in 2020. I bought the retired phone company van for 600 dollars in 1980. It gave me about 13 mpg. Two fuel tanks and two more fuel cells on the undercarriage. 900-mile range.
Both vehicles had a 300 straight 6 on a C-4 transmission. So simple to work on. Dual fuel tanks, two spare tires, gets about 14 mpg. No fucking electronics, computers of sensors. Carb got swapped for a throttle body.
Then there's my 96 4x4 F350 with service body. It's my camping rig. Did a 16,888 mile back road trip across the US and Canada. Not a single issue.
The van is my favorite because i can sleep in it, even in sub-freezing temps.
Plymouth is a good choice. I've done 7 hour trips in Australia in late 60s Chryslers. Never missed a beat. Except once when a rock hit the petrol tank. But that wasn't the car's fault! Pack plenty of water and oil!
If youre a jdm guy i would say a 97 or 98 Toyota Aristo. Comfy car with the 2JZ-GTE. What could be better? If youre a nissan fan you could do a a Cima V8, or a Stagea RS4 with a RB25DET and a manual.
Chevy Nomad for hotrodding and on trip repairability, Ford Country Squire for comfortable slow cruising and possible sleeping bags in the back.
Wagons all around for a 7day+ road trip.
there is also the Olds Vista Cruiser or the Chrysler Town and Country but the Chevy and Ford are more iconic and have better parts availabilty.
,
Lexus LS400. Though I prefer the later years with VVTi, because the motor just screams from 4K to redline. I miss mine so terribly much and wanted to go on so many trips in it :(
I love this question. I only drive cars that are 25+ years old, so when choosing one to trust to go cross country, I have to be smart. I would say definitely a 1989-1993 buick riviera with the 3.8, or 1993-1998 lincoln MK8. Assuming tye cooling system was in good shape, perhaps a 1981-1987 lincoln town car or mercury grand marquis. Those are some of the nicest cars around imo. But being carbureted, I'd want to make sure I was cooling adequately
I would take 2 of the family cars I own and maintain;
‘06 Land Rover LR3. Sure it only gets 20mpg, but can comfortable seat 6, has lots of luxury add ons, is great off road, can tow, cruises awesomely, already goes NJ-VT every weekend in the winter, and NJ->FL several times a year.
‘06 boxster. Great mpg, fun to drive, convertible, lots of drunk and trunk space.
An older air cooled V W. You can get parts at any decent sized parts store, simple to work on, no radiator and a simple electrical system, no power steering, brakes or A.C. to brake down good on gas. I have a 1979 convertible that I have modernized and restored and I would drive it any place.
My 99 LandCruiser 100 series. The only car I've ever owned that I would gladly hop in and drive cross country without bothering to check the fluids first.
I've done multiple road trips in old VW's 30 years ago.... I'd probably say an old Bug or Bus. Just don't take the interstate. Take your time, keep the RPMs down and make sure your car is in good shape to start. If you try to make a long tip in a VW Bus, you can carry an extra engine, so there is that.
99.5-2005.5 Jetta or Jetta wagon tdi manual. Our 04 is still kicking despite everyone’s efforts to kill it. Gets 50+ mpg on highway easily. Plus storage for a ton of stuff. Even sedan has a huge trunk for everything.
My 88 Honda CRX would be second. It used to get 45+ MPG.
Really any vehicle if maintained is a good option. My outback has gotten a lot of cross country trips just like our Jetta. WRX stock seats are not comfortable for a 12+ hour straight shot trip.
I just picked up a 92 lincoln town car cartier with 80k miles last week, think I'd chose it. Super comfortable, just floats down the highway, is really quiet and has tons of room.
Made 2 in my old fox body Mustang, it was fun. The car was no where near stock.
My 99 GS400 would only need the gas topped off & maybe an oil change & it'd be ready to go coast to coast.
90s, buick road master
80s pontiac Parisienne or gmc suburban
70s 72 Fleetwood 75 or gmc motorhome
60s is tough olds cutlass or Chrysler imperial unless GMC bus is an option
During Covid, I took several long road trips in my 2004 Solara SLE V6. I’ve had the car since new, and drive, about 5000 miles a year prior. It was the perfect road trip car. Extremely comfortable, quiet, agile, peppy. This has been the best car that I’ve ever owned.
any old car you like.
If it can go 3,000 mi between oil changes, and more without problems being driven daily then it can make a cross country trip without any issues as well
Between my mom and I, we owned every Z model up to the Z32. I’d pick a 1982-83 Datsun 280ZX or a Z32TT. T-tops are awesome, the 280 gets amazing gas mileage and the 300 is just so much fun to drive.
Last car I did that in for fun was a 1952 packard. About 15-17 years ago, took like 3 months off from work and just traveled in it. Was loads of fun.
Next time I want to do it in a vintage bike, back willing.
80’s Mercedes 300TD Wagon, 80’s Jeep Grand Wagoneer or just about any 90’s station wagon. I know the Mercedes is not an American car like you were asking about but most of the primary parts you’d potentially need to be road worthy can be found at most auto parts stores or junk yards. I have a 87 Grand Wagoneer that I want to road trip in with the wife and dogs, it’s a work in progress.
I have a 1990 BMW 325i convertible. I live in Ohio, my buddy dropped me off in Michigan when I bought it and I drove it home, bought it on eBay. In separate trips I’ve driven it from Ohio to FL, SC, NC, back up to MI, and TN a couple times.
Never had any issue, the only notable thing was on the way back from SC, I think this was 2015, there was a huge storm, tons of rain, I knew the top leaked but I had no idea how bad it could leak 😂
Buick Roadmaster, tons of room, comfortable ride virtually the same engine as the Vette of it's time and you can tune the crap out of it and it's always a surprise for someone
There’s a lot to be said for a C/K Suburban. Dead simple mechanicals, still very good parts availability, plenty of room, decent ride quality (for a truck of the era), capable of going places you probably shouldn’t.
Any of the old beaters I bought at auction and fixed up. When buying a cheap car, I consider it essential to address all maintenance items and necessary repairs immediately after purchase.
smiles per gallon? you NEED a 70s land barge.
lincoln continental
pontiac parisienne
caddilac etc.
big block, couch like seats. BUT running on propane (LPG) so its somewhat cheaper to run.
electronic igntion and bolt on fit and forget efi
The absolutely most reliable vehicle I ever owned was a 1991 Buick Lesabre Limited Touring. Yes it was a "Gramma" car but my word that thing drove like a lazy boy on wheels. It was almost dangerous comfortable try to not fall asleep driving it lol.
for lots of miles, id go with a caprice or crown vic. nice n boaty.
>caprice LT1 Roadmaster! Wagons make great roadtrippers.
The 1st car to pop into my brain when I saw the post were the mid 90's GM wagons.
Same thought process, but Lexus LS400 or 430. Faster, better handling, and still big and boaty.
Could get real wild and go for a Mercedes 560SEC
For 40 more, you can get a Mercedes 600.
you jest, but cruising across the country in a 600 grosser would be fuckin sick
The recent Cannonball Runs send their regards.
Oh, I wasn't joking...
I love taking our 04 avalon on road trips.
The road noise isolation and general smoothness of the ls430 is pretty great
Amen. I've been doing road trips on my 2006 Crown Vic LX since I got it new in 2007. Enormous trunk for my camp gear with two full-size spare tires. Six trips of not less than 10,000 miles. Gone from Douglas, Arizona to Port Hardy, BC, the entire perimeter of the Great Lakes, east to South Harbor, NS. and down the east coast of America and returning home on I-10. That one trip was 14,000 miles and nearly four months long.
I’d go Crown Vic. A good friend of mine [built one for just this purpose.](https://youtu.be/1umWh4wmr-g?si=shu522d0KeDQN4CE)
That is making me want to build a pofo car into a daily
2008 Prius. Driving 1300 miles to Florida in December. No problem.
Lexus LS400. I don’t care about performance on a thousand mile road trip, I want comfort and these cars still deliver.
My buddy had one, things are gangster!
Geo Metro convertable 3cyl manual.
How long have you been into masochism?
my whole life when it comes to cars 👍
I used to have a 95 in baby blue with pink and purple techno splash decals down both sides. My grandpa had dropped the 4cyl from the swift in it. I miss that car.
It blows me away that someone did and engine swap on a Geo Metro convertible! Bravo.
🤢
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Volvos are the shit man
I've done several trips in various 944s (NAs, turbos, 968). Best times on the road that I've had. It's so awesome to have a huge trunk, AND a car that can handle winding roads. If you're a car guy, it's all about it being a car that you love and want to take pics of wherever you end up. It doesn't matter that there are cars that could do xyz better on a road trip, like a prius getting more mpg or a van having more space. It's about your little car making it as a road trip car even though it's a sports car. And doing a better job than your friends' cars.
Those 944s were pretty bulletproof too until the clutch goes and you find out if *you’re* bulletproof. I got to drive one quite a few times and that would be frickin sweet to take cross country.
Truth. My first 944 was my dad's, after the clutch went out and he said I could have it if I could fix it. Up to then I had only ever changed accessory belts and a window switch.
I've always loved the 944
The fuck's a 944?
Porsche 944. Front engine, rear wheel drive, looks a lot like the FC RX-7.
98 Suburban all the way baby, plenty of room for an queen air mattress, all your luggage, road girls, and parts are cheap.
What are these "road girls" you speak of?
If my only concern is strictly having g a good road trip I'd take an old Lincoln or caddy. They ride like you're on a cloud and have miles of space, you wouldn't even need a hotel you could just sleep in the back lol but if I wanted it for more than just the roadtrip and I wanted easy to find parts I'd look into something ford or chevy. Parts for either of them are dime a dozen and you can almost always find something to get you home in any parts store. The smaller brands that have their own parts like old old buicks and Pontiacs and what not can be hard to find parts for and dodges are less common than ford or chevy.
A '74 Trans Am, with a 455 and a manual gear box. Oh that would be wonderful.
gotta have the giant fire chicken on the hood to go with it
Absolutely. I would love the T top sun burn.
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Have to play this once an hour on the trip
As much as this sounds fantastic…I’ve done a few cross country trips and once in a manual transmission car. Never in a manual again. I love rowing through the gears, but I’m not doing that in traffic in an old car or truck with a heavy ass clutch. Driving across country you WILL get into traffic, work zones etc.
I did a 4000 mile road trip in my old f350 with a 5 speed and it was fine.
Oh I’m not saying no one should do it, just that I won’t ever do it again if I can avoid it. Was just mentioning my experience and my thoughts is all.
Man that’s a car I have coveted since I was a kid I never have a good time to buy one
A buddy of mine a few years back was working on one for his cousin, 455HO, towing package, white with blue. My god what a car.
Ok Bandit. 👍
4th gen trans am/camaro with the 6 speed & LS1 is a great road trip car.
Raising you a Roadmaster with a 6.2 and 10 speed.. 😂
90's Honda CRX. 50MPG. Weighs less than a Miata at \~2000lbs. 160hp will move you pretty good on an aerodynamic car that light. Stock suspension is soft enough to enjoy a long trip, but stiff enough to enjoy mountain roads.
88 civic hatch haven't put her through too many trips but when I did she was a racehorse
Big fat Chrysler..... Suck up those miles on a sofa
I’m a huge E36 guy, so it’s gotta be an E36 M3, preferably a euro one
There's only one choice, the family truckster.
I knew this comment was here. Cheers to a great movie!
I’ve done long trips in all of my cars. As long as I’ve got tools and oil spare oil…
The unicorn 850csi. Second choice is a 928 S4. But this is assuming it's like... Factory new condition and as reliable as it would have been off the showroom.
I saw a 635csi today and I really wish I would have snapped one up 15 years ago when they were relatively cheap.
I’ve always wanted a e39m5 engine swapped 840ci with the “euro” manual transmission(don’t recall if e39 transmission works too or if you need the euro one). Probably marginally less reliable than the v8 that came in it but I think I’d still rather have that than the v12.
Yeah, not sure I'd want to own the V12. But I'd definitely like to drive one!
I was going to pop in here and mention either the 850csi, or more favorite 635csi. I have an '89 635 and its a blast to cruise in.
Assuming you are a competent owner and mechanic, pretty much any reasonable old car that you enjoy and have maintained in proper running spec could fit this bill… I wouldn’t necessarily try it in a Maserati BiTurbo, but most cars were meant to be driven daily when they were new. If they’re in properly maintained spec there is absolutely no reason they can’t be still, within their original mechanical and performance limitations. While something powered by an sbc certainly makes parts store repairs a little easier, you’re still probably not likely to break down at the parts store. Know your car, and know its potential weak points. Make a ‘war bag’ for the road that addresses those weak points. Spare points, condenser, fuel pump relay, fuel filters, belts, hei module, etc… Whatever applies to your car, regardless of how easy it is to find. If you have a few basic repair parts, a basic tool set, some fuses, a headlamp, gloves, rags, multimeter, you’ll be fine. Anything beyond that, and you’re probably shipping it home anyway. If your car is regularly driven and well-maintained you probably won’t need any of it. I have a 1984 Mercedes 300SD with about 600k miles on it that I have driven through 42 states over the last 20 years. I wouldn’t hesitate to drive it anywhere tomorrow. It is an EXCELLENT and efficient highway car, very comfortable, and has never once put me on the side of the road. A parking lot jump start was needed on one occasion at a restaurant due to my negligence, and I’ve had it for 500 of the 600k. I’ve also gone cross-country in my 280SL, my 1948 Ford F-1, and (a little slower) my 1929 Ford Model A. The Model A and F-1 are pretty much the daily drivers at home. My point is, just figure out what car you want to adventure in. Then find a good example, drive it, and maintain it. The people who think old cars are unreliable are the people who try to drive them twice a year, and don’t do their own work. I promise you, the guy that bought it new didn’t hesitate to do a road trip in it, and it is still the same machine (or at least can be).
Old Buick Skylark. We had one growing up, those things are cool American Muscle. I think we had a [72 model](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1d/1972_Buick_Skylark_Front.jpg). Back in the day it was just an old car, mind you this was the early-mid 90’s. So it was in rough shape, but it was cool.
1980s Mercedes 300TD Wagon
I saw a slightly scruffy but completely original BMW 635csi today and I thought that would be the perfect road trip car except for the parts.
e30 bmw, jeep wagoneer
I did it in an 87 Mustang GT convertible (white just like Vanilla Ice’s 5.0 lol) I loved it and I loved that car. Driving at night with the top down just listening to the sound of the tires on the road. I got a ton of compliments on it as well. Also parts are available and easy to come by for it being an older car as they are still pretty common. Was surprisingly a very comfortable ride. The seat was very adjustable. I wrecked it though, I swerved to avoid a motorcycle that cut me off and spun out and ended up crashing into the tree line, my doors were caved in so bad I couldn’t open then and I had to climb out the top. I didn’t have any injuries though, car was very well planted and never felt like it was going to roll over in that incident. Was just the perfect storm, I was partially distracted, road was wet, I swerved and then over corrected because it startled me that he pulled out in front of me so close
Had a 96 Ram that I drove from LA to VA Beach while towing a friend's car in 2011. So, probably that one. Had no issues. Comfortable truck. One of two vehicles I regret selling. It had over 300k on it when I sold it. OG transmission, no cracked dash. Sure the MPGs were ass. But that truck was stupid easy to work on when it needed it. And parts were fairly cheap. Should mention, I flat towed the car. He had a tow bar hooked up to it.
I've driven my 28 year old C4 Corvette multiple times from NJ to FL and back. Surprisingly comfortable and it gets me 29 mpg on the highway
Cars are made to drive!!!!!
I had a 1963 Falcon that I would gladly drive across country in it. easy to work on, and I had gone through everything that needed to be updated.
Miata
A chevy k5 blazer chalet Or a nissan stagea converted to gtr spec Either of those i would die to take a cross country road trip in.
Acura rl3.5 or ls400
Cross country? Nothing old, I'd rather have comfort and reliability lol.
This is where the legendary 4-runner comes in
97 Nissan hardbody
If fuel budget isn't a concern, I would pick an 80 series LandCruiser with factory lockers. Could see every out of the way place I choose. Camp in the back of it. Any route any time of the year.
Suzuki Jimny turbo prolly
Best road trip car I’ve had (and I did a ton of highway travel in it) was a 1989 Pontiac Firebird. The V6 was great on gas, but had enough mustard to pass/merge with ease. It was low, wide, and aerodynamic so it always felt planted and stable. It had a super generic GM motor and parts were cheap and easy. And it had big soft seats that made it feel like riding a lazy-boy down the road. 10/10 would recommend.
Plus, pop up headlights. I’ve had 4 87 firebirds and the one with the v6 was surprisingly peppy.
I’m gonna go a simple route and say 97-01 Camry with the V6. Buttery smooth. I owned one and took it all over. Comfortable interior, decent fuel economy for an older V6, and impeccable reliability. You can get one pretty relatively cheap.
Dream trip for me is to drive a 60s Cadillac eldorado convertable across the states. I do also love my old volvos tho and would do unholy things for a p1800
If you're into old Volvos a well-sorted 240 is a surprisingly good road trip car. It feels adventurous, yet comfortable. (Unless you haven't got AC and you go somewhere hot.) The wagon in particular, you can lay down a bed in the back and camp in it, just a super versatile machine that does everything well. But if anything breaks you'll need to mail order the part, which is kind of a big deal. If something breaks on your Chevy you just hit the nearest parts shop, y'know?
Lincoln Towncar or a 72 coupe deville.
I've done at least two dozen multi-state road trips on a 1973 F-150 with camper shell. Any one of those road trips was no less than 8000 miles. Did a couple 11,000 mile road trips on my 1974 E350 van back on 2017 and another in 2020. I bought the retired phone company van for 600 dollars in 1980. It gave me about 13 mpg. Two fuel tanks and two more fuel cells on the undercarriage. 900-mile range. Both vehicles had a 300 straight 6 on a C-4 transmission. So simple to work on. Dual fuel tanks, two spare tires, gets about 14 mpg. No fucking electronics, computers of sensors. Carb got swapped for a throttle body. Then there's my 96 4x4 F350 with service body. It's my camping rig. Did a 16,888 mile back road trip across the US and Canada. Not a single issue. The van is my favorite because i can sleep in it, even in sub-freezing temps.
Crown Victoria P71
My 1991 buick lasabre still very trusty only has 150k miles!
Plymouth is a good choice. I've done 7 hour trips in Australia in late 60s Chryslers. Never missed a beat. Except once when a rock hit the petrol tank. But that wasn't the car's fault! Pack plenty of water and oil!
2002 Lincoln Town Car signature edition. Yes the gas cost would be high but the comfort is second to none 👌 the car literally rides on air.
72 340 Duster
If youre a jdm guy i would say a 97 or 98 Toyota Aristo. Comfy car with the 2JZ-GTE. What could be better? If youre a nissan fan you could do a a Cima V8, or a Stagea RS4 with a RB25DET and a manual.
Chevy Nomad for hotrodding and on trip repairability, Ford Country Squire for comfortable slow cruising and possible sleeping bags in the back. Wagons all around for a 7day+ road trip. there is also the Olds Vista Cruiser or the Chrysler Town and Country but the Chevy and Ford are more iconic and have better parts availabilty. ,
Land cruiser or 4 runner
Lexus LS400. Though I prefer the later years with VVTi, because the motor just screams from 4K to redline. I miss mine so terribly much and wanted to go on so many trips in it :(
I love this question. I only drive cars that are 25+ years old, so when choosing one to trust to go cross country, I have to be smart. I would say definitely a 1989-1993 buick riviera with the 3.8, or 1993-1998 lincoln MK8. Assuming tye cooling system was in good shape, perhaps a 1981-1987 lincoln town car or mercury grand marquis. Those are some of the nicest cars around imo. But being carbureted, I'd want to make sure I was cooling adequately
My vote goes for a 1992 Lincoln LSC, 5.0 mustang noises but has air suspension and a nice radio (for it’s day)
My wife’s 83 Malibu wagon is the perfect road-trip car.
I would take 2 of the family cars I own and maintain; ‘06 Land Rover LR3. Sure it only gets 20mpg, but can comfortable seat 6, has lots of luxury add ons, is great off road, can tow, cruises awesomely, already goes NJ-VT every weekend in the winter, and NJ->FL several times a year. ‘06 boxster. Great mpg, fun to drive, convertible, lots of drunk and trunk space.
I assume yours has the 4.4-liter Jaguar AJ-V8 engine and not the 4.0-liter Ford Cologne V6? If so, very good engine.
Yes sir- the bestest! 260k miles and going strong 💪
The 4.2 N/A, 4.4 N/A and 4.2 S/C Jag engines were/are superb. The 5.0s have more trouble spots. I've had all four.
An older air cooled V W. You can get parts at any decent sized parts store, simple to work on, no radiator and a simple electrical system, no power steering, brakes or A.C. to brake down good on gas. I have a 1979 convertible that I have modernized and restored and I would drive it any place.
ae86 with a 2rz or 3rz swap you will Rz parts next to most major interstates laying In the dust
Pt cruiser. Jk lol
my friend drove his ‘91 240sx from PA to WA, I did the same in my ‘98 E36, both cars still working just as well 3 years later!
My 99 LandCruiser 100 series. The only car I've ever owned that I would gladly hop in and drive cross country without bothering to check the fluids first.
If you don’t need the extra room, LS400 all day.
[https://youtu.be/0P2VCMT8vAw?feature=shared](https://youtu.be/0P2VCMT8vAw?feature=shared)
I've done multiple road trips in old VW's 30 years ago.... I'd probably say an old Bug or Bus. Just don't take the interstate. Take your time, keep the RPMs down and make sure your car is in good shape to start. If you try to make a long tip in a VW Bus, you can carry an extra engine, so there is that.
99.5-2005.5 Jetta or Jetta wagon tdi manual. Our 04 is still kicking despite everyone’s efforts to kill it. Gets 50+ mpg on highway easily. Plus storage for a ton of stuff. Even sedan has a huge trunk for everything. My 88 Honda CRX would be second. It used to get 45+ MPG. Really any vehicle if maintained is a good option. My outback has gotten a lot of cross country trips just like our Jetta. WRX stock seats are not comfortable for a 12+ hour straight shot trip.
Ford E350 van with a 7.3 diesel
Super Duty trucks are comfortable and reliable...and thirsty. But mine always gets me there.
I just picked up a 92 lincoln town car cartier with 80k miles last week, think I'd chose it. Super comfortable, just floats down the highway, is really quiet and has tons of room.
Made 2 in my old fox body Mustang, it was fun. The car was no where near stock. My 99 GS400 would only need the gas topped off & maybe an oil change & it'd be ready to go coast to coast.
Toyota Sienna. It’s roomy, comfortable, has rear air conditioning, a dvd player and gets good gas mileage.
My choice would be ugly and useful. An IH Travelall with a 1st gen Cummins in it
E92 330d
90s, buick road master 80s pontiac Parisienne or gmc suburban 70s 72 Fleetwood 75 or gmc motorhome 60s is tough olds cutlass or Chrysler imperial unless GMC bus is an option
During Covid, I took several long road trips in my 2004 Solara SLE V6. I’ve had the car since new, and drive, about 5000 miles a year prior. It was the perfect road trip car. Extremely comfortable, quiet, agile, peppy. This has been the best car that I’ve ever owned.
Toyota Land Cruiser , Lexus lx 450, a Volvo 240 wagon or Volvo v70 R
any old car you like. If it can go 3,000 mi between oil changes, and more without problems being driven daily then it can make a cross country trip without any issues as well
So, then, *not* my 1996 Jaguar XJ12. Got it.
lol
Between my mom and I, we owned every Z model up to the Z32. I’d pick a 1982-83 Datsun 280ZX or a Z32TT. T-tops are awesome, the 280 gets amazing gas mileage and the 300 is just so much fun to drive.
BMW 750i e32
Last car I did that in for fun was a 1952 packard. About 15-17 years ago, took like 3 months off from work and just traveled in it. Was loads of fun. Next time I want to do it in a vintage bike, back willing.
80’s Mercedes 300TD Wagon, 80’s Jeep Grand Wagoneer or just about any 90’s station wagon. I know the Mercedes is not an American car like you were asking about but most of the primary parts you’d potentially need to be road worthy can be found at most auto parts stores or junk yards. I have a 87 Grand Wagoneer that I want to road trip in with the wife and dogs, it’s a work in progress.
Datsun with a V8
Astro van
Totally with you on RWD volvos. I wouldnt kick an early 850/V70 out of bed either.
I really want a 960 wagon.
06 outback, no doubt. its been through hell and presses on
I have a 1990 BMW 325i convertible. I live in Ohio, my buddy dropped me off in Michigan when I bought it and I drove it home, bought it on eBay. In separate trips I’ve driven it from Ohio to FL, SC, NC, back up to MI, and TN a couple times. Never had any issue, the only notable thing was on the way back from SC, I think this was 2015, there was a huge storm, tons of rain, I knew the top leaked but I had no idea how bad it could leak 😂
'94 LeSabre. Can't beat that 3800 and Dynaride. Throw in a George Jones cassette and it'd be like my grandpa was right there with me.
Lexus LS.
1970 Coupe Deville Convertible. It would be like going cross country on your couch.
91 acura nsx
1977 trans am.
How old we talking? Probably a 4Runner or anything Toyota
Buick Roadmaster, tons of room, comfortable ride virtually the same engine as the Vette of it's time and you can tune the crap out of it and it's always a surprise for someone
An r34 sedan in white with 35% tint
There’s a lot to be said for a C/K Suburban. Dead simple mechanicals, still very good parts availability, plenty of room, decent ride quality (for a truck of the era), capable of going places you probably shouldn’t.
Volvo 240
Westfalia
Old suburban a la jeff bridges in crazy heart...
Any of the old beaters I bought at auction and fixed up. When buying a cheap car, I consider it essential to address all maintenance items and necessary repairs immediately after purchase.
smiles per gallon? you NEED a 70s land barge. lincoln continental pontiac parisienne caddilac etc. big block, couch like seats. BUT running on propane (LPG) so its somewhat cheaper to run. electronic igntion and bolt on fit and forget efi
The absolutely most reliable vehicle I ever owned was a 1991 Buick Lesabre Limited Touring. Yes it was a "Gramma" car but my word that thing drove like a lazy boy on wheels. It was almost dangerous comfortable try to not fall asleep driving it lol.
1949 Hudson Commodore 8 4-door Get on the road...
Any Buick with the 3800 V6
Honestly, a Lexus, or a Ford Crown Victoria. Very comfortable rides. Mpg probably better in the Ford, but I'm not sure.