Everyone knows Dean Winchester’s deep affection for “Baby,” his sleek black 1967 Chevrolet Impala in the hit series Supernatural. This iconic vehicle is practically the third Winchester brother, ferrying Sam and Dean across the country as they hunt monsters and save people. However, while the Impala is undoubtedly the signature car of Supernatural, Dean’s adventures aren’t solely confined to its spacious interior. Over fifteen thrilling seasons, Dean (and occasionally Sam) found themselves behind the wheels of a diverse collection of vehicles, either due to Baby being out of commission, stolen, or simply for the sake of blending in.
Just like the Mystery Machine is synonymous with Scooby Doo or the Ecto-1 is instantly recognizable as the Ghostbusters’ ride, the Impala holds a special place in the hearts of Supernatural fans. It’s more than just transportation; it’s a character in itself. Yet, the unpredictable nature of monster hunting sometimes necessitates alternative modes of transport. Whether it’s for undercover missions or when Baby needs some much-deserved repair work after a demon encounter, the Winchester brothers have utilized a surprising range of cars throughout the series.
While Dean might jokingly consider it automotive infidelity to drive anything other than his Impala, Supernatural showcased an impressive array of vehicles across its long run. Let’s take a look at the various cars that have graced the Supernatural universe, the episodes they appeared in, and the reasons behind their temporary adoption by the Winchesters.
Dodge Caravan
Dean’s displeasure with Impala substitutes is palpable, and it starts early in Supernatural season 2 with the episode “Everybody Loves A Clown.” This episode, a personal favorite hunt for Sam, occurs shortly after a near-fatal car accident for Dean, leaving the Impala needing repairs. Bobby Singer’s salvage yard, usually a treasure trove of automotive parts, only offers one working replacement: a minivan. For the entirety of this episode, the brothers are forced to navigate their monster hunt in this decidedly uncool vehicle. Dean’s utter disdain for the minivan is a running joke throughout the episode, highlighting his strong attachment to the Impala and his perception of other cars as inferior. This Dodge Caravan represents the ultimate low point in Dean’s substitute car experiences, emphasizing the Impala’s irreplaceable status in his eyes.
Mercury Monterey
Season 4’s premiere, marking Dean’s resurrection by Castiel, sees him return to a world without his beloved Impala readily available. Bobby, believing Dean to be still dead, is ignoring his calls, leaving Dean stranded and car-less. In a classic Dean Winchester move, he resorts to hot-wiring a 1962 Mercury Monterey near a gas station. This vintage car becomes his ride back to Bobby’s place, leading to an emotional reunion with both Bobby, Sam, and finally, his cherished Impala. The Mercury Monterey serves as a temporary but stylish means for Dean to get back on his feet, literally and figuratively, after his resurrection. It’s a testament to Dean’s resourcefulness and his unwavering determination to reunite with his family and his car.
Toyota Prius
Perhaps the most humorous automotive detour in Supernatural history is Dean’s stint with a Toyota Prius in the season 4 episode “It’s A Terrible Life.” In this alternate reality scenario, angelic intervention overwrites Dean’s memories, transforming him into a health-conscious office worker completely detached from his hunting past. As a result, the muscle car enthusiast Dean Winchester is now driving a Toyota Prius, a vehicle synonymous with environmental consciousness and practicality – the polar opposite of the Impala’s gas-guzzling, classic American muscle. The Prius becomes a comedic symbol of this alternate Dean’s drastically different personality and lifestyle, highlighting the absurdity of Dean Winchester, monster hunter, behind the wheel of such a car. It underscores how deeply ingrained the Impala is in Dean’s identity.
Ford Pickup
At the beginning of Supernatural season 6, Dean attempts to embrace a normal, hunter-free life. Settled with Lisa and Ben, believing Sam is lost in the Cage, Dean has seemingly traded monster hunting for suburban barbecues. His Impala is safely stored away, and for everyday errands and local driving, he adopts a 1988 Ford F250 pickup truck. This everyman’s vehicle represents Dean’s attempt at normalcy and blending into suburban life. However, this domestic facade is short-lived. The Ford Pickup, much like Dean’s promise to quit hunting, doesn’t last long, and soon enough, the Impala is back on the road, roaring back into Dean’s life as he inevitably returns to hunting.
Ford Mustang
Another alternate reality episode, “My Heart Will Go On” from season 6, presents Dean with a different set of wheels. In a world altered by Balthazar saving the Titanic, causing a butterfly effect, Dean finds himself driving a 1960s Ford Mustang instead of his usual Chevy Impala. While still a classic American muscle car and a step up in Dean’s book from a Prius, the Mustang is not Baby. It’s a reflection of a world subtly askew, where even Dean’s car preference is slightly different. Once reality is restored and the Titanic’s fate is corrected, the Mustang disappears, replaced once again by the familiar Impala, reinforcing the natural order of Dean and his Chevy.
Jeep Grand Wagoneer
Typically, when the Winchester brothers need to split up, Dean takes the Impala. However, in season 7’s “The Girl Next Door,” Sam takes the Impala to investigate a case with personal ties to his childhood, leaving Dean to find alternative transportation. For this solo mission, Dean chooses a Jeep Grand Wagoneer. This SUV is a practical and rugged choice, suitable for chasing after Sam but lacking the sentimental value and personal connection Dean has with the Impala. The Jeep Grand Wagoneer is a functional stand-in, used only during this brief period of separation between the brothers and their usual hunting dynamic.
Pontiac Acadian
Season 7 sees the Impala sidelined for an extended period due to the Leviathan storyline. With Sam and Dean framed as wanted criminals by these powerful shapeshifters, operating in secrecy becomes paramount. The Impala, too recognizable and potentially flagged by authorities, is no longer a viable option. Thus, begins a series of different vehicles used by the brothers throughout the season, starting with a 1983 Pontiac Acadian in the episode “Slash Fiction.” This Pontiac, like many of the season 7 cars, is a practical, if unremarkable, choice, reflecting the brothers’ need to stay under the radar and avoid drawing attention.
Dodge Challenger
Continuing their temporary automotive changes in season 7, “The Mentalists” episode features a 1970 Dodge Challenger. This classic muscle car, while more in line with Dean’s usual taste than some of the other substitutes, is still not the Impala. The Challenger is “commandeered” for the episode, fitting the fugitive status of the Winchesters at this point in the season. Dean, despite appreciating the Challenger’s muscle car pedigree, is notably unimpressed with its previous owner’s questionable treatment of the vehicle, highlighting his own meticulous care for Baby.
1969 Buick
“Adventures In Babysitting,” another season 7 episode, finds the Winchester brothers grappling with the recent loss of Bobby Singer. In this somber context, Dean heads to Frank Devereaux’s place in a 1969 Buick Special Edition while Sam works a case. The Buick, acquired under unspecified (and likely not legal) circumstances, serves as Dean’s transport during this emotionally challenging episode. It’s a brief and functional replacement, overshadowed by the grief and the ongoing Leviathan threat, further emphasizing the Impala’s absence during this dark period in the brothers’ lives.
Plymouth Roadking
Dean’s time-traveling escapades continue in “Time After Time,” where he’s sent back to 1944 and encounters legendary investigator Eliot Ness. Immersing himself in a film noir-esque world, Dean even gets to drive Ness’s 1940 Plymouth Roadking. This classic car perfectly fits the period setting and Dean’s temporary persona as a 1940s detective. The Plymouth Roadking is more than just transportation; it’s a thematic element, enhancing the episode’s time-travel narrative and Dean’s role within it. It’s a stylish and period-appropriate vehicle for Dean’s trip to the past.
Buick Riviera
The Impala ban continues into season 7’s “The Slice Girls,” leading Sam and Dean to utilize a 1971 Buick Riviera. This car is largely overshadowed by the episode’s main plot involving Dean’s encounter with an Amazonian and the rapid aging of their daughter, Emma. The Buick Riviera is a fleeting detail in an episode focused on supernatural family drama, serving its purpose as temporary transport but not leaving a significant impression compared to the more character-driven storylines of the episode.
Mercury Cougar
Dean’s penchant for “cougars” takes a slightly different turn in “Plucky Pennywhistle’s Magical Menagerie,” where he drives a 1973 Mercury Cougar. This car, another temporary stand-in for the Impala, appears as the brothers investigate a case involving killer clowns – a recurring nightmare scenario for many, and particularly unsettling for Dean. The Mercury Cougar is a functional vehicle for the episode’s monster-of-the-week hunt, linking back to the earlier minivan episode in its thematic return to creepy clowns and Dean’s need for alternative transportation.
Pontiac Trans Am
It was inevitable that the Winchester brothers would eventually find themselves in a Pontiac Trans Am, and this moment arrives in Supernatural season 7’s “Repo Man.” This 1977 Pontiac becomes their ride when they visit their old friend Jeffrey, who is being targeted by a demon they believed they had previously exorcised. The Trans Am plays a more active role in this episode, even participating in a car chase and carrying a dog to safety. It’s one of the more memorable non-Impala cars, getting a bit more screen time and action than some of the other temporary vehicles.
Chevrolet Pickup
Adding to Dean’s collection of pickup trucks, Supernatural returns to its favored manufacturer for “Out With The Old,” featuring a Chevy Pickup. Investigating a curse connected to a ballerina in Portland, Sam and Dean utilize this Chevy truck. While not Baby, it proves to be a reliable vehicle for their investigation in this episode, showcasing another instance of the brothers adapting to different rides as needed for their hunting missions.
Dodge Charger
“The Born-Again Identity” in season 7 delves into Sam’s mental state as his inner demons resurface. Seeking help for his brother, Dean, still unable to use the Impala, drives a 1970 Dodge Charger. Notably, this Charger is the same dark color as the Impala, perhaps hinting at Dean’s subconscious desire for his beloved car. This episode also marks the return of Castiel after another resurrection, with Dean revealing he’s been keeping Castiel’s signature trench coat safe, mirroring his attachment to the Impala with a similar sentimentality for his friend.
AMC Pacer
In a departure from Dean’s usual automotive preferences, the 1978 AMC Pacer appears in season 7’s “Party On, Garth.” This episode focuses on Dean teaming up with fellow hunter Garth to battle a Japanese spirit. While most Impala substitutes are purely functional, the Pacer serves as a clear pop culture reference, acting as an Easter egg for Wayne’s World fans. Garth Algar’s iconic “Mirthmobile” was an AMC Pacer, and Supernatural nods to this when Garth expresses fondness for their temporary ride. Though sadly, no “Bohemian Rhapsody” singalongs occur within the Pacer in Supernatural.
AMC Matador
Alongside the Pacer, Dean also drives a 1970s AMC Matador in season 7. “The Girl With The Dungeons & Dragons Tattoo” marks the final time Dean is without his Impala before the Leviathans are defeated and they can return to using Baby regularly. However, the Matador is somewhat overshadowed in this episode by the introduction of the fan-favorite character Charlie Bradbury, played by Felicia Day. The AMC Matador, therefore, is more of a footnote in Supernatural car history, primarily significant for appearing in Charlie’s debut episode.
Castiel’s Pimpmobile
Season 9 sees Sam possessed by the angel Gadreel. While this possession initially heals Sam, it quickly takes a dark turn. Gadreel murders Kevin Tran and steals Dean’s precious Impala to meet with Metatron. Fortunately, Castiel had recently acquired his own vehicle, affectionately dubbed “Castiel’s Pimpmobile,” a 1978 Mark V Lincoln Continental. This flamboyant car allows Dean to pursue Gadreel and the stolen Impala. “Castiel’s Pimpmobile,” with its distinctive style, becomes a recurring vehicle in later seasons, a humorous and somewhat incongruous choice for the stoic angel.
Castiel’s Truck
The Impala is stolen yet again in Supernatural season 12. In “The Future,” Kelly Kline steals the Impala to give birth to Jack without the Winchesters’ intervention. Castiel, once again, provides a replacement vehicle, this time a Ford truck from the 1980s. However, Castiel’s truck breaks down, highlighting his lack of mechanical expertise. Dean, proving more mechanically inclined than the angel, manages to fix Castiel’s Ford truck, and they use it to catch up to Kelly and retrieve the Impala. Castiel’s truck, while less flashy than his “Pimpmobile,” serves its purpose as a temporary hunting vehicle and becomes another example of Castiel’s, sometimes unreliable, attempts to provide practical assistance to the Winchesters.
While Dean Winchester and his 1967 Chevy Impala are inseparable in the minds of Supernatural fans, the show cleverly used a variety of other vehicles to suit plot needs, character development, and even comedic effect. These substitute cars, while often met with Dean’s humorous disdain, add another layer to the Supernatural universe, reminding us that even when Baby is out of commission, the hunt must go on.
