Memorable Quotes From the 'Cars' Series (2024)

Updated on 01/30/18

“Ka-Chow!” (Cars & Cars 2)

Every good hero needs a catchphrase – Pixar's Buzz Lightyear has “To infinity and beyond!” – and Lightning McQueen is certainly no exception. When we first meet the character in the first Cars movie, Lightning (Owen Wilson) is a brash, egotistical figure who loves posing for the press and paparazzi. Lightning becomes known for saying “Ka-Chow!” while he’s modeling for the camera, to the extent that rival racer Chick Hicks (Michael Keaton) attempts to put his own spin on the catchphrase. (Somehow “Ka-Chicka!” doesn’t have quite the same ring to it.) In ​Cars 2, Lightning taunts his Italian rival Francesco Bernoulli (John Turturro) by plastering “Ka-Ciao!” on his rear license plate display.

“I Knew You Couldn't Drive. I Didn't Think You Couldn't Read.” (Cars)

Doc Hudson (Paul Newman) is the heart of the first Cars movie, and the character spends much of the film resenting Lightning McQueen because he sees himself in the flashy new arrival. The back-and-forth dynamic between Doc and Lightning is a big part of what makes great. The antagonistic nature of their initial bond eventually morphs into something resembling a father/son relationship. Before they get to that point, Doc has to take Lightning down a few notches – which he accomplishes by insulting the younger car at every opportunity. After Lightning ignores a sign that says "Keep Out" and enters Doc's garage, Doc responds by hitting Lightning with the above line –- which remains one of Doc's more piercing insults.

“I'd Give My Left Two Lugnuts for Somethin' Like That!” (Cars)

As the comic relief in 2006’s Cars, Mater (Larry the Cable Guy) is responsible for many of the film’s funniest lines. Mater is a friendly, big-hearted simpleton who takes an immediate liking to newcomer Lightning McQueen. Soon the beat-up tow truck is introducing his new friend to the finer pleasures of country living (including, of course, tractor tipping). When Mater discovers that Lightning is going to be spending time with Bessie, the town’s tarmac-laying machine, he expresses his jealousy by exclaiming the above line. Mater’s lack of intelligence becomes especially problematic for him in, as he is inadvertently drawn into a dangerous scheme involving secret agents and evil villains.

“Being Killed By a Clock Gives New Meaning to ‘Your Time Has Come.’” ('Cars 2')

Cars 2 introduces us to a new character named Finn McMissile (Michael Caine), who is a British intelligence agent that mistakenly believes that Mater is actually an American spy. Finn has clearly been modeled after James Bond, as the character behaves and talks in a manner that is purposefully similar to that of Ian Fleming’s iconic creation.

Late in the film, Finn and his assistant, Holley Shiftwell (Emily Mortimer), are captured by the villains and tied up in the gears of an enormous clock in London. As the gears start moving, Finn realizes what is about to happen and delivers the above line. Of course, Finn is inevitably saved by Holley’s quick thinking.

“Respect the Classics, Man! It's Hendrix!” ('Cars')

In Cars, Fillmore (George Carlin) is a Volkswagen microbus from the 1960s that consistently urges his fellow citizens to shun gas from the big oil companies, as he has his own brand of organic fuel that comes in several different flavors. We're sure you get the joke.

Anyway, Fillmore’s Bohemian attitude is especially reflected in his decision to blast Jimi Hendrix’s cover of “The Star-Spangled Banner” over a traditional version, which prompts Sarge to exclaim, “Will you turn that disrespectful junk off?” Fillmore responds with the above line, with Carlin’s hilarious delivery enhancing its comedic effect.

Edited by Christopher McKittrick