A hotshot race car named Lightning McQueen lives life in the fast lane until a detour on his way to the prestigious Piston Cup Championship race in California leads him to the forgotten town of Radiator Springs on historic Route 66. Marooned in a community stripped of its former glory due to the interstate bypassing it, McQueen inadvertently damages the main road and is sentenced to repair it. Initially fixated on leaving the town as quickly as possible to reach the championship and secure a lucrative sponsorship deal, McQueen's selfish and arrogant demeanor earns him no favors from the town's colorful characters.

As McQueen begrudgingly undertakes the task of fixing the road, he begins to form unlikely friendships with the town's residents, including Mater, a rusted but good-hearted tow truck, Sally, a beautiful and intelligent lawyer-turned-hotelier, and Doc Hudson, a car with a mysterious past. Through interactions with these vehicles and experiencing the slower pace of life, McQueen starts to understand and appreciate values like hard work, community, and respect, which stand in stark contrast to his previous life prioritizing fame and fortune. These relationships challenge his initial perceptions and priorities, setting him on a course of personal growth that extends beyond the racing world.