Maggie Peyton (Lindsay Lohan), the first Peyton to graduate from college receives a graduation present from her dad (Michael Keaton) and as she's about to get a 250Z, she instead receives a Volkswagon Bug (Herbie) and Herbie takes over all of Maggie's driving. After having her best friend Kevin (Justin Long) restore Herbie, she goes to the car show and beats all-time racer Trip Murphy (Matt Dillon) and he demands a rematch, Trip attempts to discover the secret behind Herbie. After losing a big race to Trip because of Herbie's stubborness, Maggie enters the Daytona 500 and who knows, will Herbie win?