It is highly cat dependant, and also depends if they are used or not. But I would also suggest to have them in their carrier box. Cats prefer having a closed environnement, where they feel safer and can eventually hide.

Peppito is a great traveller. When I drive to my parents (700 km) or on holiday to the mountains or south of France(700 to 1000 km), he is always with us, and is used to a one-day travel by car. He meows a bit when the car starts, but then he is perfectly quiet. Now and then we open his carrier to let him "explore" around and after a few minutes he returns alone in the box, and stays in it even when the box is open. The car is the only place where Peppito gets into the carrier on his own decision!

He usually refuses to drink during the travel, but he loudly asks for pieces of our sandwiches to share!

Some cats are sick in cars, like humans, and this is why they cry all the time. Some medicine can also help if it is the case.