Demonstrate your knowledge of cool cars from the 1990s. You must really know your autos if you can guess car makers and their models from this totally radical decade!
In the '90s, automakers produced cars for many reasons: Consumers' needs were as diverse as the auto pricetags they could afford. There were compact cars that started to veer into the mid-sized lane because of all the features engineers attempted to cram into starter vehicles. When the inside technology surpassed a vehicle's outer appearance, customers tended to shrug off innovation and opted for a more attractive price tag. Companies like Honda slashed several hundred dollars from base prices when competitors managed to pull off reasonable car features for less.Â
When producing unique design strategies came to a standstill, Mazda unabashedly borrowed design and engineering ideas from pricey car concepts that had worked in the past. As a result, the company downscaled production costs just enough to attract a large consumer base. Such was the case for the successful Miata model, which borrowed from the classic Lotus Elan. The Miata's market performance spurred the Lotus company to remind the world of the original by releasing its '90s remake of the classic.
Scroll down memory lane and tag as many cool car names as you see!
Its name is a cool combo of an engine descriptor and a car type. Does this hint help you to pick the right choice?
Porsche Boxster 986
Lada Nadezhda
T-Type
Winnebago LeSharo
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
Porsche aimed for a low-weight performance auto when it crafted the Boxster. The car conjured '50s/'60s Porsche race-car design, and it was outfitted with a mid-engine, another classic Porsche attribute.
Perhaps the V-12 engine in this '90s design was the reason for its name. Try to guess the auto quickly?
Toyota Tercel
Vauxhall Carlton
Subaru Fleet-X
Lamborghini Diablo
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
The mid-engine 1990 Lamborghini Diablo was outfitted with a 5.7-liter aluminum V-12 engine that produced 485 horsepower. The car's suspension system included telescopic shock absorbers.
This is an image of one of three in a series produced from the manufacturer in '93. Is it too hard to ID the right type?
Mercedes-Benz 500 SL
Oldsmobile Alero
Plymouth Neon
Pontiac Montana
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
During the 1993 model year, Mercedes-Benz unleashed three two-passenger SL varieties. The 500 SL included a 5.0-liter V-8 engine that produced 315 horsepower. The 600 SL's 6.0-liter V-12 generated 389 horsepower, and a 3.0-liter 228-horsepower V6 charged the 300 SL.
It boasted an unexpected interior. Do you see the name?
Toyota Caldina
Toyota Supra
SEAT Toledo
McLaren F1
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Wrong Answer
The Toyota Supra was a preferred sporty roadster in the '90s. Sizable contoured control buttons and a spacious front interior betrayed the vehicle's unexpected luxury qualifications.
How well do you know this high-powered car creation?
Proton Wira
Nissan Cefiro
TVR Sagaris
Dodge Viper GTS
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Wrong Answer
The Dodge Viper GTS accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The two-seater was outfitted with power-assist steering, rear-drive and a front V-10 engine that could achieve 400 horsepower.
Advanced light-beam technology was just one sought-after feature of this model. Quickly choose the name of the car?
Mercedes Benz E-Class
Dodge Avenger
BMW M5
De Tomaso Pantera
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
German automaker Mercedes-Benz crafted its '90s E-Class headlights with a double reflector that focused low and high light beams. Light technology included optional Xenon-gas outfits that would automatically prevent light beams from blinding oncoming drivers.
It was made to compete with an Olds. Do you ID the contraption in the image?
Buick LeSabre
Oldsmobile Intrigue
Opel Vectra
Paykan
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
To celebrate its 90th anniversary, Buick introduced the 1992 LeSabre. The car was also a response to Oldsmobile's 88 model. The LeSabre was the top-selling full-size car of 1992.
Volkswagen revived the 1938 Beetle classic with a brand-new version in 1997 that became an instant favorite. The Volkswagen New Beetle was the first of several new models the company sold in North America in the '90s.
The 1993 Acura Legend Coupe featured a 3.2-liter V-6 engine that generated 230 horsepower, a six-speed manual transmission and a traction control system. Acura propped the LS edition on 16-inch wheels.
Before the 1992 Audi 100 CS Quattro, Audi only offered a five-speed model with a V-8 engine. The '92 Quattro accommodated a V-6 engine and optional automatic transmission. The Quattro's base price was $36,400.
Can you match the image to any of these car names?
Ford Futura
Alpina B12
Ford Mustang Convertible
Chevrolet Venture
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Wrong Answer
The structurally-upgraded 3,211-pound 1999 Ford Mustang Convertible was priced at $23,070, and included anti-lock brakes and traction control. The 3.8 V-6 engine offered 190 horsepower.
Which of these car options do you see in the photo?
Vector M12
Volkswagan Polo
Buick Riviera
Yugo
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Wrong Answer
With the 1995 Riviera, Buick achieved a cool elegant design decked with retro accents, and it was loaded with modern features like warm-up seats and cruise control. The Riviera's V-6 engine cranked 205 horsepower.
Back in the 1990s, this car was a common sight on the road. Name the vehicle?
Honda Civic
Mini Moke
Pontiac Firebird
Nissan Leopard
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
The Honda Civic was an economy car of choice in the '90s. The 1999 LX offered versatile brake features like power-assisted drum brakes and optional anti-lock brakes. What's more, the EX offered 21 more horsepower than the LX.
The carmaker altered the price of this 1998 version. Can you ID it?
Honda Accord
Noble M10
Oldsmobile Cutlass
Peugeot 205
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
Honda reduced the price of the 1998 Accord by $950 and increased the cabin size. The four-cylinder LX was priced lower than $20,000. DX models delivered 135 horsepower, while LX and EX models produced 150 horsepower.
Car consumers were excited about this car and other '90s models produced by the manufacturer. Name this particular one?
Volkswagen Corrado
Land Rover Discovery
Tata Estate
Volvo 200 Series
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Wrong Answer
Land Rover's 1997 V-8-powered Discovery boasted a surround-sound system and a six-disc CD auto-changer. Land Rover North America, Inc. broke numerous sales records in the '90s. In 1997, the company sold 23,826 cars, a 2.8% increase from the sales total in 1996.
First created in the '50s, the correct label for this car is ________?
Kia Carnival
Ford Thunderbird
Lexus ES
Mazda Lantis
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
Ford discontinued the Thunderbird in 1997. The car was introduced in 1955 to vie with the Chevrolet Corvette. In 1999, Ford re-introduced the Thunderbird as a concept car that featured retro accents, such as rounded headlights.
The manufacturer offered three styles for the ________?
Lincoln Town Car
Hyundai Atos
Infiniti Q45
Ford Granada
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Wrong Answer
The Lincoln Town Car was the essence of full-bodied style in the 1990s. The three versions of the 1990 Town Car were Standard, Signature Series (shown here) and Cartier, which offered top-of-the-line luxury.
Do you spot the name of the model that saw major changes in '96?
Dodge Colt
Cadillac Fleetwood
Ford Taurus
Honda NSX
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
Ford revamped the Taurus design in 1996. The company scaled down the trunk and increased the interior by 17%. The frame was also two inches wider and five inches longer than previous editions.
It had a cool look, high power and top speed. How well do you know this exceptional vehicle?
Ford Granada
Kia Retona
Ferrari F50
Lincoln Navigator
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Wrong Answer
The Ferrari F50 design was based on the 4.7-liter 60-valve V-12 engine's construction. The 2,712-pound 1996 F50 produced 520 horsepower and could zoom from zero to 60 in 3.7 seconds.
Do you know the name of the car that maintained a strong presence in the 1990s?
Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1
Lamborghini Militaria
Maserati Shamal
Geo Prizm
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
Chevrolet's Corvette ZR-1 zoomed from zero to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. The two-door/two-passenger performance vehicle featured a six-speed manual transmission and cast-aluminum wheels.
The car company didn't expect to sell very many of these in the U.S. Are you confident that you remember this contraption from the '90s?
Ford Escort
Jinbei Haise
Lada Riva
Aston Martin DB7
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
Aston Martin set out to sell 250 of the DB7s in the United States for the 1996 model year. The '96 coupe was priced at $125,000, and the convertible sold for $135,000. The DB7 interior included a wooden dashboard and leather seats, both custom-made.
Try to guess the car that was made for a youthful crowd?
Mazda MX-5
Noble M10
Oldsmobile Achieva
Eagle Talon
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Wrong Answer
The 1998 Talon was the only Eagle manufactured that year. When it was introduced, the attractive sports coupe was marketed to young consumers. The Eagle received a Ferrari-like design upgrade in 1995.
Are you confident that you know this German vehicle from the 1990s?
GAZ-3102
Maserati Ghibli
Honda Legend
Audi 200
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Wrong Answer
Audi fitted the 1991 200 Quattro model with a 20-valve, five-cylinder turbo engine and four-wheel drive. The 2.2-liter engine achieved 217 horsepower and propelled the car from zero to 60 miles per hour in 6.5 seconds.
This auto was compared to a Mazda model in the '90s. What's the name of the machine you see?
Citroen AX
Dacia 1300
Ford Probe
Bentley Arnage
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Wrong Answer
When Ford released the three-door Probe, the auto drew comparisons to Mazda's MX-6. The Probe GL was priced under $12,000 and came equipped with a 2.2-liter 4-cylinder engine. The LX upgrade had a 3.0-liter V-6 engine.
Auto enthusiasts considered this car a significant step up. Do you recognize it?
Lexus LS 400
Toyota Century
ZAZ Tavria
Mitsubishi Delica
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Wrong Answer
Priced at $49,900, the Lexus LS 400 was the spiffier version of the sensibly equipped ES 300, which '90s consumers rejected as a luxury sedan. Nearly 180,000 ES models manufactured between 1994 and 1998 were recalled because there was a possibility that the steering wheel might loosen and fall off.
Name the vehicle from the company that had a knack for designing high-performance models?
Lister Storm
Jaguar XJR
Honda Life
Mercury Mountaineer
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Wrong Answer
Sporty luxury is the best way to describe the Jaguar XJR. The '94 model's engine was hooked to an Eaton M90, which helped the vehicle generate 378 pound-feet of torque and 322 horsepower.
The Mazda MPV was a well-received minivan-SUV hybrid in the '90s. The company officially classified the vehicle as a sports-utility van, which included a 155-horsepower 3.0-liter V-6 engine.
A different car maker ignited interest in this model. Identify the right model that you see?
Jeep Wagoneer
Lada Riva
Lexus RX
Lotus Elan
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
The top-selling Mazda Miata revived interest in the 1962-1973 Lotus Elan, from which the Miata borrowed heavily. A two-seat Lotus Elan convertible was introduced in 1991, priced at $39,990.
A '60s creation inspired the car that you see. What is the '90s design?
Mitsubishi Lancer
Pontiac Grand Prix
Porsche 928
Saab 900 SE
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Wrong Answer
Saab crafted the 900's progenitor, the 87-horsepower 99 model, in 1968. In the 1980s, Saab rethought the classic to produce the 900 evolution. By the 1994 model year, the company settled on a trunk ready for 24 cubic feet of storage and 150 horsepower from under the 900's hood.
A racer took a '90s design to the maximum. Do you know the label of the car in the photo?
Nissan 300ZX
Range Rover Classic
Renault Sport Spider
Proton Satria
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
Former auto racer Steve Millen and his company Stillen upgraded the Nissan 300ZX to go from zero to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. The pricier GTZ Stillen design swanked an exterior coat of bright yellow paint.
Arguably, the hypercar phenomenon all began with this marvel. Quickly ID it?
Toyota T100
McLaren F1
Trabant
Vauxhall Belmont
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Wrong Answer
The McLaren F1 was one of the first high-performance vehicles to earn the hypercar title. The company introduced the lightweight F1 at the exclusive Sporting Club in Monaco and priced the car at $960,000.
At least one of the models kept drivers covered. What's the automobile from the '90s?
Volkswagen Gol
Suzuki Samurai
Toyota Vitz
Smart Fortwo
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Wrong Answer
Fun design and cool features best describe Suzuki's JA and JL Samurai models for 1993. The $6,689-priced JA was the two-wheel-drive option that did not come with a top. At $8,599, the Samarai JL included a removable top.
Some car critics questioned the car's timeliness when it debuted. Guess the auto in the image?
Olsmobile Bravada
Plymouth Acclaim
Plymouth Prowler
Pontiac 6000
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
Chrysler stunned the automotive industry when the company introduced the Plymouth Prowler at the North American International Auto Show in January 1993. The V-6 automatic roadster produced 240 horsepower.
Identify this Japanese vehicle with a foreign influence?
Tata Sumo
Volkswagen Type 2
ZIL-41047
Isuzu VehiCROSS
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Wrong Answer
The European design influence of the Isuzu VehiCROSS SUV is evident. Isuzu lowered the 1994 model's emissions with a 1.6-liter fuel-injected 16-valve four-cylinder engine.
Many first-time car consumers purchased this model. Can you identify it among the options?
Honda Prelude
Ford Festiva
Fiat Tipo
Ford Ka
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Wrong Answer
The Festiva was Ford's entry-level model equipped with a 1.3-liter engine. In the '90s, Solar Car Corp. in Melbourne, Florida made a solar-powered model based on the Ford Festiva called Solar Festiva. Maximum speed for the Solar Festiva was 55 miles per hour.
It was made to be a contender. What cool car do you see?
Audi 100
Fiat Ducato
Honda Vigor
Isuzu Aska
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
The mid-sized 1992 Audi 100 sedan was made to compete with top-selling luxury vehicles priced over $20,000, such as Nissan's Infiniti and Toyota's Lexus. The five-passenger Audi 100 came equipped with a V-6 engine.
Is it a challenge for you to select the label of this two-seater?
Pontiac Sunfire
Proton Putra
Renault 19
Buick Reatta
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Wrong Answer
The two-seater luxury convertible Buick Reatta boasted a V6 engine and 165 horsepower. The car was heavier than similarly styled brands on the market and accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in just under 10 seconds.