Image: Wiki Commons by Dave_7
About This Quiz
The decade that gave us Madonna, Spandex, frozen yogurt and hair metal also gave the world some iconic automobiles. Some of these cruisers were first produced in the 1980s while others were modern reboots of old classics. The cars of the ‘80s still stand out today, and include sleek racers like the Ferrari F40, as well as off-roaders, sedans and more.
The 1980s also saw the birth of the SUV and MPV as well as the ultimate soccer mom vehicle, the mini-van. A wide range of luxury models first came to prominence in the 1980s from a host of automakers, not just in the United States, but also in Europe and Japan. In fact, three Japanese automakers started their luxury lines with just the United States in mind. Think you got the skills to identify these 40 iconic cars from the 1980s?
Don't worry, we'll provide a photo to help you. (Or you can read the hint if you're really stumped.) So get ready. Fasten your seat belt, floor the accelerator pedal, burn some rubber and ace this quiz! Good luck!
Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z
First marketed in 1985, the Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z helped spice up the dull third generation Camaro range first introduced in 1982. A new paint job and a boosted V8 engine meant it not only looked good but pushed out over 200 hp.
Daihatsu Charmant
Dodge St. Regis
Fiat 126
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Maserati Biturbo
Toyota Cressida
The second generation of Toyota Cressida was introduced in 1982. Solidly built, it was powered by a 2.8-liter SOHC straight-six engine that produced 116 hp, which was impressive for a family sedan at the time.
Citroën Axel
Buick Century
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Renault 20/30
Opel Omega
Land Rover 90
Originally designed by Maurice Wilks in the late 1940s, the Land Rover changed little over time. In the 1980s, three models were made available, the 90, 110 and 127. The 90 model had just two engine options, either a 2.2-liter diesel or petrol engine.
Range Rover Classic
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Vauxhall Chevette
Oldsmobile Omega
Peugeot 405
Ford Escort
One of the longest-running Ford Europe models, the third generation was originally meant to be a standalone Ford model called the Erika, but it became part of the Escort range. It was powered by a range of engine options from 1.1 to 1.6-liter, and available as a hatchback, estate (station wagon), cabriolet and van.
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BMW 315
The first generation of BMW's famed 3 series was released in 1975 and remained in production until 1983. The 315 was built between 1981 and 1983 and was powered by a 1.6-liter engine that produced 73 hp. This gave it a top speed of close to 100 mph.
Opel Kadett
Toyota Starlet
Nissan S130
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Saab 99
Lotus Turbo Esprit
Chevrolet Corvette
The fourth generation of the Corvette, designated C4, was built from 1984 until 1996. This was the first model of this iconic car to receive a complete makeover and redesign since 1963. One of the major changes was an all-aluminum suspension.
Vauxhall Belmont
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SEAT Málaga
Plymouth Voyager
Toyota Corolla
The Corolla is one of Toyota's longest produced models, and three generations of this best seller were produced in the '80s alone. The sixth generation, introduced in 1987, included a more rounded, aerodynamic body style with a range of engine options.
Ford Pinto
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Volvo 66
Wartburg 1.3
Shelby Dakota
Volkswagen Golf Mk2
Released in 1983, more than 6.3 million Golf Mk2s were produced, including the famed GTI model. The Mk2 included two body options — the three-door or five-door hatchback.
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Pontiac Bonneville
Vauxhall Carlton
Volkswagen Polo
MG Midget
The Midget was produced by MG from 1961 to 1979, however a few cars were titled in 1980, allowing this two-door roadster to just barely cross the finish line to make it into our quiz. The last generation was powered by a 1500 cc engine.
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Alfa Romeo 2300
Ford Probe
Acura Legend
When Acura was first launched in 1986, the Legend was one of only two models offered. The first generation was powered by a 2.5-liter V6 engine, which produced 151 hp.
Volkswagen Jetta
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Plymouth Prowler
Chevrolet Nova
AMC Pacer
Ford Tempo
The Ford Tempo was an attempt by the American-based Ford Motor Company to produce a vehicle that would compete with Japanese imports. The Tempo had a twin called the Mercury Topaz. This compact car was produced from 1983 to 1994.
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Daihatsu Leeza
International Harvester Scout II
The Scout was built from 1961 to 1980 and proved to be a popular off-roader. More than 500,000 were built during this period.
Acura Legend
Buick Skylark
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Porsche 944
Reliant Rialto
Austin Ambassador
Chevrolet Chevette
With sales of 2.8 million over a 12-year period, the Chevette served Chevrolet well in the subcompact class. In fact, in 1979 and 1980, it was the best-selling small car in the United States.
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Chrysler Fifth Avenue
Holden Astra
Lexus ES
This four-door sedan, marketed by Lexus since 1989, is currently in its seventh generation. It remains an excellent seller with more than 350,000 sold in the United States alone.
Dodge Rampage
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Mitsubishi Chariot
Jeep Grand Wagoneer
Based on the Wagoneer platform, the Grand Wagoneer was introduced by Jeep in 1984. By 1987, the 25th anniversary of the Wagoneer design, the Grand Wagoneer came standard with all-weather tires, air conditioning, leather bucket seats, roof racks, fog lamps, and many other features. It also included a hood ornament.
Renault Alliance
Toyota Tarago
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Ferrari F40
In total, 1,311 Ferrari F40’s were produced between 1987 and 1991. Many consider this to be the finest Ferrari ever. The F40 was powered by a 2.9-liter twin turbo V12 capable of producing 471 hp. The F40’s top speed was 199 mph.
Nissan Leopard
Subaru Sumo
Renault 5
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Renault 5 Turbo
Subaru Legacy
The Legacy is a 4-door sedan, first released in 1989 as a compact car. Featuring a traditional boxer engine, the Legacy had excellent power and great handling.
GAZ Volga
Chevrolet Bel Air
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Audi 90 GTO
After they moved out of the rally circuit following the demise of Group B racing in the mid-1980s, Audi turned its attention to something new. The result was the 90 GTO, which raced in the IMSA championship in the United States.
Ferrari F50
De Tomaso Deauville
Dodge Lancer
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Citroën XM
Chrysler Sunbeam
Buick Grand National
The Buick Grand National quickly took the fight to its more established rivals from Ford and Chevrolet, particularly the GNX edition.
Jaguar XJS
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McLaren MP4/4
The McLaren MP4/4 is possibly the greatest Formula 1 car ever built. It won 15 out of 16 races in 1988, giving Ayrton Senna his first world title.
Fiat 124
Ferrari F50
Peugeot 205
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Hindustan Ambassador
Fiat Oggi
Mazda MX-5
Volvo 262C
Part of the Volvo 200 series, the 262C was available from 1978 to 1981. Designed with the help of Italian styling house Bertone, the 262C featured a unique look compared to its counterparts in the series.
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Lamborghini Countach LP500 S
One of the most iconic sports cars ever, the Countach was released in 1970 but saw numerous upgrades in the '80s, including a larger 4.8-liter motor in 1982. In total, 321 units of this model were built.
Chrysler Cordoba
Mercury Monarch
Mitsubishi Colt
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Ford Pinto
Produced for a decade between 1970 and 1980, the Pinto was the first subcompact car produced by Ford in America. Although the Pinto was popular (Ford produced 3 million Pintos over 10 years), it was the subject of a safety-related controversy, and was ultimately replaced by the Escort.
Eagle Medallion
Dodge Dynasty
Autobianchi Y10
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Fiat 131
DeLorean DMC-12
In theory, the DeLorean was a winner. In practice, it caused its parent company to go bankrupt and close. The DeLorean is probably most remembered for appearing in the "Back to the Future" movie trilogy.
Mercedes-Benz W201
Nissan Prairie
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Hyundai Stellar
Chevrolet S-10 Blazer
Nissan Sentra
The Nissan Sentra has been sold in a number of markets around the world, including America. It was an immediate hit in the United States and continues to be one of the best-selling cars in the world. The Sentra is currently in the seventh generation.
Fiat Argenta
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Mercedes-Benz 600
ERA Mini Turbo
Acura Integra Coupe
Built between 1986 and 2001, Honda's Integra was released under the Acura brand in the United States. In fact, when Acura was first launched in 1986, this was one of only two models offered. The first generation was available as a four-door sedan or a three- or five-door liftback.
Holden Barina
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Eagle Summit
Ferrari Testarossa
Produced from 1984 to 1996, the Testarossa was first unveiled at the Paris Auto Show. Almost 10,000 Testarossas were made, making this one of Ferrari's best-selling models. The Testarossa was powered by a 4.9-liter flat 12 engine.
Chevrolet Impala
Buick Estate
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Toyota Sprinter
Porsche 959
When it was introduced, this was the fastest street-legal production car in the world, with a top speed of 197 mph. Only 345 Porsche 959s were produced. It originated as a rally car, but according to FIA rules, at least 200 production models needed to be built.
Renault Alliance
AMC Concord
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Chevrolet GMT400
After playing it safe for a number of years, Chevrolet introduced the GMT400 in 1988. This truck featured a sleek new body, designed with the help of a wind tunnel. The ride was also significantly improved, thanks to an independent front suspension with torsion bars.
Mitsubishi Cordia
Toyota Camry
Fiat Duna
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Aston Martin V8
Dodge Mirada
Chevrolet Malibu
Peugeot 504
Not many people know it, but Peugeot is the oldest car manufacturer in the world. Founded in 1810 as a coffee mill company, Peugeot began making cars in 1882.
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Nissan 180SX
Ford Mustang
Ferrari F40
Audi 80
Produced for three decades, the 80 was a stalwart of the Audi fleet. The B2 model, which was produced from 1978-1986, was marketed as the Audi 4000 in the US.
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Chevrolet Monte Carlo
Cadillac DeVille
Certainly an iconic name in American motoring, the Cadillac DeVille was produced between 1958 and 2005. The sixth generation was produced for the mid part of the '80s into the '90s and was available as a four-door sedan or two-door coupe.
Citroën Axel
BMW M3
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Ferrri Testarossa
Dodge Dakota
Produced between 1986 and 2011, the Dodge Dakota was a classic American pick-up truck, and the first mid-sized truck to offer an optional V8 engine.
Cadillac Fleetwood
Austin Allegro
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Chrysler Town & Country
Ford Thunderbird
Dodge Colt
Produced between 1971 and 1994, the Colt was actually built by Mitsubishi Motors and marketed by Dodge in the United States. The fifth generation was sold between 1984 and 1988, and featured a 1.6-liter engine.
Nissan Gloria
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Buick LeSabre
Cadillac Brougham
From 1987 until 1992, the Brougham was named after British statesman Henry Brougham, who designed a famous horse-drawn carriage in 1838. Cadillac's 1987 model was powered by a 5.0 L V8 engine that produced 140 hp.
Volkswagen Caddy
Rover CCV
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Lamborghini LM002
Known for their sports cars, the LM002 was a massive departure for Lamborghini. It was built between 1986 and 1993 and only 328 were made. Pirelli was commissioned to make custom tires for this vehicle.
Toyota Land Cruiser
Rolls-Royce Phantom VI
Alfa Romeo Sprint
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Renault Alliance
Veskanda C1
Jeep Cherokee Pioneer
The Pioneer was a trim package for the Cherokee and was available from 1984 to 1990. It included steel wheels, an AM radio and an alternate cloth trim with a plaid pattern.
Opel Ascona
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Toyota Carina
Lotus Esprit
Nissan Gloria
Land Rover Defender
The Defender was produced from 1983 to 2013. Originally known as the Land Rover 110 (due to its 110-inch wheelbase), the Defender was one of Land Rover's top-selling models.
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Toyota Corolla
Rolls Royce Silver Spirit
Built between 1980 and 1999, the Silver Spirit was the epitome of luxury. Four distinct generations (or "marks") of this vehicle were produced during its 19-year history. The Mark I was powered by a 6.75 L Rolls-Royce L410 V8 engine.
Shelby Dakota
BMW M1
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Bohse Eurostar
Dodge Power Ram
This truck was Dodge's answer to the heavy trucks being produced by Chevrolet and Ford. In 1989, the model gained a Cummings B Series engine, which up to that point had only been featured in large commercial trucks.
Citroën GS
Eagle Vista
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