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!
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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The Buick Grand National quickly took the fight to its more established rivals from Ford and Chevrolet, particularly the GNX edition.
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.
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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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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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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.