How Well Do You Know French Cars?

By: Becky
Estimated Completion Time
2 min
How Well Do You Know French Cars?
Image: Jean-Pol GRANDMONT

About This Quiz

Do you fancy yourself knowledgeable about cars from all over the world? Sure, we all love a great American car, but cars are manufactured all over the world, you know. If you think you know a thing or two about foreign cars, you'll have to ace this quiz on French cars to prove it. Are you ready?

When most of us think about car manufacturers, we think about US automakers, German engineering, Asian dependability and Italian performance. Most people who have a basic understanding of car makers just do not think of French car manufacturers. But, there have not only been many notable French car makers, they have made some of the most iconic vehicles ever produced. The thing is that you'll definitely need to know more than just the basics of car manufacturers to ace this quiz. From Renault to Peugeot, this quiz includes some of the more famous and some of the lesser-known French automakers. If you answer each of the following 35 questions correctly, you will not receive any actual prizes, but you will get bragging rights among your friends at the next trivia night when you are the only one who can answer a French car-related question. That's worth something, right?

So, if you're ready to prove that you know enough about French cars to ace this quiz, let's get started!

What French car company is based in Sochaux?
Ford
Buick
Peugeot
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Peugeot is based in Sochaux, France. Peugeot has been churning out cars since 1882.

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What popular French car could not be released because of World War II?
Renault 4CV
Toyota Camry
Kia Sportage
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Renault 4CV was a popular car once it was released, but the German occupation of France meant that the manufacture of the car had to be delayed until after the war. It finally hit dealers in 1947.

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What French car company was founded by three brothers: Louis, Marcel and Fernand?
Kia
Hyundai
Renault
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Renault was founded by three brothers: Louis, Marcel and Fernand Renault. The Renault brothers founded the company in 1898.

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What French car maker sells luxury electric cars?
Venturi
Toyota
Acura
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Venturi sells luxury electric cars. Venturi was founded in 1984 and is based in Monaco.

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What classic was billed as an "umbrella on wheels?"
Volkswagen Rabbit
Volkswagen Jetta
Citroen 2CV
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Citroen 2CV was billed as "an umbrella on wheels." It looked much like a Volkswagen Beetle but was half the price.

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What French car company was purchased by Volkswagen in 1998?
Ford
Cadillac
Bugatti
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Bugatti was purchased by Volkswagen in 1998, but the company has been around since 1945. Bugatti manufactures only a few select models.

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What Renault vehicle has a Porsche engine?
Camry
Solaro
Clio V6
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Renault Clio V6 had a Porsche engine under the hood. These hand-built cars had the engines in the back.

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What micro car maker is located in Savoie, France?
GM
Aixam-Mega
Ford
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Aixam-Mega is based in Savoie, France, This micro car manufacturer was founded in 1983.

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What French car company began operations to mirror Bugatti?
Mini
Smart
De La Chapelle
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

De La Chapelle once made copycat Bugattis. Now, the company manufactures its own line of cars.

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What was the first Renault to roll off the line?
Voiturette
Edge
Focus
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Renault Voiturette was the first car manufactured by the company. The car was built in 1898 and featured a one-cylinder engine that had a top speed of about 30 mph.

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What French company manufactures micro cars?
Renault
Bugatti
Microcar
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Microcar, as the name suggests, manufactures microcars. They do have a history with small engines, though, as they started out as a boat manufacturer.

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What French company is best known for manufacturing military vehicles?
Panhard
Jeep
Hummer
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Panhard is best known for manufacturing military vehicles, although it did once manufacture passenger cars. This company has been around since 1891.

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Which of the following French car companies was founded in 1985?
PGO
Toyota
Kia
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

PGO was founded in 1985 by Gilles and Olivier Prévôt. In fact, the name PGO is a combination of the founders' names, Prévôt Gilles et Olivier.

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What French micro car manufacturer ceased operations in 1983?
Ford
Chevrolet
Arola SARL
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Arola SARL ceased operations in 1983. The company was absorbed by Aixam-Mega in 1984.

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What French car maker only lasted 27 years?
Ballot
Toyota
Lexus
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Ballot was in business from 1905 to 1932. They were a car maker from 1919 to 1932, and before that, they manufactured small and boat engines.

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What defunct French car maker began as a bicycle manufacturer?
Lexus
Chenard-Walcker
Acura
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Chenard-Walcker began as a bicycle and motorized tricycle manufacturer. After filing for bankruptcy in 1936, the company finally went under in 1946.

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What French car maker also has a line of motorcycles?
Peugeot
Ford
Buick
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Peugeot also has a line of motorcycles. Peugeot has been manufacturing motorcycles since 1903.

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What Citroen model is named after an artist?
Picasso
Clinton
Obama
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Citroen Picasso is named after the artist Pablo Picasso. The vehicle is available with either five or seven seats.

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What Venturi sports car was the first solar-powered vehicle?
Eclectic
Sportage
Optima
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Venturi Eclectic was the world's first solar car. The car produces zero emissions but is considered rather unattractive.

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What French car company was founded by a 21-year-old Italian?
Ford
Bugatti
Cadillac
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Bugatti was founded by Ettore Bugatti in 1909. Bugatti was Italian and only 21, and his father had to sign his contract for him.

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What 1990s classic boasted a twin turbo engine?
Chevy Cavalier
Venturi Atlantique
Ford Edge
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Venturi Atlantique boasted a twin turbo engine. This two-door coupe had a fiberglass body.

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What mini car was popular with young drivers in the '80s and '90s?
Sportage
Rio
Peugeot 205
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Peugeot 205 was a popular model among young drivers. The car was made between 1983 and 1998.

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What Renault model was named after a French princess or province?
Dauphine
F-150
Escalade
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Renault Dauphine has a name that means either a member of French royalty or a province in France. This four-door model was a family car in the 1950s.

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A fancy airbox makes what formula racing car pretty special?
Smart car
Mini Cooper
Ligier JS5
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The JS5 was the first formula car manufactured by Ligier. The car made headlines in 1976.

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What French car maker was founded by a former rugby player?
Ligier
Kia
Hyundai
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Ligier was founded by Guy Ligier, a former rugby player. His roots do include an enthusiasm for cars, though, as he is also a former race car driver.

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What French super mini hit the market in 2010?
Escalade
Denali
Citroen DS3
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Citroen DS3 first hit the market in 2010. This super mini car gets its name from the French word for "goddess."

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What was Peugeot's 1968 flagship model?
504
mini
smart
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Peugeot 504 was the company's 1968 flagship model. The car was manufactured until 1983.

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What car is limited to only 30 units?
Bugatti Veyron Super Sport
Ford Fiesta
Ford Pinto
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Only 30 Bugatti Veyron Super Sports were made. The car is valued at over $1 million.

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What French car maker manufactured belt-driven cars from 1894 to 1954?
Delahaye
Chevrolet
Ford
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Delahaye manufactured cars from 1894 to 1954. The car maker's founder, Émile Delahaye, was a former race car driver.

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What large classic was the last of its kind made by the company?
Chevy Cavalier
Delahaye 175
Ford Pinto
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Delahaye 175 was a large luxury vehicle manufactured from 1948 to 1951. The sports version of the car won the Monte Carlo race.

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Which of the following French cars has an Italian name?
Chevrolet Malibu
Ford Fiesta
Matra Murena
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Murena means "Moray" in Italian. The hatchback was produced only from 1980-1983.

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What French car company used Renault engines?
Alpine
Lexus
Cadillac
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Alpine vehicles used Renault engines. Alpine was founded in the 1950s, but it was then bought by Renault in the 1970s.

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What French vehicle is classified as a quadricycle in Europe?
Renault Twizy
Ulta
Sephora
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Renault Twizy is classified as a quadricycle. It is a hatchback electric vehicle with rear-wheel drive.

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What Peugeot concept car was made of recycled newspaper?
Onyx
Mustang
Pinto
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Peugeot Onyx was a 2012 concept car made partially of recycled newspaper. The car paired matte black paint with copper highlights.

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What French car maker is very popular in China?
Ford
Chevy
PSA Peugeot Citroen
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

PSA Peugeot Citroen sells a lot of cars in China. PSA Peugeot Citroen has been making cars since 1919.

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