Image: Youtube via SaabKyle04
About This Quiz
Can you tell the difference between a Plymouth and a Mercury from just one glance? Think you can recognize a Celica, Camaro or Caravan? Know the difference between the Integra, the M3 and the 190E? If you think you can recognize all these makes and models without breaking a sweat, you just might have what it takes to ace this '80s car quiz!
The '80s were a time of huge technological and cultural change. We took our tunes to go thanks to the Walkman, and started recording our lives with hand-held camcorders. The personal computer went from the size of a room to something small enough to fit in your home office, and the world wide web began to connect people across the globe.
Of course, the automotive industry wasn't immune to all that '80s progress. This decade was the first in the history of the automobile when the industry truly became globalized. Gone were the sharp lines of the '70s, replaced by smoother, sportier and more aerodynamic curves. Ever increasing safety and emissions standards forced manufacturers to push the limits of technology and design.ÂÂ
Buyers who had been hit with fuel shortages in the '70s were eager to invest in more fuel-efficient cars instead of the gas guzzlers so beloved by previous generations. And throughout the decade, cars, like all goods, became increasingly consumer-driven -- forcing automakers to continuously innovate in terms of style and performance to keep buyers interested.
Think you can name the classic cars of the '80s from a single image? Take our quiz to find out!
MotorWeek via Youtube
Can you ID this '80s ride?
1986 Dodge Caravan
Introduced in 1984, the Dodge Caravan was built on the Chrysler S platform. Designed with a low floor for car-like entry with the space of a much larger vehicle, the Caravan could hold 5 passengers in two rows of seats. Nicknamed the Magic Wagon, it's easy to recognize for its fancy wood paneling on the exterior.
1987 Ford Dakota
1987 Nissan Pathfinder
1982 Mercury Lynx
YouTube
Do you have an accurate ID on this '80s ride?
1987 Buick Grand National GNX
1980 Saab 900 Turbo
1987 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z
The IROC-Z was an option package available from 1985 to 1990 on the Chevy Camaro. It made the sporty car ever sportier thanks to a lower height and improved shocks and suspension. The '86 model can be easily recognized because it was the first year the Camaro came equipped with a center high mounted rear brake light.
1986 Dodge Omni Shelby
Youtube via WorldAutoMotors
Got a name for this everyday '80s car?
1989 Toyota 4Runner
1982 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera
1982 Mercury Lynx
1984 Jeep Cherokee
Known as a sportswagon in the days before the term SUV was widespread, the '84 Jeep Cherokee was a sport utility innovator. Produced from 1984 to 2001, the Cherokee featured a rigid frame for offroad use, but was lightweight enough for practical everyday driving.
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Can you name this '80s ride?
1983 Volvo 240 Turbo
1982 Mercury Lynx
1980 Toyota Tercel
The Tercel was Toyota's first front-wheel drive car when it was introduced in the U.S. in 1980. The subcompact was available in two- or three-door sedan models, as well as a three-door hatchback style.
1986 Porsche 944 Turbo
Youtube
Can you think back to ID this vehicle from the '80s?
1987 Buick Grand National GNX
Named for a NASCAR race series, the Grand National Experimental GNX was a partnership between Buick and McLaren. Nicknamed Darth Vader's car because it only came in black, the GNX was a standard Grand National with plenty of boost and power for performance on the road and the racetrack.
1983 Volkswagen GTI
1987 Dodge Dakota
1989 Ford Probe
Youtube via MyLifeIsJDM
What is the ID on this '80s auto?
1987 Plymouth Sundance
1986 Ford Taurus
1988 Mercury Tracer
1987 Acura Integra
The '87 Acura Integra came with pop-up headlights and both three- and four-door body styles. The '86 and '87 models were known as browntops thanks to brown engine valve covers, while the '88 model had black painted valve covers.
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Youtube via THE DRIVE
What can you come up with for the ID on this car?
1982 Mercury Lynx
1988 BMW M3
The BMW M3 was a higher-powered version of the company's 3-series, which came out in 1985. The '88 M3 had larger wheels and a rear spoiler, which earlier models did not have.
1980 Saab 900 Turbo
1983 Volkswagen GTI
Youtube via Petrolicious
Can you name this '80s ride?
1987 Honda CRX Si
Honda introduced the CRX Si in 1984. This compact sports car was available as a three-door hatch or fastback. The '87 model came with substantial changes, including sharper lines and a boxier style than previous models.
1982 Mercury Lynx
1983 Volvo 240 Turbo
1989 Geo Prizm
Youtube via SaabKyle04
Do you remember this '80s ride?
1982 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera
1984 Honda CR-X
1986 Porsche 944 Turbo
Porsche introduced the 944 Turbo in 1986, The two-door coupe convertible came with an impressive engine, rear-wheel drive and aerodynamic styling.
1986 Toyota Van Wagon
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Youtube via MyClassicCarTV
Did you ever drive this '80s car?
1986 Dodge Caravan
1989 BMW Z1
1982 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera
1986 Dodge Omni Shelby
Also known as the Shelby GLHS, the '86 Dodge Omni Shelby was a limited edition sport compact. Shelby took the standard Dodge Omni and made it "Go Like Hell" with a Turbo II engine, improved wheels and upgraded shocks.
Youtube via Petrolicious
Do you think you know the name of this '80s car?
1987 AMG Hammer
AMG was a high-performance badge used by Mercedes Benz during the '80s. The '87 Hammer was a four-door sedan or wagon with a 5.6 liter V8 that allowed it to go from 0 to 60 in 5 seconds, with a top speed in excess of 180 miles per hour.
1987 Plymouth Sundance
1980 Toyota Tercel
1982 Mercury Lynx
YouTube
Can you name this '80s ride?
1986 Ford Taurus
1982 Mercury Lynx
1985 Audi Quattro
Audi introduced the Quattro two-door mid-sized coupe in 1984 in North America, and the car underwent few changes until it was discontinued in 1991. One of the first mass-produced all-wheel drive vehicles, it found huge success on the rally car circuit.
1987 Plymouth Sundance
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Got a name for this everyday '80s car?
1987 Nissan Pathfinder
1980 Saab 900 Turbo
1989 Ford Probe
1988 Mazda 323 GTX
Produced from 1963 to 2003, the Mazda 323 was a subcompact family car. The company only made around 1,200 of the '88 GTX model, which was turbocharged and featured all-wheel drive for enhanced performance over the standard 323.
Youtube via WasabiCars
Do you have an accurate ID on this '80s ride?
1989 Toyota 4Runner
1983 Mitsubishi Starion
Introduced in 1983, the Mitsubishi Starion was a two-door hatchback with a tiny backseat. This zippy '80s classic was one of the first Japanese turbos with electronic fuel injection.
1987 Dodge Dakota
1986 Ford Taurus
Youtube via EverydayDriver
Do you remember this '80s ride?
1982 Toyota Celica Supra
The Toyota Supra had a similar design to the Celica, but was slightly wider and longer. The '82 Supra came with power everything -- from windows and doors to mirrors and a tilt steering wheel -- as well as pop-up headlights.
1987 Buick Grand National GNX
1980 Toyota Tercel
1986 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z
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Youtube via KROHN27
Can you ID this '80s ride?
1987 AMG Hammer
1982 Mercury Lynx
1989 BMW Z1
1983 Honda Civic
The 1983 Civic was part of the third generation release of this classic Honda. The '83 came in both wagon and coupe versions, and even then was known for its fuel efficiency, which could top 28 miles per gallon.
Youtube via Car Builders
Did you ever drive this '80s car?
1986 Ford Taurus
1983 Volkswagen GTI
Volkswagen has manufactured the classic Golf since 1974. The 1983 GTI came in three and five-door hatchback models and was equipped with a 1.8 liter 8-valve engine.
1986 Porsche 944 Turbo
1986 Dodge Caravan
Youtube via Ross's Valley Auto Sales
Can you think back to ID this vehicle from the '80s?
1984 Honda CR-X
Produced between 1983 and 1991, the Honda CRX was a two-seater built on the same drive train as the Honda Civic. It came in three- and five-door models, including a base model with a 1.3 liter engine and a sport model with a 1.5 liter.
1986 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z
1987 Plymouth Sundance
1983 Volvo 240 Turbo
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Youtube via Trevor Brolliar
What can you come up with for the ID on this car?
1987 Nissan Pathfinder
1986 Dodge Caravan
1986 Toyota Van Wagon
The '86 Toyota Van Wagon might have been one of the coolest cars of the '80s -- literally. Many models of this '80s classic came equipped with an ice maker and refrigerator.
1986 Porsche 944 Turbo
Youtube via WorldAutoMotors
What is the ID on this '80s auto?
1982 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera
Built between 1982 and 1996, the Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera was a mid-size sedan available in two configurations. The base model had basic bench seats and a cloth interior, while the upgraded Brougham version had a plush interior, leather trim and power windows.
1988 Mercury Tracer
1989 Toyota 4Runner
1987 AMG Hammer
Youtube via Brian Schlosser
Do you think you know the name of this '80s car?
1980 Toyota Tercel
1989 Dodge Spirit
Dodge produced its over sized Spirit sedan from 1989 to 1995. This four-door, which could seat six passengers, replaced the Dodge 600.
1984 Mercedes-Benz 190E
1980 Saab 900 Turbo
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Youtube via JBS BLADEWORKS
Can you name this '80s ride?
1986 Ford Taurus
1989 BMW Z1
1987 Acura Integra
1986 Suzuki Samurai
Originally known as the Suzuki Jimmy, the Samurai debuted in the U.S. in 1986. It was a huge hit with 4WD fans, and the company sold around 50,000 units in just the first year.
Wiki Commons via InSapphoWeTrust
Can you think back to ID this vehicle from the '80s?
1986 Hyundai Excel
Produced from 1985 to 2000, the Excel was Hyundai's first front-wheel drive vehicle. Available as a hatchback or sedan, the Excel sold more than 150,000 units in the U.S. in 1986.
1982 Mercury Lynx
1987 Nissan Pathfinder
1986 Porsche 944 Turbo
Youtube via Mercedes500Efrance
Got a name for this everyday '80s car?
1987 Plymouth Sundance
1988 Mercury Tracer
1984 Mercedes-Benz 190E
Mercedes-Benz introduced the 190E in 1984 to appeal to luxury lovers on a budget. The wedge-shaped car was known for its light weight and high performance, and became a huge hit on the racing circuit.
1980 Toyota Tercel
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Youtube via Bullshitkorner
Do you have an accurate ID on this '80s ride?
1982 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera
1986 Dodge Caravan
1987 Dodge Dakota
1981 Toyota Trekker
A forerunner to the Toyota 4Runner, the Trekker was available from 1981 to 1983. The '81 model of this two-door pickup can be recognized by its vented canopy windows, which didn't appear on later models.
YouTube
Do you think you know the name of this '80s car?
1980 Saab 900 Turbo
1987 Honda CRX Si
1986 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z
1988 Pontiac Fiero
Manufactured between 1984 and 1988, the Pontiac Fiero was Pontiac's first mid-engine design. This two-seater was known for its hidden lights and plastic panels. The '88 version is still coveted by car fans because it came with significant performance boosts compared to earlier models.
Youtube via WorldAutoMotors
Can you ID this '80s ride?
1989 BMW Z1
1989 Geo Prizm
1980 Subaru GL Hatchback
Known as the Leone outside the U.S., the 1980 Subaru GL Hatchback allowed drivers to engage 4WD with the push of a button. The earliest models from 1980 can be recognized by their round headlights, which were squared off on later models.
1986 Dodge Omni Shelby
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Do you remember this '80s ride?
1986 Ford Taurus
1989 Ford Probe
Produced as a Ford-Mazda partnership, the Probe was a liftback coupe sold between 1989 and 1997. It came in three trim packages, from the GL base model to the GT, which had a turbocharged engine.
1987 Plymouth Sundance
1984 Mercedes-Benz 190E
Youtube via Automobile Classics
What is the ID on this '80s auto?
1980 Saab 900 Turbo
1983 Volkswagen Passat
The Volkswagen Passat has long served as VW's mid-sized family car. The '83 model was part of the Passat's second generation design, and came in sedan. saloon and estate wagon designs.
1987 Buick Grand National GNX
1982 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera
Youtube via Budget Build Bureau
Got a name for this everyday '80s car?
1983 Volvo 240 Turbo
The '83 Volvo 240 Turbo was Volvo's first turbo attempt in decades. This vehicle may have looked like a boring family wagon, but it was equipped with high-end brakes and shocks, plus an engine that could go from 0 to 60 in under 9 seconds.
1986 Dodge Caravan
1982 Mercury Lynx
1986 Porsche 944 Turbo
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Youtube via Auto Reviews
Can you ID this '80s ride?
1987 Honda CRX Si
1987 Nissan Pathfinder
1989 Geo Prizm
Produced between 1989 and 2002, the Geo Prizm was available as a four-door sedan or five-door hatchback. Integrated bumpers and a rounded profile gave the car a sporty look.
1987 Acura Integra
Youtube via Brandon Hill
Can you name this '80s ride?
1988 Mazda 323 GTX
1988 Mercury Tracer
Mercury introduced the Tracer in 1988 to replace the Ford Lynx. This small car came with a 1.6 liter engine and was available in both hatchback and wagon models.
1989 Toyota 4Runner
1983 Volvo 240 Turbo
Youtube via AutoTrader
Do you have an accurate ID on this '80s ride?
1988 Pontiac Fiero
1989 BMW Z1
BMW introduced the Z1 two-seat convertible roadster in 1989. The most iconic thing about this car was its doors, which slid open vertically instead of swinging out like on standard cars of the time.
1980 Subaru GL Hatchback
1986 Dodge Caravan
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YouTube
Can you think back to ID this vehicle from the '80s?
1986 Ford Taurus
Introduced in 1986 to replace the Ford LTD, the Taurus had a rounded shape that made it very fuel efficient and aerodynamic. Ford sold around 200,000 units in the first year that the Taurus was introduced.
1989 Geo Prizm
1980 Toyota Tercel
1986 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z
Youtube via WorldWideVintage Autos
What can you come up with for the ID on this car?
1982 Mercury Lynx
1986 Dodge Omni Shelby
1989 Toyota 4Runner
Introduced in 1984, the 4Runner went on to be a top seller for Ford for decades. The earliest models of this car didn't fare well in crash tests, however, and were particularly vulnerable to side-impact crashes.
1986 Toyota Van Wagon
Youtube via Charrua NYC
Do you remember this '80s ride?
1982 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera
1987 Plymouth Sundance
Built on a Chrysler K-platform, the '87 Plymouth Sundance was available as a three- or five-door hatchback. On of its coolest features was a hidden hatch -- at first glance, it looked like a sedan with a standard trunk.
1987 Dodge Dakota
1984 Mercedes-Benz 190E
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Can you name this '80s ride?
1983 Volvo 240 Turbo
1987 AMG Hammer
1986 Toyota Van Wagon
1987 Dodge Dakota
Introduced in 1987 as a smaller alternative to the Ram, the Dodge Dakota was a mid-sized pickup truck. The first generation Dakotas, which were made through 1996, came with a 3.9 liter V-6 engine.
Youtube via ZONEGIANTTROOPER
Do you think you know the name of this '80s car?
1987 Nissan Pathfinder
The Nissan Pathfinder was a mid-sized SUV introduced in 1987. The first version was made through 1995, came in a two-door design, and was a huge hit on the racing circuit.
1989 BMW Z1
1986 Dodge Caravan
1986 Dodge Omni Shelby
Youtube via WorldAutoMotors
Do you have an accurate ID on this '80s ride?
1987 Buick Grand National GNX
1987 Acura Integra
1980 Saab 900 Turbo
Saab produced three versions of its 900 hatchback in 1980, including the turbo. This model not only came with a souped-up engine, but can be recognized by its grille, which featured a hexagonal central design.
1987 AMG Hammer
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Wiki Commons via Brooklynl
What is the ID on this '80s auto?
1986 Ford Taurus
1989 Toyota 4Runner
1987 Plymouth Sundance
1982 Mercury Lynx
The '82 Mercury Lynx was basically a rebadged version of the Ford Escort. Thought this mid-sized car sold well for Mercury at first, plummeting sales led the company to discontinue the Lynx in 1987.
You Got:
/40
Youtube via SaabKyle04