Put Your Car Knowledge To The Test By Taking This American Automobiles Quiz!
Written by Daniel Rackley
Last updated · 24 min play time
For well over a hundred years, the American automobile industry has provided us with some amazing innovation in automotive technology. The auto companies of the United States have been the backbone of the industry. Take this quiz and see what you know about American automobiles!
Quiz written by
Daniel RackleyAmerican Automobiles Quiz Questions
67 Questions · 6.5K Plays · 2 Comments
Question 1
What was the nickname of this second-generation 'Vette, introduced in 1963?
-
ASting Ray
-
BZR1
-
CBlue Flame
-
DZ01
Sting Ray
The Sting Ray was named after an earlier race car of the same name.
Question 2
One of the most infamous failures in automotive history, this Ford marque lasted just three model years from 1958-60 and lost hundreds of millions of dollars.
-
AEdsel
-
BNova
-
CPinto
-
DCorvair
Edsel
The Edsel was produced in a variety of sedans and station wagons, none of which were popular and their failure cost the company around $250 million.
Question 3
This long-running sports car debuted in 1955 as the first two-seat Ford in nearly 20 years.
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AMustang
-
BThunderbird
-
CPinto
-
DFalcon
Thunderbird
The Ford Thunderbird enjoyed a production run of nearly 50 years. Unfortunately somebody finally let Ford take the T-Bird away.
Question 4
Although the Great Depression bankrupted many automakers, Cadillac flourished. By 1939, Cadillac produced the first mass-produced ______, called Hydra-Matic.
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Afiberglass body
-
Bautomatic transmission
-
Celectric starting/ignition
-
Dpower steering
automatic transmission
Hydramatic, the first mass-produced fully auto transmission, was introduced for the 1940 model year vehicles sold in 1939.
Question 5
You may remember Pontiac's popular station wagon, the Safari. In which year did the Safari first debut?
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A1961
-
B1958
-
C1965
-
D1955
1955
The Pontiac Safari was first produced in 1955.
Question 6
This venerable full-sized sedan has been produced intermittently from 1958 to the present. It was Chevy's top of the line model during its heyday through 1965.
-
AImpala
-
BMonte Carlo
-
CCamaro
-
DMalibu
Impala
The Chevy Impala has continued production in its modern run since 1999.
Question 7
The Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner, produced from 1957-1959, was a curiosity in its day for debuting what still-uncommon feature?
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APower trunk
-
BGullwing doors
-
CSunroof
-
DRetractable hardtop
Retractable hardtop
The mechanism for the Skyliner's retractable hardtop consisted of an astounding seven motors, which took up a large amount of trunk space. The mechanism still had decent reliability, though!
Question 8
Shown here is a 1970 model year, the first year of this sporty compact:
-
ADuster
-
BBelvedere
-
CSavoy
-
DPhoenix
Duster
The Duster was produced from 1970 - 1976.
Question 9
Produced from 1926 - 2010, this former GM brand was billed from the 1960s as GM's "sporty" division.
-
APlymouth
-
BSaturn
-
COldsmobile
-
DPontiac
Pontiac
Pontiac was a victim of the Great Recession, with the last vehicle rolling off the line in January 2010.
Question 10
Chevrolet has been owned by which American corporation since its founding in 1911?
-
AFord Motor Company
-
BCadillac Motor Company
-
CGeneral Motors
-
DChrysler
General Motors
Louis Chevrolet was also among the controlling interests at the head of GM when he co-founded his name sake.
Question 11
The Chevrolet Greenbrier, also known as the Corvair Greenbrier, was produced from 1961 - 1965. It was GM's first what?
-
ASUV
-
BVan
-
CStation Wagon
-
DPickup
Van
The Greenbrier was GM's first van.
Question 12
It hasn't always been easy for GM. The company was severely impacted by Ralph Nader's classic 1965 book, "Unsafe at Any Speed", which alleged shortcomings from which GM-built vehicle?
-
ACadilac Sixty Special
-
BPontiac Bonneville
-
CChevrolet Corvair
-
DBuick Roadmaster
Chevrolet Corvair
The Chevrolet Corvair was targeted in Chapter 1 for problems with the suspension.
Question 13
Ford first introduced this safety feature as an option in 1955, years before Congress mandated the inclusion of this item in all cars in 1968.
-
ARearview mirror
-
BBright headlights
-
CTurn signals
-
DSeat belts
Seat belts
Though seat belts were invented in the 19th century, it took over 50 years of increasing speeds for seat belts to gain popularity and eventually become law.
Question 14
This example of the 1950 Town and Country was the last year that Chrysler ever produced what kind of vehicle?
-
AConvertible
-
BManual steering
-
CManual transmission
-
DWoodie
Woodie
Woodies, or vehicles with wooden trim packages were no longer produced by Chrysler after 1950.
Question 15
This venerable SUV was produced from 1966-1996 and is scheduled to resume production in 2019. Of course, it was known as a "multi-purpose vehicle" back in the day!
-
ARanchero
-
BEconoline
-
CBronco
-
DCourier
Bronco
This classic SUV competed with Chevrolet's Blazer and was famously driven by O.J. Simpson when he attempted to escape police custody.
Question 16
Cadillac introduced the "Autronic Eye" in 1953. What did this rather advanced feature do?
-
AActivate windshield wipers when moisture was detected.
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BSense if seat belts were fastened.
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CDim high-beam headlights automatically.
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DFully automate climate control settings.
Dim high-beam headlights automatically.
Some vehicles still don't have an equivalent of the Autronic Eye, which dimmed headlights for the safety of oncoming motorists.
Question 17
This compact Ford was produced from 1960-1970 across three generations.
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APinto
-
BMaverick
-
CFalcon
-
DTorino
Falcon
The Falcon was succeeded in 1970 by the Maverick. Commercials for this car featured the first animated appearances of Charles Schultz's 'Peanuts' characters.
Question 18
Mercury's first sports car debuted in 1967. This generation was produced through 1970. What is it?
-
AGrand Marquis
-
BZephyr
-
CWildcat
-
DCougar
Cougar
Based on the underpinnings of its Ford counterpart, the Mustang, you're looking at the iconic Mercury Cougar.
Question 19
Another defunct Ford-built make, this mid-level luxury car was produced from 1938 until 2011. Famous models include the Monterey and the Cougar.
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AContinental
-
BLincoln
-
CMeteor
-
DMercury
Mercury
Mercury was discontinued after the financial crisis saw sales dip to under 100,000 vehicles yearly. It had a good, long run though.
Question 20
GM was originally founded as a holding company and has been known to feature many separate automobile makes throughout its history. Which make listed here is not currently one of GM's brands?
-
AChevrolet
-
BLincoln
-
CBuick
-
DCadillac
Lincoln
Lincoln has been owned by Ford since 1922.
Question 21
Oldsmobile was founded in 1897 but purchased by what company in 1908?
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AChrysler
-
BREO Motor Car Company
-
CGeneral Motors
-
DFord Motor Company
General Motors
Oldsmobile was founded as an independent company but purchased by General Motors.
Question 22
This luxury car has been Lincoln's premier model throughout most of its existence, first entering production in 1939.
-
ALTD
-
BContinental
-
CMark IV
-
DCougar
Continental
The Lincoln Continental was among the most expensive cars in the world in the mid-20th Century. It was famous for its European "continental" styling elements, including a rear-mounted spare tire.
Question 23
Taking its name from the cartoon, which "back to basics" muscle car is this?
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A65 Sam Hemi
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B70 Quick Draw
-
C67 GTX
-
D69 Road Runner
69 Road Runner
Shown here is the first-generation Road Runner.
Question 24
This intermediate sedan was produced from 1965 - 1997. This is the second gen 1972 version of the:
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A78
-
BCutlass Supreme
-
C88
-
DToronado
Cutlass Supreme
Starting off as a trim option, the Cutlass Supreme became the most popular Oldsmobile and highest selling model in its class through the mid-'70s.
Question 25
Which of the following car brands is not owned by Chrysler?
-
ADodge
-
BLincoln
-
CJeep
-
DPlymouth
Lincoln
Lincoln is owned by Ford Motor Company.
Question 26
This 1953 version of the Coronet set over 100 land speed records with its engine, the first of its kind from Dodge.
-
AV12
-
BV10
-
CHemi V8
-
DV6
Hemi V8
The Coronet was stocked with its version of Chrysler's Hemi.
Question 27
This iconic vehicle was a mix between a hot rod and a truck when it was introduced in 1959.
-
AFord Ranchero
-
BGMC Sprint
-
CChevrolet El Camino
-
DChevrolet C/K
Chevrolet El Camino
The Chevrolet El Camino was produced off and on from 1959 - 1987.
Question 28
This "personal luxury" car debuted in 1963 as Buick's first offering in the category. It was produced until 1999.
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ASkylark
-
BRiviera
-
CSpecial
-
DSkyhawk
Riviera
Two recent Buick Riviera concepts have been debuted, suggesting the brand could be revived.
Question 29
We know you can recognize the Mustang. In what year did this famous pony car debut?
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A1953
-
B1964
-
C1958
-
D1961
1964
The first generation Mustang debuted in 1964 after receiving public feedback from 2 concept cars, the Mustang I in 1962 and Mustang II in 1963.
Question 30
This full-sized Chevy was produced in the US from 1949 - 1975 in a number of body styles including convertible, hardtop, coupe, sedan and station wagon. Pictured here is the 1957:
-
AImpala
-
BBiscayne
-
CBel Air
-
DMonte Carlo
Bel Air
The Chevy Bel Air was among Chevy's top of the line cars in the 1950s.
Question 31
Mercury was a luxury division of which American carmaker?
-
AChevrolet
-
BGM
-
CFord
-
DChrysler
Ford
Mercury was a division of Ford Motor Company. Pictured here is the legendary Ford GT40.
Question 32
Buick became the largest car-maker in the world after the turn of the century. Flush with cash, Buick's owner founded which mega-company in 1908?
-
AFord Motor Company
-
BGeneral Motors
-
CChrysler
-
DDodge
General Motors
Buick's co-owner, William Durant, founded GM in 1908.
Question 33
Cadillac received a reputation for innovation early on in its history. In 1914, it produced the first of this iconic engine type ever seen in America. It is still the company's most common engine type today.
-
A4-cylinder
-
BV6
-
C12-cylinder
-
DV8
V8
The 1914 L-Head was the first mass-produced American V8 engine.
Question 34
Let's look at the history of one of GM's most famous brands, Pontiac. This full-sized Pontiac model was produced from 1957 - 2005 and was its longest-running model.
-
ALe Mans
-
BGrand Am
-
CBonneville
-
DTrans Am
Bonneville
The Pontiac Bonneville was Pontiac's longest-running four dour vehicle.
Question 35
Featured here is the very first car ever adorned with Chevy's "SS" badge. What is it?
-
A1963 Camaro
-
B1962 Malibu
-
C1961 Impala
-
D1960 Corvette
1961 Impala
The original "SS" package did little to improve performance on this Impala.
Question 36
This first generation of Oldsmobile's personal luxury car shown here was produced from 1966 - 1970.
-
AToronado
-
BRocket 88
-
CFoxfire
-
DCutlass
Toronado
Designed to transcend the Ford Thunderbird and GM's Buick Riviera, shown here is the first-gen Toronado.
Question 37
In which American city is the GM Renaissance Center, GM's world headquarters, located?
-
ADetroit, MI
-
BChicago, IL
-
CCadillac, MI
-
DNew York, NY
Detroit, MI
The GM Renaissance Center is located on the banks of the Detroit River in downtown Detroit.
Question 38
Let's move to Plymouth. This Mustang challenger debuted in 1964 and was produced through 1974.
-
AGTX
-
BValiant
-
CFury
-
DBarracuda
Barracuda
This is the third-gen Barracuda, produced from 1970 - 1971.
Question 39
GM's 1965 - 70 rear-wheel-drive B platform is the fourth best-selling platform of all time and GM's all-time best seller. Which model shown here was not produced on that platform?
-
AChevrolet Impala
-
BOldsmobile Delta 88
-
CBuick Wildcat
-
DChevrolet Chevelle
Chevrolet Chevelle
The 1967 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 pictured here was produced on the smaller A-platform.
Question 40
This ill-fated division of Ford briefly overlapped Mercury in price during its short run from 1957 - 1960.
-
AEdsel
-
BLincoln
-
CCougar
-
DZephyr
Edsel
The Edsels were built on Mercury chassis.
Question 41
This 2-door, hardtop, personal luxury car debuted in 1970 and was produced through 2007, often appearing in NASCAR races.
-
AMonte Carlo
-
BChevelle
-
CChevette
-
DSS
Monte Carlo
The Monte Carlo debuted in 1970 as an answer to the new G-body Pontiac Grand Prix that was introduced in 1969.
Question 42
First introduced as an option package on the F-85 and Cutlass models, it became its own model from 1968 to 1971:
-
A442
-
BDelta 88
-
CAlero
-
DToronado
442
Pictured here is a 1966 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442. Producing over 300 horsepower, its name comes from the car's four-barrel carburetor, four-speed transmission, and dual exhausts.
Question 43
This upscale GM brand is the oldest active American automaker and the one that founded GM. It was first incorporated in 1899.
-
AGMC
-
BChevrolet
-
CCadillac
-
DBuick
Buick
Buick was founded as the "Buick Auto-Vim and Power Company" in 1899.
Question 44
What is the origin of the Mercury name?
-
ARoman god
-
BThermometer
-
CEngine component
-
DGreek city
Roman god
Mercury was the Roman god of commerce and eloquence, among other things.
Question 45
This GM brand is often credited with introducing the "muscle car" by unveiling its 1949 "Rocket" V8 engine.
-
AChevy
-
BPontiac
-
COldsmobile
-
DBuick
Oldsmobile
The "Rocket" engine was the powerplant of the Oldsmobile 88.
Question 46
This modified version of the Road Runner is notable for its extreme rear wing.
-
A69 Valiant
-
B71 Mad Max
-
C70 Superbird
-
D67 Fury
70 Superbird
This is the 1970 Superbird, complete with a road runner cartoon on each side of the rear wing.
Question 47
This full-sized station wagon was among the first to debut Chrysler's Hemi engine in 1951.
-
A300
-
BTown and Country
-
CRoyal
-
DNewport
Town and Country
The Town and Country was Chrysler's station wagon at the time and is still present in their lineup today as a mini van.
Question 48
This car was introduced in 1967 to compete with Ford's popular "pony car", the Mustang.
-
APontiac GTO
-
BOldsmobile Starfire
-
CPontiac Firebird
-
DBuick Wildcat
Pontiac Firebird
The Firebird and Chevy Camaro were both rolled out in 1967 in response to the Ford Mustang's success.
Question 49
Dodge Trucks are known for their expert engineering. In 1957, the Dodge D500 became one of the first to debut what now-common feature that led to the replacement of the carburetor?
-
ACatalytic converter
-
BTurbocharger
-
CElectronic fuel injection
-
DElectronic ignition
Electronic fuel injection
The Dodge D500 rolled out electronic fuel injection in limited numbers in 1957.
Question 50
Selected as Motor Trend's Car of the Year in 1968, this popular muscle car was the subject of a hit by Ronny & the Daytonas.
-
ALe Mans
-
BGTO
-
C409
-
DDeuce Coupe
GTO
The original Pontiac GTO was produced from 1964 - 1974.
Question 51
Buick's flagship model from 1946 - 1957, this model was revived in the 1990s as Buick's largest vehicle.
-
ARoadmaster
-
BRiviera
-
CCentury
-
DSpecial
Roadmaster
The Roadmaster re-entered production from 1991- 1996.
Question 52
This 1955 model was named for the number of horsepower it made, with versions of it competing in NASCAR.
-
A400B
-
BA-200
-
CC-3P0
-
DC-300
C-300
The 300 series was produced from 1955 - 1965 with the first year carrying the C-300 designation.
Question 53
This car model began production in 1955 as Ford's flagship full-sized offering. It gradually morphed into a mid-sized car sold in both two- and four-door styles until 1970.
-
AFairlane
-
BParklane
-
CMainline
-
DGalaxie
Fairlane
The Fairlane saw production in a myriad of styles over its decade and a half run. It is named after Henry Ford's Dearborn estate, "Fair Lane".
Question 54
This less-expensive full-sized model was introduced for the 1961 model year, and was among the last Chryslers with tailfins.
-
ACordoba
-
BNewport
-
CHurst
-
DPackard
Newport
The Newport was produced from 1961 - 1980.
Question 55
This car was Ford's answer to the Chevy Impala, a sedan produced from 1959-1971. It was their top of the line four-door vehicle from 1959-1961.
-
AGalaxie
-
BCountry Squire
-
CLTD
-
DFairlane
Galaxie
The Galaxie later became a two-door car as well as a mid-sized sedan. It was named "Galaxie" to appeal to a country in the heat of the Space Race.
Question 56
Although founded as an independent company, the death of the Dodge Brothers resulted in the sale of the company to which automaker in 1928?
-
AFord
-
BGeneral Motors
-
CPlymouth
-
DChrysler
Chrysler
Dodge was purchased by Chrysler in 1928.
Question 57
This performance-model 1970 Challenger shown here carries with it what badge?
-
ASS
-
BSRT
-
CSXT
-
DR/T
R/T
The "Road/Track" version was shortened to R/T.
Question 58
Produced from 1961 - 63, the GM "Y-body" of compact sedans and coupes included all of the following except:
-
ACadillac Eldorado
-
BPontiac Tempest
-
COldsmobile Cutlass
-
DBuick Special
Cadillac Eldorado
The Cadillac Eldorado was produced on a separate platform.
Question 59
Every Chevy fanatic knows all about the Corvette. In what year did this first-generation Corvette debut?
-
A1947
-
B1957
-
C1960
-
D1953
1953
The C1 debuted in 1953.
Question 60
Chevrolet overtook this carmaker to become the #1 seller of cars in the US in 1929, holding this sales lead through much of the 20th Century.
-
AChrysler
-
BOldsmobile
-
CMercedes-Benz
-
DFord
Ford
Ford's Model T was the best-selling car up until the late '20s.
Question 61
This car inspired one of the first-ever rock and roll songs in 1951.
-
ARocket 88
-
BStarline
-
C442
-
DGTO
Rocket 88
The song was "Rocket 88" by Jackie Brenston and his Delta Cats.
Question 62
This car was introduced in 1960 as its own brand, but was branded as a Plymouth beginning in 1963.
-
AFury
-
BBelvedere
-
CSavoy
-
DValiant
Valiant
The Valiant was sold on its own marque from 1960 - 1962.
Question 63
This luxurious, performance-based trim on the Mercury Cougar was the upscale version of the Ford Thunderbird.
-
ASpecial
-
BXR7
-
CCustom
-
DMR2
XR7
The XR7 was the only option apart from the base model in 1967.
Question 64
Taking over as Chevy's top full-sized sedan, this model introduced in 1966 was originally produced until 1996.
-
ABel Air
-
BBiscayne
-
CCaprice
-
DMalibu
Caprice
The Chevy Caprice recently re-entered production in North America in 2011.
Question 65
This "small" model was introduced in 1975 and produced through 2004. It was originally a trim level from 1956-1960 on the Eldorado.
-
Ade Ville
-
BSeville
-
CFleetwood
-
DCalais
Seville
The Seville was a slightly smaller, though relatively pricey, premium sedan.
Question 66
This model replaced the Belvedere at the top of Plymouth's lineup in 1959. Shown here is the 1962 - 1964 version of the:
-
AFury
-
BValiant
-
CSupreme
-
DSatellite
Fury
The Plymouth Fury was produced until 1978.
Question 67
Shown here is the second generation of Mercury's powerful personal luxury car, built from 1969 - 1970.
-
ASatellite
-
BMeteor
-
CMarauder
-
DRocket
Marauder
The Marauders carried up to a massive 7-liter engine.
Comments (2)
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The statement about the Chevrolet Caprice beginning in 1966 is incorrect. It started in 1965 as a 4 door hardtop. 1966 was the first year for the Custom Coupe
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