Let's Test Your American Car Knowledge With This Quiz
Get ready to put the pedal to the metal on your automotive knowledge! From roaring muscle cars of the ’60s to groundbreaking electric rides of today, America’s car history is packed with speed, style, and innovation. In this quiz, we’ll take you on a joyride through decades of iconic models, legendary engineers, and unforgettable moments on the road. Think you can name the first pony car? Or the pickup that’s ruled the sales charts for decades? Buckle up — it’s time to find out how much you really know about American cars.
Born In The USA
Which American automaker is the oldest still in operation today?
Literary Digest 1928-01-07 Henry Ford Interview / Photographer unknown, Wikimedia Commons
The Oldest Still Rolling
Ford Motor Company, founded in 1903, holds the title as the oldest American car manufacturer still in operation. Henry Ford’s vision of making cars affordable to everyday Americans was groundbreaking. The company’s moving assembly line cut production time dramatically, making the Model T a car for the masses and forever changing how vehicles were built around the world.
Ford Motor Company, Wikimedia Commons
The Pony That Started It All
What year did the Ford Mustang make its debut?
GPS 56 from New Zealand, Wikimedia Commons
Mustang Mania
The Ford Mustang galloped onto the scene in 1964, sparking the “pony car” craze. With its long hood, short rear deck, and sporty yet affordable design, it appealed to a wide audience. The Mustang instantly became a cultural icon, featured in movies, music, and racing — and it continues to inspire new generations of enthusiasts.
Going Electric Before It Was Cool
Which American company produced the first mass-market electric car in the 1990s?
Michael Barera, Wikimedia Commons
The EV Pioneer
General Motors launched the EV1 in 1996, years before Tesla made EVs trendy. While it had limited range by today’s standards, it was ahead of its time with its aerodynamic design and quick acceleration. The EV1 developed a devoted fanbase, and its controversial recall and destruction became the subject of the documentary Who Killed the Electric Car?.
Speed Demon Of The ’60s
Which muscle car was nicknamed “The King of the Road”?
BrokenSphere, Wikimedia Commons
Royalty On Wheels
The Shelby GT500KR (King of the Road) ruled the muscle car scene in 1968. Equipped with a massive 428 Cobra Jet V8 engine, it delivered serious horsepower and torque. Carroll Shelby’s blend of style and performance made it an instant classic, and surviving examples are now highly sought after by collectors.
From Space To Showroom
Which American sports car used NASA-developed materials in its body?
Space-Age Speed
The Chevrolet Corvette utilized lightweight composite materials originally developed for the space program to improve performance and efficiency. This innovation kept the Corvette competitive on the track and stylish on the street, proving that advanced technology could make cars faster without sacrificing durability.
A Presidential Favorite
Which American-made convertible became famous as the official parade car for U.S. presidents in the 1960s?
Herranderssvensson, Wikimedia Commons
Riding In Style
The Lincoln Continental Convertible, with its signature rear-hinged “suicide doors,” became a symbol of presidential elegance. Known for its smooth ride, spacious interior, and understated luxury, it was the choice for White House motorcades during a pivotal era in American history.
Luxury That Rumbles
Which American luxury brand is known for its large V8-powered sedans and bold styling since 1902?
Andrew Bone from Weymouth, England, Wikimedia Commons
Cadillac Confidence
Cadillac has long been the benchmark for American luxury, blending cutting-edge technology with premium comfort. Its innovations, like the V8 engine and electric starter, set new industry standards. For decades, “the Cadillac of…” became a phrase synonymous with top quality.
The Truck That Changed The Game
Which pickup truck model has been America’s best-selling vehicle for over four decades?
order_242 from Chile, Wikimedia Commons
Pickup Powerhouse
The Ford F-Series has dominated U.S. sales since the late 1970s. Originally built for farmers and tradespeople, it evolved into a versatile vehicle for work, play, and family life. Modern F-Series trucks offer luxury interiors, advanced towing tech, and powerful engines, blending ruggedness with refinement.
The First American Sports Car
What was America’s first true production sports car?
Two-Seater Legend
The Chevrolet Corvette, launched in 1953, is widely regarded as America’s first sports car. With its fiberglass body and European-inspired styling, it was unlike anything else on U.S. roads. While early models were underpowered, the Corvette quickly evolved into a performance powerhouse, cementing its place in automotive history.
The Movie Muscle Icon
Which American car roared to fame in the movie Bullitt?
Jeremy from Sydney, Australia, Wikimedia Commons
The Bullitt Mustang
The 1968 Ford Mustang GT Fastback, driven by Steve McQueen in Bullitt, became a silver screen legend. Its high-speed San Francisco chase scene is still considered one of the greatest in movie history. The car’s Highland Green paint and minimal badging gave it a cool, understated toughness.
America’s First Pony Car Rival
Which GM car was introduced to compete directly with the Ford Mustang?
Rich Niewiroski Jr., Wikimedia Commons
Camaro Competition
The Chevrolet Camaro debuted in 1966 as GM’s answer to the Mustang. Offering a wide range of trims and engines — from six-cylinders to fire-breathing V8s — it became a staple in muscle car culture. Its rivalry with the Mustang remains one of the most famous in automotive history.
The Beast Of The Strip
Which Dodge muscle car became infamous for its drag strip dominance in the early ’70s?
Stephen Foskett (Wikipedia User: sfoskett), Wikimedia Commons
Hemi Powerhouse
The Dodge Challenger R/T Hemi packed a 426 HEMI V8 that was built for speed. Known for jaw-dropping quarter-mile times, it became a favorite among drag racers. Its aggressive styling and raw power helped define the peak of the muscle car era.
The Car That Saved Chrysler
Which small car rescued Chrysler from financial disaster in the 1980s?
Distancerunner15, Wikimedia Commons
K-Car Comeback
The Dodge Aries/Plymouth Reliant, part of Chrysler’s K-Car platform, wasn’t flashy — but it was a lifesaver. Affordable, fuel-efficient, and practical, it helped pull Chrysler back from the brink and proved that smart engineering could turn around a struggling automaker.
America’s Luxury SUV Pioneer
Which American SUV introduced in the 1990s helped popularize luxury off-roaders?
SUV With Style
The Lincoln Navigator, launched in 1997, was one of the first large luxury SUVs in America. Combining truck-based toughness with high-end comfort, it appealed to families, celebrities, and executives. Its success inspired a wave of premium SUVs from other brands.
The Retro Revival
Which car brought retro styling back into the American market in 2005?
Brett Weinstein (Wikipedia User: Nrbelex), Wikimedia Commons
Throwback Thunder
The Ford GT, inspired by the legendary GT40 race car, returned in 2005 with modern engineering and styling cues from the past. It wasn’t just a pretty face — it packed a supercharged V8 capable of over 200 mph, honoring its racing heritage.
The Electric Revolution
Which modern American electric car became a global best-seller?
Alexander Migl, Wikimedia Commons
Tesla’s Game-Changer
The Tesla Model 3 redefined the EV market with its blend of performance, range, and affordability. Launched in 2017, it quickly became the world’s best-selling electric car, proving that EVs could be practical, fun, and mass-market viable.
Score Yourself!
Now it’s time to see how much of a gearhead you really are!
0–6 Correct: Casual Cruiser – You know some basics, but there’s plenty of road left to travel. Time to hit the car shows!
7–13 Correct: Muscle Car Buff – You’ve got strong knowledge, especially about the classics. A few more laps and you’ll be an expert.
14–20 Correct: Full-Throttle Expert – You’re a walking encyclopedia of American car history. Carroll Shelby would be proud!
William Hoiles from Basking Ridge, NJ, USA, Wikimedia Commons
Let Us Know How You Did In The Comments
Head to the comments section and let us know how you performed in this all-things American car history quiz. Do you fancy yourself a gearhead? Or would you rather peruse European beauties on the road instead? Let us know below.
Harry Shipler, Wikimedia Commons
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