Japan, Korea, or China: Can You Identify Which Country These Cars Were Produced In?

AUTO

By: Craig Taylor

7 Min Quiz

Image: Youtube via The Car Commercial Kawna Turapan

About This Quiz

Now here is a quiz that will put your auto knowledge to the test!

In this quiz, we will see just how much you know about car manufacturers in Asia, specifically those in Japan, Korea and China. 

Now you know that Japan has been producing quality cars for a number of decades and started exporting them all over the world from the 1960s. Korea, too, has an extensive network of automakers, with many modern models now available around the world. What you may not be aware of is that China has also gotten in on the act, and a number of its car makers also export their cars all around the globe.

Always at the cutting edge of technology, these models are thoroughly modern and just as good as anything their European or American cousins, for that matter, can produce.

The question remains, however, would you be able to identify them? With just a single image to go by, could you tell if a vehicle comes from Korea, Japan or China? Although you may think this is a simple test, it certainly isn't and you are going to have to use all of your car knowledge to ace it.

Why not give it a go?

Japan, Korea or China: Where was I manufactured?

Built between 2002 and 2006, this all-wheel drive utility vehicle certainly had a unique look. The Subaru Baja was powered by 2.5-liter gas engine with the top of the range model including a turbo. Sadly, this unique car only managed to sell 30,000 units in around four years.

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Japan, Korea or China: Where was I manufactured?

The mid-'90s saw the launch of the first-generation Tiburon. This 2-door sports coupe from Hyundai was popular into the turn of the new century. The second-generation Tiburon included a model powered by a 2.7-liter V6 engine that produced 172 brake horsepower.

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Japan, Korea or China: Where was I manufactured?

The first-ever car launched by Geely, the HQ debuted in 1998. Released as a 5-door hatchback or station wagon, the HQ was powered by either a 1.0-liter Daihatsu or 1.3-liter Toyota engine. Essentially, the HQ was based on the Daihatsu Charade.

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Japan, Korea or China: Where was I manufactured?

First released in 2012, the 86 is a two-door fastback coupe sportscar from Toyota. It is powered by a 2.0-liter straight four engine which propels the 86 to 100mph in 7.6 seconds.

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Japan, Korea or China: Where was I manufactured?

Produced between 2001 and 2007, the Terracan was an early Hyundai offering in the SUV market. This mid-sized, five-door SUV was extremely popular in China where it was manufactured until 2015. Here it was built in conjunction with Chinese automobile company, Hawtai.

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Japan, Korea or China: Where was I manufactured?

Subaru makes awesome performance cars noted for their incredible handling. So how does their off-roader fair? Well, it’s pretty incredible, in fact. Not only good value for money, the Outback offers symmetrical all-wheel drive, excellent ground clearance and an impressive power plant. The vehicle is currently in its fifth generation.

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Japan, Korea or China: Where was I manufactured?

Introduced in 2002, the Kia Sorento is a mid-sized SUV now in its third generation. The current range includes three gas and two diesel-powered models with either a 6-speed manual or 6- or 8-speed automatic transmission.

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Japan, Korea or China: Where was I manufactured?

The 2018 Acura ILX is one of the cheapest vehicles in its class. It offers excellent fuel economy, but performance-wise, it's not that impressive. The entry-level model also has the bare minimum in terms of accessories. Expect 35 mpg on the open road and around 25 mpg in the city.

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Japan, Korea or China: Where was I manufactured?

A five-door Kei car, the Coolbear is very similar to the Scion xB. It was produced between 2009 and 2015 by Great Wall Motors and offered three different engine types, the largest, a 1.5-liter petrol powerplant.

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Japan, Korea or China: Where was I manufactured?

Built between 1971 and 1972 the Subaru FF1 G was a subcompact vehicle available in a number of body styles including 2-door coupe, 4-door sedan or 5-door wagon.

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Japan, Korea or China: Where was I manufactured?

The Veloster first debuted in 2011. This sports compact from Hyundai is still in its first generation. With somewhat strange lines, the Veloster sure is a head turner. Sadly, base models only have 1.6-liter engines which certainly do not fit in with the sleek looks of the vehicle. A 1.6-liter turbo version, however, has seen the light of day. It produces 201 brake horse power.

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Japan, Korea or China: Where was I manufactured?

Marketed in the compact car segment, the Leone was manufactured between 1971 and 1994 by Subaru. During this time, three generations were produced. The Leone (meaning lion) was powered by a range of Boxter engines and owners had the option of four-wheel drive. This vehicle came in a range of body options including station wagon, hatchback coupe as well as sedan.

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Japan, Korea or China: Where was I manufactured?

Known as the China Dragon, this is a 2-door coupe model from Geely. It was produced between 2009 and 2011 and was a powered by a 1.5-liter gas engine built under license from Toyota.

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Japan, Korea or China: Where was I manufactured?

First introduced in 2017, the Stinger is 5-door liftback style executive car. With gas and diesel engines available, the Stinger has an 8-speed automatic transmission. The largest powerplant available to the Stinger is a 3.3-liter V6

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Japan, Korea or China: Where was I manufactured?

The first prototype vehicle produced by Toyota was the A1. When put into production, it became the AA. Over 1,300 were produced in the period from 1936 to 1943. The AA was available as four-door sedan or convertible.

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Japan, Korea or China: Where was I manufactured?

This mid-sized station wagon has formed part of the Subaru fleet since 2014. The top of the range Levorg is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged gas engine. It is sold in Japan as well as in Europe.

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Japan, Korea or China: Where was I manufactured?

Another Korean offering, the K900 from Kia boasts a spacious, well-finished interior, many impressive standard features as well as offering a comfortable, smooth ride. Where it does slip against some of its rivals is the fact that it posts some high gas mileage numbers.

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Japan, Korea or China: Where was I manufactured?

Known in certain markets as the Hover, the Haval H3 was produced between 2005 and 2015. This compact SUV included four gas powerplants and one diesel option. Great Wall also produced a limousine version.

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Japan, Korea or China: Where was I manufactured?

In production since 2004, the Tucson is a front-wheel drive, 5-door SUV competing in the compact crossover segment for Hyundai. From 2009, it became known as the IX-35 in many markets around the world. Around 300,000 units of this vehicle have sold in the United States since 2012.

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Japan, Korea or China: Where was I manufactured?

The R1 is a funky-looking Kei-class vehicle was first introduced by Subaru in 2005 and continued in production till 2010. Essentially, this is a two-door version of Subaru's R2, which is powered by one of three 650cc engines, one of which is supercharged.

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Japan, Korea or China: Where was I manufactured?

Currently in production, Great Wall Motors' Haval H5 entered the market in 2009. A five-door wagon designed compact SUV, the H5 includes a selectable four-wheel drive system and uses a range of Mitsubishi engines.

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Japan, Korea or China: Where was I manufactured?

With its very different looks (strange for the '90s and even to this day), the Subaru SVX immediately made heads turn. This 2-door coupe grand tourer was produced between 1991 and 1996.

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Japan, Korea or China: Where was I manufactured?

This compact sedan was produced by Honda between 1989 and 1997. Two generations of the Ascot were produced, with the final version powered by either a 2.0 or 2.5-liter gas engine.

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Japan, Korea or China: Where was I manufactured?

This Acura race car saw action from 2007 onward, mostly in endurance races. The ARX was designed by Nick Wirth.

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Japan, Korea or China: Where was I manufactured?

Introduced in 2006, the Lavina is available as both a compact and mini SUV. Interestingly, the Lavina was first sold in China before it was available anywhere else in the world. The current second generation offered by Nissan has both manual and automatic transmission and three gas engines to choose from.

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Japan, Korea or China: Where was I manufactured?

Another excellent offering from South Korea, the Kio Rio is now in its fourth generation. This subcompact car was first released in 2000. Currently, it is available as both a hatchback and a sedan. The Rio comes with a range of powerplants from a 1000 cc to 1600 cc petrol options and 1400 cc turbodiesel. Globally, just over 445,000 models were sold in 2016.

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Japan, Korea, or China: Where was I manufactured?

Produced by the Chinese auto manufacturer, Great Wall, the V240 is a compact pickup first marketed in 2006. It is sold in Australia (the first Chinese pickup in the country), Europe (where it is called the Steed) and in Africa. The body is based on the Isuzu Rodeo and built under license.

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Japan, Korea or China: Where was I manufactured?

Marketed between 2005 and 2014, the Tribeca is a crossover SUV for Subaru in the mid-sized range. Only 76,000 units were sold in the United States over a 10-year period despite 50,000 being sold in the first three years!

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Japan, Korea or China: Where was I manufactured?

Marketed in the large car segment, the Avalon regularly sells over 50,000 units a year in the United States. Introduced in 1994, this is the company's largest sedan model in America.

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Japan, Korea or China: Where was I manufactured?

First introduced to the United States in 1996, the Sonata, from Korean manufacturer Hyundai, has grown steadily in popularity. So much so that in the past 5 years, over 1 million units have been sold in the States alone.

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Japan, Korea or China: Where was I manufactured?

Marketed between 2005 and 2011 by Geely, the FC is available in China, Russia and Syria and is powered by either a 1.5 or 1.8-liter gas engine.

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Japan, Korea or China: Where was I manufactured?

Introduced in 2011 by Lexus, the CT is a hybrid sports hatchback based on the Toyota MC platform also used for the Matrix and Corolla. The gas engine used in this hybrid system is a 1.8-liter straight four while the electric engine is powered by a 1.3 kWh nickel-metal hydride battery.

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Japan, Korea or China: Where was I manufactured?

Now in its second generation, the Kia Soul, a sub-compact crossover SUV was first introduced in 2009. It is noted for its distinctive square back and angular rear lights.

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Japan, Korea or China: Where was I manufactured?

Since 2012, the Honda Civic has sold over 1.6 million units in the United States alone. The Civic brand was first introduced by the Japanese automaker in 1972 in the subcompact car bracket. From 2000, however, the Civic has competed in the compact car class. Including sales up until the end of 2015, 18.5 million Civics have been sold worldwide.

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Japan, Korea or China: Where was I manufactured?

Currently only available in China, the Acura CDX is a compact luxury crossover SUV and the first vehicle from the brand to include a turbocharger. Future markets for the vehicle might include the United States.

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Japan, Korea or China: Where was I manufactured?

The Wingle 5 is a pickup truck produced by Great Wall Motors and is sold in a number of markets including Europe and Africa. It was first introduced in 2006 and is currently in its third generation.

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Japan, Korea or China: Where was I manufactured?

Built between 1991 and 1996, the Honda Beat was designed by legendary Italian design company, Pininfarina. This two-seat roadster was particularly small and received its power from a 700 cc engine coupled to a 5-speed manual gearbox.

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Japan, Korea or China: Where was I manufactured?

First marketed in 2001, the Toyota Allion competes in the compact car segment. This four-door sedan is sold only in Japan. Current models offer only an automatic transmission while there are three gas engines to choose from.

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Japan, Korea or China: Where was I manufactured?

Introduced in 2001, the PU was a 2-door van/pickup from Chinese automaker, Geely. Based on the Daihatsu Charade platform, the PU was marketed till 2007.

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Japan, Korea or China: Where was I manufactured?

One of the cheapest minivan options available, the Sedona, from Korean auto manufacturer Kia has met the highest of safety standards, an important consideration when traveling with your family. It is not the most economical and has less cargo space than some of its competitors, however.

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Japan, Korea or China: Where was I manufactured?

An all-electric vehicle, the Nissan Leaf went into production in 2010. Of course, perhaps the most important thing with such a car is the range. Today, a fully charged Leaf has a range of 107 miles with the larger 30 kWh battery. Perhaps more importantly, a flat battery can be charged to 80% within a mere 30 minutes. This is the best-selling electric car in the world.

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Japan, Korea or China: Where was I manufactured?

This compact crossover was released by KIA in 2003 and is currently in its fourth generation. Over 150,000 units of the Sportage have been sold in the United States in the past two years.

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Japan, Korea or China: Where was I manufactured?

First marketed in 1989, the ES class from Lexus has undergone a number of changes over the years. The ES first began life in the compact segment before moving to the mid-sized range offered by Lexus. Today, the ES is produced as a mid-sized executive car with the sixth generation offering three gas powerplants and a hybrid option.

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Japan, Korea or China: Where was I manufactured?

One of the few Kei or city cars marketed by Toyota outside Japan, the Aygo first hit the streets in 2005. These cars are exactly the same as the Citroen C1 and the Peugeot 108.

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Japan, Korea or China: Where was I manufactured?

This 4-door mid-sized estate was first marketed by Korean manufacturer Kia in 2000. It is currently in its fourth generation and is a popular model in the United States with over 750,000 sold since 2012.

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Japan, Korea or China: Where was I manufactured?

Made mostly for the Japanese market, the Alphard is named after the brightest star in the Hydra constellation. This luxury MPV, first marketed by Toyota in 2002 is still in production. It features 3 different models and is available as either a seven- or eight-seater.

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Japan, Korea or China: Where was I manufactured?

The Merrie, a sub-compact car available as a 5-door hatchback or 4-door sedan, was built by Geely between 2003 and 2009.

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Japan, Korea or China: Where was I manufactured?

Marketed from 1997 to 2004, the CL saw two generations. This mid-sized two-door coupe was the first Acura model to be built in the United States.

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Japan, Korea or China: Where was I manufactured?

Built between 2003 and 2018, the Opirus was an executive car offered by Kia. This 4-door sedan offered two powerplant options, both V6s. The Opirus shared much in common with the Hyundai Grandeur.

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Japan, Korea or China: Where was I manufactured?

Built in Canada for the Canadian market, the EL a subcompact executive car by Acura, was manufactured between 1997 and 2005.

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