Is a Moonroof Different Than a Sunroof?

Let's say you're heading back from prom or you're a fast-living rock star who has the world in his hands but is about to throw it all away. Do you:

A) Scream, "Whooo!" while standing out the sunroof.
B) Scream, "Whooo!" while standing out the moonroof.
C) All of the above.
D) None of the above.

The answer is E: It depends.

A sunroof is a retractable roof panel (often made of the same material as the body of the car) that lets light or air into an automobile. The first cars to offer this feature were made by the Nash Motor Company in 1937. A "moonroof" is just a sultry term for a glass sunroof that lets light in while closed.

According to Kelly Blue Book, the term "'moonroof' was invented by Ford marketing manager John Atkinson in 1973. The Lincoln Continental Mark IV featured these sliding glass hatches, which were made by the American Sunroof Company.

So, if you want to be technical about it, a moonroof is a type of sunroof, but a sunroof is not always a moonroof. And no, it doesn't matter whether you are driving during the day or at night.