Checker Taxi Cab History: Morris Markin founded Checker Cab in 1922 and produced taxis until 1982. A few were sold for personal use but most became the famous yellow cabs that eventually dominated major American cities. Many taxi companies still operate under the "Checker Cabs" name but none are affiliated with the original company, or use actual Checker Cabs. Checker Motors still operates, building body components for General Motors, but Checker Cabs haven't been in use since 1999.