Abstract: According to the fractional calculus theory, a modelreference adaptive control using fractional order reference models was presented. The adjustment rules of adaptive control were obtained based on the Lyapunov stability theory. An active suspension with the fractional order skyhook damper was used as the reference model. A dynamics model of the quarter car with adaptive control suspension was simulated in SIMULINK using the Oustaulop’s simulation algorithm for fractional order system. The simulation results showed that the new Modelreference adaptive controller could improve the characteristics of vehicle in ride and handling. It had a good robustness against model uncertainties as well.