1964 - $1,764 for a New Ford
If you were born in 1964, your parents could have snagged themselves a brand new Ford for just $1,764. Models released that year include the much-venerated Mustang, Fairlane, and Galaxie 500, all of which made for excellent driving experiences.
1965 - $1,595 for a Volkswagen Bug
In 1965, you had to pay at least $1,595 for a decent ride, which in this case turned out to be none other than the iconic VW Beetle (also known as the Bug). While it wasn’t your average family car, its appeal was long-lasting, and it was by all accounts a reliable little machine.
1966 - $3,399 for an Oldsmobile 98
The Oldsmobile 98 nameplate spanned from 1941 all the way to 1996, and was the brand’s flagship luxury model. We shudder to think how much one of these would cost today, but back in 1966, it would have only set you back $3,399.
1967 - $2,199 for a Ford Sedan
Before SUVs were ever invented, the sedan ruled the family car segment, and in 1967, Ford were more than happy to meet the demands of families with no less than two distinct models: the Fairlane, and the Galaxie. Neither would cost you more than $2,199.
1968 - $2,597 for a BMW
These days, you can expect to pay quite a significant amount of money for a new BMW (arguably more than what the car is really worth), but in 1968, a BMW sedan (either a 2002 or an E3) wouldn’t have cost you more than $2,597. If only we could go back to those days…
1969 - $3,175 for a Ford Mustang
Keep in mind that the 60s was the decade of the muscle car, and while many notable pony cars came out of that period, the Mustang was the one to really kick things off. That was back in 1964; in 1969, though, a brand new Mustang cost $3,175.
1970 - $2,652 for a Dodge Demon
Before emissions regulations had a stranglehold on the muscle car category, Dodge released one more performance-oriented model targeted at first-time buyers. They called it the Demon, a controversial nameplate that would have set you back $2,652.
1971 - $3,895 for a Ford Torino
The ‘71 Torino was another muscle car released before emissions regulations neutered the category entirely. It was a sleek ride with aggressive styling, and was available in various body types, from 4-door sedans to 2-door coupes. Better yet? It only cost $3,895.
1972 - $2,140 for a Ford Maverick
Like the Torino, the Maverick eventually became a prominent Ford nameplate due to its popularity during the decade it was released in. It still featured the aggressive, muscular styling of previous models, but was a much more modest vehicle overall, and cost buyers just $2,140.
1973 - $4,281 for a Mercury Montego
The ‘73 Montego took after the muscle cars of the previous decade but had a more elegant - dare we say, upscale - sense of style. It was a mid-range car that looked great and likely appealed to upper-middle-class buyers who could afford the $4,281 price tag.
1974 - $2,408 for an AMC Gremlin
You could argue that $2,408 was still too much to ask for an AMC Gremlin, even by 70s standards. To say the car was polarizing would be an understatement. The Gremlin was certainly fuel-efficient thanks to its compact size, but its overall style was lambasted.
1975 - $3,625 for a Ford Maverick
Now, with emissions regulations in full swing, Ford released the ‘75 Maverick as a more budget-friendly, fuel-efficient option. Available as a 2-door coupe and a 4-door sedan, it was a decent-looking vehicle, but hardly a strong performer.
1976 - $4,895 for a Chrysler Cordoba
Despite featuring an older, B-body platform, the ‘76 Cordoba was a huge success for Chrysler. Looking back, it makes perfect sense: the 70s saw a rise in popularity for big, luxury sedans, leading to increased demand which Chrysler was happy to meet.
1977 - $3,588 for a Mercury Bobcat
If you were born in 1977, arguably the best car your parents could buy for a reasonable sum was the Mercury Bobcat. It was hardly the greatest car to come out of the 70s, and was essentially a rebadged, more upscale Ford Pinto… and we all know how history would remember that car.
1978 - $4,299 for a Honda Civic
There’s something oddly comforting about knowing that pretty much every generation had their own Civic. The ‘78 was actually the nameplate’s third-generation, and was known for its fuel-efficiency and compact size that made it more distinct from the big, luxury land cruisers that were popular at the time.
1979 - $10,654 for a Datsun 280ZX
The jump in price from ‘78 to ‘79 is staggering, but it’s arguable that the Datsun 280ZX more than justified its price. It was a redesign of the popular Z car, emphasizing luxury and comfort over sporty performance, which was exactly what people were looking for in the 70s.
1980 - $8,085 for a Buick Regal
While many Buick models could be overly blocky in terms of their design, the Regal from 1980 marked a significant shift in the brand’s aesthetics. It was sleeker and sportier than ever in terms of looks, and folks were more than happy to pay the $8,085 for it.
1981 - $6,680 for a Datsun Stanza
The humble Stanza of 1981 was a subcompact vehicle, designed for practicality over performance. It still handled well, and was particularly nifty in urban environments. Your parents may have purchased it as something else, since it was marketed under many different names in different regions.
1982 - $13,491 for a Lincoln
Lincoln has always been a luxury brand, which should be evident from the staggering price tags they came with back in 1982. You had your choice between two distinct models: the Continental and the Mark VI, but it’s questionable as to whether either was really worth $13,491.
1983 - $7,287 for a Chevrolet Chevette
The ‘83 Chevette was a humble car in every sense of the word. It was small in size, light of weight, and totally efficient in terms of fuel. In fact, it was both the most affordable and lightest car that Chevrolet had on offer at the time.
1984 - $5,289 for a Chevrolet Chevette
If your parents were willing to put off buying a new car for a year in 1983, they could have enjoyed huge savings on a brand new Chevette, which now cost $5,289 as opposed to $7,287.
1985 - $8,999 for a Buick Skyhawk
The Skyhawk was hardly Buick’s most illustrious vehicle, being a more mid-range and affordable car, but it did offer a range of options for drivers, including the choice between different body styles and engines.
1986 - $5,595 for a Dodge D-50
Funnily enough, the most affordable new car money could buy in 1986 wasn’t really a car, but a pickup truck. Also known as the Ram 50, the Dodge D-50 was a compact pickup that was essentially an American rebadged Mitsubishi Mighty Max.
1987 - $6,995 for a Chevrolet Sprint
Despite being yet another American rebadge (this time of a Suzuki Swift), the ‘87 Chevrolet Sprint was a surprisingly decent little car. It had great performance, excellent fuel economy, and was a supremely affordable model in Chevy’s lineup.
1988 - $11,306 for a Buick Skylark
The Skylark was one of Buick’s most popular nameplates, with the ‘88 version of the car being offered in different body styles and trims. It was, however, daily standard for the time, and took after other N-Body cars offered by GM at the time.
1989 - $15,750 for a Chevrolet S10 Blazer
By the end of the 80s, SUVs were becoming more and more popular, especially as family cars, and in 1989 the SUV for many was the Chevy S10 Blazer. It was fairly large and offered great practicality.
1990 - $15,586 for a Chrysler New Yorker
1990 saw the return of the Chrysler New Yorker to the top of the sales charts. It was a large and luxurious sedan that offered a comfortable ride, roomy interior, and classic American charm that made it a winner (albeit a very expensive one).
1991 - $19,811 for a Chevrolet Astron Van
In the 90s, the minivan was king. Chevy’s own minivan, the Astro Van, was a hefty machine that could seat up to 8 people. Unlike many others of the time, it lacked the dustbuster styling that was synonymous with the MPV category.
1992 - $15,895 for an Oldsmobile Supreme
The ‘92 Supreme by Oldsmobile is remembered for many things: for being immensely comfortable; for its luxurious interior touches; for its rounded styling; and for being expensive as hell, especially for a non-luxury nameplate. If only they knew how bad things would get.
1993 - $12,599 for a Chevrolet Lumina
The Lumina nameplate had a lot of mileage, being available as a sedan, a coupe, and even a minivan. The latter was known for its futuristic styling and fiberglass body that made it immensely stylish for such a large vehicle.
1994 - $17,477 for a Dodge Intrepid
The ‘94 Dodge Intrepid ushered in Chrysler's new LH platform, and was a cab-forward sedan known for its comfortable ride and spacious interior, all for the price of $17,477 - ouch.
1995 - $16,596 for an Oldsmobile Cutlass
The Oldsmobile Cutlass was one of the most successful Oldsmobiles to date and one of the last of its models. It was best known for its reliability and durability as well as fitting fashion of the mid-90’s and you can relive that fashion for only $16,596.
1996 - $29,780 for a BMW 328i
This car is said to be a future classic and it could be all yours for just $29,780! The BMW 328i is considered a timeless piece of the 90’s automobile industry and is also considered one of the best balanced BMWs in history.
1997 - $17,495 for a Chrysler Concorde
The 1997 Chrysler Concorde is futuristic in style even in this modern age. Shaped like a golden bullet of speed with a spacious and comfortable interior, you can pick this bad boy up for just $17,495.
1998 - $15,988 for a Ford Taurus
If you can tell from this list, the 1990’s were the peak time for futuristic car designs and the Ford Taurus was no exception. This family sedan stood out as one of the most popular cars in America in the 90’s.
1999 - $16,390 for a Chevrolet Tracker
Oh boy, it’s finally time to go off-roading in this mini SUV. The 1999 Chevrolet Tracker is a fun and functional two door 4x4 (although available in larger variants) and well worth the $16,390 you’ll pay for a fresh one.
2000 - $19,999 for a Buick Regal
Let us tell you, the 2000 Buick Regal did not hold back in style and comfort. This mid sized sedan looks, feels, and drives like the epitome of luxury and it can be yours for only $19,999.
2001 - $14,995 for a Jeep Wrangler
A true classic in the world of off-road SUV’s, the 2001 Jeep Wrangler turned heads with its reliability ensuring that your adventures never have to stop. Start your 4x4 trip right by getting a Jeep Wrangler for just $14,995!
2002 - $22,995 for a Mazda MPV LX
Ahh a classic minivan perfect for the whole family. Spacious and roomy yet still compact enough to beat those bends in the road. Treat your family to the reliable MPV for $22,995.
2003 - $8,995 for a Ford Ranger
Versatile, rugged and reliable, what more could you ask for in a pick-up truck? The Ford Ranger was an iconic compact pick-up for its time. The best part is, you can pick yours up today for just $8,995.
