1953 Cadillac Eldorado by Alden Jewell (CC BY)
Theres’s plenty having to do with cars that changes year by year, from body styles and paint options to the cost of gas and vehicle maintenance, but one thing that has changed the most over decades is the average car price. Cheapism pulled together a list of top-selling cars every year from 1940 through today, using data from J.D. Power’s NADA Guides to record the price they were sold at the year they made their debut, also showing the price in 2022 dollars.
Average price: $725
Adjusted for inflation: $15,155
Chevrolet makes more than 1 million cars, leading the industry for the year and becoming the first automaker to surpass the 1 million mark since 1930. This year also sees the emergence of three substantial industry trends, including sealed-beam headlamps, which make driving at night easier; fully automatic transmission, led by Oldsmobile launching the Hydra-matic; and the first factory air conditioning system, which Packard debuted on its 180 Series.
Average price:$1,288
Adjusted for inflation: $24,447
Average price:$3,174
Adjusted for inflation: $56,987
One of the shortest production years in the history of the auto industry, with barely 1 million units made before civilian manufacturing halted in February and, following the attack on Pearl Harbor, the focus turning to military production. Of the small number of passenger cars for the year, many showcase painted exterior trims rather than plated, since chromium is considered a strategic material.
The auto industry’s switching of gears to make solely military vehicles continues between 1943 and 1945. The leftover stock from 1941 and 1942 is distributed based on need to civilians and military.
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Average price: $1,825
Adjusted for inflation: $27,390
Average price:$1,313
Adjusted for inflation: $17,231
Average price: $1,434
Adjusted for inflation: $17,414
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Average price:$1,425
Adjusted for inflation:$17,522
After World War II, the auto industry enters into its biggest boom since the 1920s. Consumers are ready for something new and innovative, and Ford answers by introducing a model with an entirely fresh design. Mercury, Lincoln, Chevrolet, Pontiac, and Oldsmobile also modernize their models. GM introduces the Oldsmobile and Cadillac V8s in 1949, becoming the first manufacturer to produce that type of engine.
Average price:$984
Adjusted for inflation:$11,949
Average price:$3,977
Adjusted for inflation:$43,920
Average price: $3,490
Adjusted for inflation:$38,253
Average price: $2,166
Adjusted for inflation:$23,653
An innovative year across the automotive industry. Manufacturers leave behind the postwar designs and embrace modern styles entirely. Chevrolet and Ford adopt wraparound windshields, and Chevrolet’s model for the year has a small-block V8 engine that is groundbreaking and even race-winning.
Average price:$3,120
Adjusted for inflation: $33,569
Average price:$3,600
Adjusted for inflation: $37,493
Average price:$3,631
Adjusted for inflation:$36,769
Average price: $5,000
Adjusted for inflation: $50,284
Average price:$2,238
Adjusted for inflation:$22,127
Flashy designs with tall fins and an abundance of chrome started to dissipate by this year, with manufacturers focusing on simpler, less extravagant designs. Ford introduces its first three compact cars.
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Average price:$4,750
Adjusted for inflation:$46,492
Average price: $6,074
Adjusted for inflation: $58,860
Average price:$4,333
Adjusted for inflation:$41,440
Average price:$2,398
Adjusted for inflation:$22,278
Following the debut of the Mustang in 1964, Ford sells a record-breaking 1 million units within the first 18 months of production. This surge compels other manufacturers to introduce their own versions of 2+2 sporty compacts — with full-sized front seats and back seats with less legroom — creating the pony car category.
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Average price:$2,809
Adjusted for inflation:$24,613
Average price: $3,914
Adjusted for inflation:$29,522
Muscle cars peak in popularity, although the era drives on. The United Auto Workers participate in a 67-day strike at General Motors, causing the Ford Galaxie to snatch the No. 1 spot for sales that year.
Average price:$5,041
Adjusted for inflation:$36,427
Average price: $3,201
Adjusted for inflation: $22,411
Average price:$3,415
Adjusted for inflation: $22,510
Average price: $4,950
Adjusted for inflation:$26,926
Small cars arrive: American Motors introduces the Pacer, dubbing it America’s “first wide small car.” Chrysler debuts its own small car with the Cordoba. Originally designed as a Plymouth, the Cordoba unexpectedly becomes one of Chrysler’s most memorable cars.
Average price:$4,775
Adjusted for inflation: $24,559
Average price:$5,456
Adjusted for inflation: $26,349
Average price:$5,468
Adjusted for inflation: $24,544
Average price:$5,605
Adjusted for inflation: $22,594
Average price:$6,735
Adjusted for inflation: $23,920
Compact sedans grow in popularity. The General Motors X-body platform spent five years in development before the 1980 Chevy Citation is unveiled, making it the first passenger vehicle to display the body style. Other manufacturers follow the trend, introducing the Buick Skylark, Pontiac Phoenix, and Oldsmobile Omega.
Average price: $8,025
Adjusted for inflation:$25,837
Average price:$6,406
Adjusted for inflation: $19,427
Average price: $11,299
Adjusted for inflation: $31,826
The best sales year for the auto industry since 1979, with 14.1 million cars and light trucks selling. The interest in larger, more luxurious (and expensive) vehicles increases, generating even more revenue for the industry.
Average price:$9,366
Adjusted for inflation: $25,009
Average price:$11,999
Adjusted for inflation: $29,684
Average price: $14,180
Adjusted for inflation: $33,467
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Average price:$13,800
Adjusted for inflation:$30,900
Auto sales begin to weaken from the recession. Automakers focus more on buying or investing in foreign manufacturers, but consumers lean further toward foreign vehicles as well.
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Average price:$12,807
Adjusted for inflation:$26,714
Average price:$20,095
Adjusted for inflation:$38,589
Automakers continue to push back against electric vehicles. While politicians argue EVs would help the environment, manufacturers argue that they would cost more to make and have little environmental impact.
Average price:$20,218
Adjusted for inflation:$36,300
Average price: $22,308
Adjusted for inflation:$39,187
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Average price: $21,635
Adjusted for inflation: $34,078
After the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, another recession begins, heavily affecting the auto industry in terms of sales and profitability. Chrysler discontinues its Plymouth brand.
Average price: $22,260
Adjusted for inflation: $33,729