How much was a cheap car in 1950?

A budget-friendly new car in the United States in 1950 typically cost about $900–$1,000 at the absolute low end (from small economy makers like Crosley) and roughly $1,300–$1,500 for entry-level models from major brands such as Chevrolet, Ford, and Plymouth—equivalent to about $12,000–$20,000 in 2024–2025 dollars. Cheaper options existed on the used market, where serviceable late-1940s sedans often sold for a few hundred dollars. This article explains what “cheap” meant in 1950, provides representative sticker prices, and puts those figures in context with inflation and wages.

What counted as “cheap” in 1950

Automakers in 1950 offered a clear hierarchy. At the very bottom were minimal-frills economy cars from niche brands, while the “low-price three” (Chevrolet, Ford, Plymouth) anchored mainstream affordability with basic two-door sedans and business coupes. Prices varied with body style, trim, regional delivery charges, and options such as a heater or radio, which were not always standard.

Representative 1950 sticker prices

The following examples reflect typical manufacturer list prices and advertised figures for base models in 1950. Exact amounts varied by dealer, destination charges, and equipment; ranges below capture the period’s real-world spread.

• Crosley (economy sedans/roadsters): roughly $935–$1,000
• Chevrolet Styleline Special (base coupe/sedan): about $1,300–$1,360
• Ford Custom (Tudor/“two-door” base): about $1,395–$1,500
• Plymouth Deluxe (base two-door): roughly $1,400–$1,500
• Studebaker Champion (entry models): commonly around $1,400–$1,500

Taken together, these figures show that the cheapest new-car threshold in 1950 started just under $1,000 only if you considered the smallest economy makes; for the big-volume brands most buyers chose, “cheap” was closer to the mid–$1,300s to $1,500.

What a cheap used car cost

Many households in 1950 turned to the used market, where prices were lower but depended heavily on age, mileage, condition, and the lingering postwar supply squeeze.

• Late-1940s Chevrolet or Ford sedan with average miles: about $500–$900
• Early-1940s domestic sedans/coupes: roughly $350–$700
• 1930s prewar cars in running condition: often $150–$400

While used-car prices fluctuated with local demand, these ranges indicate that a functional family car could often be found for well under $1,000—sometimes for only a few months’ wages.

Adjusting 1950 prices to today’s dollars

Using consumer price inflation, each 1950 dollar equates to roughly $12–$13 in 2024–2025. That puts a $950 economy car at about $12,000 today and a $1,500 entry-level big-brand sedan around $19,000–$20,000. This inflation lens helps compare basic transportation then and now, though it doesn’t fully capture changes in features, safety, and performance.

Affordability in context

Median household income in 1950 was a bit over $3,000 per year, and a typical manufacturing worker earned around $55–$60 per week. A base-model new car priced at $1,300–$1,500 therefore represented roughly 40–50 percent of a year’s income—a significant but attainable purchase, often financed through dealer plans that were expanding rapidly in the postwar boom.

What the price did—and didn’t—include

Prices quoted in period ads were for base vehicles. Buyers commonly added essentials and paid extra fees that nudged “cheap” cars higher out the door.

• Common add-ons: heater/defroster, radio, whitewall tires, wheel covers
• Fees and taxes: destination charges, state sales tax, registration/title
• Limited standard equipment by modern standards: no airbags, ABS, or A/C

Once options and fees were included, many “loss-leader” prices rose by tens of dollars—enough to be noticeable when weekly paychecks were under $60.

Bottom line

If you were bargain-hunting for a new car in 1950, you could get into an economy model for just under $1,000, but most budget-conscious buyers looking at mainstream brands paid around $1,300–$1,500. In modern terms, that’s roughly $12,000–$20,000, with used cars offering significantly cheaper avenues to mobility.

Summary

A cheap car in 1950 cost about $900–$1,000 at the bare-bones end and around $1,300–$1,500 for entry models from major makers—approximately $12,000–$20,000 when converted to 2024–2025 dollars. Many buyers reduced costs further by choosing used vehicles, often available for a few hundred dollars, though equipment levels and safety features were sparse by today’s standards.

How much did a car cost in 1950?

In 1950, the average price of a new car was around $1,500. Lower-priced models, such as the Chevrolet, Ford, and Plymouth, could be purchased for about $1,330 to $1,370, while luxury vehicles like the Cadillac cost considerably more, with the 1950 Cadillac DeVille priced at approximately $3,523. 
Specific Examples from 1950

• Chevrolet: A new Chevrolet in 1950 could be bought for roughly $1,329. 
• Ford: The lowest-priced Ford model retailed for about $1,333. 
• Plymouth: A Plymouth could be purchased for about $1,371. 
• Dodge: The Dodge Coronet had a price of around $1,927. 
• Pontiac: The 1950 Pontiac Catalina was listed at approximately $2,127. 
• Chrysler: A Chrysler Windsor cost about $2,329. 
• Cadillac: A Cadillac DeVille in 1950 cost about $3,523. 

How much did a 1950 Chevrolet cost?

When it came to price, Chevy’s advantage was there, in black-and-white, for everyone to understand. The lowest-price Plymouth retailed for $1,371, the lowest-priced Ford cost $1,333, and the lowest-priced Chevrolet model listed for $1,329! The ’50 Chevys had the “envelope” body introduced in 1949.

How much did a car cost in 1954?

In 1954, cars ranged in price, with models like the Ford Custom sedan costing around $1,724 and a Chevrolet 150 Series sedan starting at approximately $1,696. The Nash Metropolitan was available for $1,445, while luxury options such as the Cadillac Series 62 could exceed $41,000.
 
Examples of Car Prices in 1954 

• Ford Custom Sedan: Around $1,724
• Chevrolet 150 Series Sedan: About $1,696
• Nash Metropolitan: Priced at $1,445
• Oldsmobile 88 (2-door): Approximately $2,362
• Packard Clipper: Around $2,638
• Cadillac Series 62: Cost over $41,000

How much did a Cadillac cost in 1950?

In 1950, Cadillacs sold for prices ranging from approximately $2,900 to over $7,000, depending on the model and body style. For instance, a 1950 Series 62 club coupe was priced at $2,900, while the more luxurious Fleetwood Series 75 could cost over $7,000.
 
Here are some specific examples of 1950 Cadillac prices: 

• 1950 Cadillac Series 62 Club Coupe: $2,900
• 1950 Cadillac Series 62 Four Door Sedan: $3,234
• 1950 Cadillac Series 62 Coupe de Ville: Approximately $3,523
• 1950 Cadillac Fleetwood Sixty Special: $3,797
• 1950 Cadillac Fleetwood Series 75 Sedan: Over $5,000