How much did a 1980 Chevette cost?
The 1980 Chevrolet Chevette typically cost around $4,000 when new, depending on trim and options.
In the price landscape of 1980, subcompact cars like the Chevette were pitched as economical transportation amid rising fuel costs. This article breaks down what buyers commonly paid for a new Chevette in 1980, notes how pricing varied by configuration, and places the figure in a broader historical context.
Pricing snapshot for 1980 Chevette
Prices varied by trim and options; the figures below are approximate MSRPs from factory brochures in 1980, reported in then-current dollars.
- Base model (typical 2-door hatchback): about $3,800–$4,100
- Mid-range trim with additional features: about $4,100–$4,800
- Top-of-the-line or higher-option packages: about $4,800–$5,400
Note: Actual sticker prices could vary by dealer, region, body style (2-door vs. 4-door), and the specific options chosen. Some markets also charged freight and dealer handling separately.
Context and comparisons
Compared with its subcompact competitors, the Chevette was positioned as a basic, economical choice. Its price point was similar to rivals such as the Ford Escort's early 1980s offerings, with differences arising from configuration and equipment levels.
Inflation-adjusted view
To understand how much those prices would be in today’s dollars, one can adjust for inflation. Roughly, $4,000 in 1980 equates to about $13,500 to $15,000 in 2024 dollars, depending on the inflation index used. This gives a sense of the Chevette’s affordability in its era, though today’s compact cars carry different standards of equipment, safety features, and performance.
These numbers are approximate, reflecting historical records and brochures. For precise numbers, one would need dealership invoice data or original 1980 brochures from Chevrolet for specific trims and regions.
Summary
The 1980 Chevette was marketed as an affordable entry into the car market. In general, buyers paid around $4,000 in 1980 dollars for the base Chevette, with higher trims and options pushing the price toward the mid-$5,000s. The exact price depended on trim, body style, and options, and could vary by region and dealer.
Summary: In 1980, a new Chevette typically cost around four thousand dollars, with price variations by trim and options. Inflation-adjusted, that figure would be in the mid-teens thousands in today’s money.
