How much did the Ford Maverick cost in 1970?
The base price for the 1970 Ford Maverick was about $1,995, placing it among the lowest-cost new cars in the U.S. market at the time.
Launched in 1969 as Ford’s economical compact, the Maverick’s final sticker price depended on trim level, engine choice, and optional equipment. This article reviews the pricing landscape of the 1970 model year, how prices varied by configuration, and what buyers could expect when negotiating a deal in the showroom.
Pricing basics: the starting point
For 1970, the Maverick line-up began with a simple, economical two-door sedan base, equipped with Ford's entry-level inline-six. The base price represented a deliberate undercut on competing small cars and was widely promoted as a bargain in consumer guides of the era.
Here are the core price anchors that defined Maverick pricing in 1970:
- Base model price: around $1,995
- Popular option packages and trim levels could raise the sticker by a couple of hundred dollars
- With the availability of V8s and upgraded equipment, some configurations could push into the low $2,000s
Note: The numbers above reflect typical market prices and factory sticker data from the period; actual dealer pricing could vary by region and optional equipment.
Engine options and their impact on price
The Maverick offered a range of powertrains, starting with a modest inline-six and expanding to larger sixes and V8s as options. Each upgrade added to the overall price, making the most feature-rich Mavericks cost more than the base model.
In practice, a buyer choosing a base two-door Maverick with the standard engine paid roughly $1,995, while selecting an upgraded engine or trim would increase the total before any dealer discounts or promotional offers.
Market context and legacy
At the dawn of the 1970s, the Maverick was pitched as an economical alternative amid rising fuel costs and a growing appetite for compact cars. Its price point positioned Ford as a competitor to small coupes from General Motors and Chrysler, and it helped define what consumers could expect from a budget-friendly new car in that era.
The price story of the Maverick is also a window into how automakers balanced affordability with features and performance during a pivotal period in American automotive history.
Summary
In 1970, the Ford Maverick started at around $1,995, a price that underscored its role as an affordable entry in the new-car market. While the base price was fixed, the total cost for a given Maverick depended on the engine choice, trim, and options selected. The car's accessibility helped Ford angle into a market segment that valued economy as much as style.
Summary: The Ford Maverick's 1970 price point was a defining feature of its appeal — a low entry price with room to grow as buyers added options or upgraded engines.
