How much was a 1973 Toyota Corolla?
In the United States, a 1973 Toyota Corolla started at roughly $2,000, varying by trim and options.
During this era, the Corolla was pitched as an affordable compact in a rapidly changing automotive landscape. This article breaks down what that price looked like in 1973, how it translates to today’s dollars, and how pricing varied by market and configuration.
Historical price in the United States
Prices published for 1973 reflect the base MSRPs for the U.S. market. The figure could shift a bit depending on body style and equipment chosen by the buyer.
- Base two-door sedan: around $2,000
- Four-door sedan: around $2,050–$2,100
- Deluxe or higher-trim variants: around $2,100–$2,200
These figures summarize the general starting prices in 1973 U.S. dollars, excluding taxes, dealer fees, and optional equipment.
Inflation-adjusted view
To understand how that money translates today, it helps to adjust for inflation. Using typical U.S. consumer price index data, a 1973 price of about $2,000 equates to roughly $12,000–$15,000 in 2023–2024 dollars, depending on the exact year and method used.
Before translating those numbers into today’s dollars, note that the adjustment varies with the year chosen for comparison and the inflation calculation method. The following figures illustrate the approximate range for context.
- Inflation-adjusted baseline (about $2,000 in 1973): roughly $12,000–$13,000 in 2023 dollars
- Inflation-adjusted higher trims (about $2,100–$2,200 in 1973): roughly $13,000–$15,000 in 2023 dollars
The inflation figures help readers gauge how the Corolla’s price aligned with wages and competing compact cars of the era, though they don’t capture modern features or current market pricing.
Global market context
Outside the United States, pricing for the 1973 Corolla varied by country due to taxes, duties, and local equipment. While the figures above focus on the U.S. market—where Toyota’s early export push helped establish the Corolla as an affordable daily driver—regional differences could push prices up or down in other locales.
Regional differences and trim variation
In Japan, Europe, and other markets, the same model year could carry different base prices and available trims. The U.S. price cited here reflects the American configuration, options, and typical dealer practices of the early 1970s.
What the price represented in its era
For buyers in the early 1970s, paying around $2,000 for a new Corolla signaled accessibility, fuel-efficiency, and Toyota’s growing reputation for reliability. The model helped anchor Toyota’s reputation in the compact segment and foreshadowed the global expansion of the Corolla nameplate.
Impact on Toyota’s strategy
The affordable pricing model contributed to Toyota’s competitive stance against domestic rivals and other imports, reinforcing a shift toward high-value, economical transportation that shaped the company’s product direction for decades.
Summary
The 1973 Toyota Corolla carried a starting price near $2,000 in the U.S., with small variations by trim. When adjusted for inflation, that price equates to roughly $12,000–$15,000 in 2023–2024 dollars. Regional variations and options could affect the exact figure, but the Corolla was positioned as an affordable entry in the early 1970s, a baseline that helped propel Toyota’s global compact-car success.
How much was a Toyota Corolla in 1973?
1973 Toyota Corolla Pricing and Specs. The Toyota Corolla 1973 prices range from $1,380 for the basic trim level Coupe Corolla to $4,070 for the top of the range Van. The Toyota Corolla 1973 comes in Coupe, Van and Wagon. The Toyota Corolla 1973 is available in Leaded Petrol.
How much did a car cost in 1973?
In 1973, a new car cost around $4,052 on average, though specific prices varied widely depending on the model. For example, a base model 1973 Ford Mustang could be bought for about $2,760, while a 1973 Corvette coupe started at $5,635. Other examples include a base Chevrolet Bel Air at $3,247 and a Ford F-100 pickup truck for $3,292.
| Car Model | Approximate Starting Price |
|---|---|
| 1973 Ford Mustang (Hardtop) | ~$2,760 |
| 1973 Chevrolet Bel Air | ~$3,247 |
| 1973 Ford F-100 Pickup Truck | ~$3,292 |
| 1973 Datsun 510 | ~$2,306 |
| 1973 Corvette Coupe | ~$5,635 |
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What was the most sold car in 1973?
The best-selling car in 1973 was the Chevrolet Monte Carlo. It was also named Motor Trend's "Car of the Year" for its quality handling and new innovations that year, according to Wikipedia.
- Top seller: The Chevrolet Monte Carlo was the top-selling vehicle in the U.S. in 1973.
- Award winner: It was also crowned Motor Trend's "Car of the Year" for that year.
How much did a Toyota Corolla cost in 1971?
$1798
At that time we had a lot of good things to say about the Toyota: principally that it was remarkably roomy for its overall size, and offered both comfort and quality in more-than-fair measure at Toyota's $1798 asking price.
