How much was a Ford Escort in 1982?
The base price for a Ford Escort in the United States in 1982 was about $5,500, with higher-trim versions approaching $7,000 depending on body style and options. Prices varied by market and configuration.
Pricing landscape in 1982
This section provides a snapshot of typical sticker prices for common Escort configurations in the US market during 1982, before taxes and dealer fees.
- 2-door and 4-door sedans: roughly $5,500–$5,800
- 3-door hatchback: roughly $5,600–$5,900
- Mid-range LX trim: roughly $6,000–$6,500
- Higher-spec trims or added options: up to about $7,000
Prices reflect the era’s standard equipment plus common options; actual dealership prices could vary by region and incentives.
What shaped those prices
Several factors influenced the sticker price of the Escort in 1982, including manufacturing costs, inflation of the early 1980s, competition from rivals, and the cost of optional equipment like air conditioning, radios, and power accessories.
- Inflation and production costs: General price increases across the auto industry in the early 1980s.
- Trims and options: Higher trims and add-ons pushed price toward the upper end of the range.
- Market and region: Prices varied between the United States, Canada, and European markets, and among dealer regions.
Ultimately, the Escort’s pricing demonstrated Ford’s aim to offer an affordable, fuel-efficient compact during a period of economic volatility and strong competition in the compact car segment.
Context and takeaway
In 1982, the Ford Escort’s sticker price in the United States started in the mid-$5,000s for base configurations, climbing toward the upper-$6,000s and around $7,000 for higher trims with options. Regional differences and dealer incentives also played a role in the final sale price.
Summary
Across the 1982 model year, the Escort was positioned as an affordable compact, with base prices in the mid-$5,000s and higher trims approaching $7,000. Variation depended on body style, trim level, and options, plus regional market factors and dealer pricing. The Escort’s pricing reflected its industrial context as a budget-conscious alternative to rival compact cars during a period of economic tension.
How much was a Ford Escort in 1983?
Price
| Style | Invoice | MSRP |
|---|---|---|
| GT 2dr Hatchback | $0 | $7,638 |
| L 2dr Hatchback | $0 | $5,939 |
| L 4dr Hatchback | $0 | $6,146 |
| L 4dr Wagon | $0 | $6,352 |
How much was a new Ford Escort in 1982?
Starting at a price of $5,518, the 1982 Escort became the best-selling Ford model line and the best-selling automobile nameplate in the United States. For 1983, the exterior was largely carryover, with most changes concentrated to the Escort GT and the EXP.
What was the average price of a car in 1982?
In 1982, the average new car price was about $9,903, while the average used car price was around $4,773. Prices varied by vehicle, with some new mid-size cars costing over $9,000 and some luxury cars like a new Lincoln costing over $13,000.
- Average New Car: Approximately $9,903.
- Average Used Car: Approximately $4,773.
- Example New Mid-Size Car: A Chevrolet Malibu Classic that cost $3,773 in 1973 was priced at $9,011 in 1982.
- Example New Luxury Car: A new Lincoln could cost around $13,491.
How much was a Ford Escort in the 80s?
Coupe
| 1980 Ford Escort | Specs | Price |
|---|---|---|
| L | Specs: 1.6L, Leaded Petrol, 3 SPEED AUTOMATIC | Price: $1,540 - $3,300 |
| Gl | Specs: 1.6L, Leaded Petrol, 4 SPEED MANUAL | Price: $1,760 - $3,630 |
| L | Specs: 1.6L, Leaded Petrol, 4 SPEED MANUAL | Price: $1,540 - $3,300 |
| Rs 2000 | Specs: 2.0L, Leaded Petrol, 4 SPEED MANUAL | Price: $3,690 - $5,280 |
