How much was a Toyota in 1980?
A new Toyota in the United States in 1980 typically cost between about $5,000 and $12,000, depending on model and options. This article examines that price landscape, clarifying model-by-model ranges, regional differences, and how those numbers translate to today’s dollars.
Pricing landscape in the United States
In 1980, Toyota offered a mix of compact cars, sportier options, and pickups, with prices rising with added features and performance. The entries in the Corolla line were the most affordable, while the Celica family and pickup offerings occupied higher price brackets. The figures below are approximate MSRPs drawn from period brochures and automotive press, reflecting typical configurations and trims available to buyers at the time.
The following page summarizes typical U.S. 1980 model pricing for widely sold Toyotas, based on dealer brochures and period press. Note that actual prices varied by dealer, region, and option packages.
- Corolla (base two-door sedan): about $5,000–$5,500 in 1980 dollars
- Corolla (SR5/longer trim or wagon variants): about $5,800–$6,700
- Celica (liftback/GT): about $7,500–$9,000
- Celica Supra: about $9,000–$12,000
- Toyota Pickup (short-bed): about $6,000–$7,500
Prices varied by region, dealer incentives, and option packages; the ranges above reflect typical MSRPs for popular Toyota models in 1980.
Inflation-adjusted view: how those prices translate today
To understand what those 1980 prices would represent in today’s dollars, you can apply historical inflation. Using the U.S. consumer price index, those figures roughly translate to the following ranges in today’s money (rough estimates):
- Corolla base: about $18,000–$20,000
- Corolla higher trim: about $19,000–$22,000
- Celica: about $27,000–$32,000
- Celica Supra: about $32,000–$43,000
- Pickup: about $21,000–$27,000
These inflation-adjusted figures are approximate and depend on the exact benchmark year used for “today.” They illustrate how the price scale from compact cars to more feature-rich or larger Toyota models has evolved over four decades.
Notes and caveats
New vs used prices and regional differences
The numbers above refer to new-car MSRPs in the United States. Regional taxes, dealer fees, and optional equipment could push the final sticker price up or down. Used-car prices in 1980 would have been substantially lower than new-car MSRPs and would vary with mileage, condition, and local market conditions.
Summary
In 1980, new Toyota prices in the U.S. spanned roughly from about $5,000 for entry-level Corollas to around $12,000 for higher-end Celica/Supra models, with pickups occupying a middle tier. When adjusted for inflation, those prices translate to roughly the high teens to the low-40s thousands in today’s dollars, depending on model and trim. The exact price in any given year depended on options, region, and dealer incentives, but the overall pattern shows Toyota offering affordable compact cars alongside more premium variants even in that early era of its U.S. growth.
What was the average price of a car in 1980?
The average price of a new car in 1980 was $7,200. This is roughly equivalent to about $29,000 in 2025 dollars.
- 1980 average price: $7,200
- Average price in 2025 dollars: $29,000
- Example of a specific car price: A new Buick Regal in 1980 cost around $8,085.
- Comparison: The average new car price in 2025 is around $48,000, showing a significant increase since 1980.
How much did a Toyota Corolla cost in 1981?
Price
| Style | Invoice | MSRP |
|---|---|---|
| 2dr Coupe | $0 | $5,368 |
| Deluxe 2dr Coupe | $0 | $5,878 |
| Deluxe 2dr Hatchback | $0 | $6,188 |
| Deluxe 4dr Sedan | $0 | $5,998 |
How much did a Toyota cost in 1980?
For example, a new Toyota Corolla in 1980 cost just $4,348 — over $13,000 less than the $17,625 price of a new Corolla last year. With some other long-tenured brands the difference was even greater.
How much is a 1985 Toyota?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $11,500 for a 1985 Toyota Pickup SR5 in good condition with average spec. The highest selling price of a 1985 Toyota Pickup SR5 at auction over the last three years was $46,200.
