5 Cheapest American Cars of 1977

1977 Ford Pinto, Cheapest American Cars of 1977 — 1977 Ford Pinto

I was 12 years old in 1977, and the biggest news—really the ONLY news—of the year that was of any real consequence to me was the release of Star Wars. I still recall waiting for two hours with my shockingly patient parents in the lobby of the now-defunct Edens Theater in Northbrook, Illinois to secure tickets. I’m pretty sure this was the day the movie opened.

Though less of a cultural milestone, there was plenty of automotive news in 1977 as well. One story, mostly unreported, was that the $3000 new car essentially became a thing of the past.

Listing for $2999, the Chevrolet Chevette Scooter—a low-priced model positioned below the base Chevette—is likely the last car to begin a model year below the three-G mark. In truth, it’s likely no Chevette actually made it out the dealership door for less than $3000, as most were equipped with bumper guards, white-sidewall tires, and likely a radio. Also, there’s that pesky dealer prep fee and destination charge that inflated the bottom-line price.

Also—and this is interesting—the TV commercial above touts the AMC Gremlin’s “new low $2995 price.” Per the info shared below, the Gremlin did start the 1977 model year at $3199. We have no idea when the price drop occurred, or how long it lasted. Regardless, that price must have attracted a good amount of attention from budget-minded car shoppers at the time.

Presented here are—per our Consumer Guide review archives—the five cheapest American cars of 1977. If you ever spent time with one of these bargain rides, tell us about it. The place to leave comments is down below.

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