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.

More classic cars

 

5 Cheapest American Cars of 1977

Chevrolet Chevette: $2999

1977 Chevrolet Chevette
1977 Chevrolet Chevette

Cheapest variant: Scooter 2-door

Also available: Base 2-door ($3225)

Options

Air conditioning: $442

AM/FM radio: $137 mono, $226 stereo

Automatic transmission: $248

Bring Back the Chevette! Seriously.

 

Ford Pinto: $3076

1977 Ford Pinto
1977 Ford Pinto

Cheapest variant: Pony 2-door sedan

Also available: Base 2-door sedan ($3215), 2-door Runabout ($3377), 2-door wagon ($3552), 2-door wagon w/Squire Package ($3877)

Options

Air conditioning: $446

AM/FM radio: $135 mono, $184 stereo

Automatic transmission: $196

Price of a 2013 Ford Pinto: $17,375

 

AMC Gremlin: $3199

1977 AMC Gremlin
1977 AMC Gremlin

Cheapest variant: 2-door sedan

Also available:  N/A

Options

Air conditioning: $446

AM/FM radio: $80 mono, $211 stereo

Automatic transmission: $267 (column shift), $289 (floor shift)

Photo Feature: AMC 1972 Gremlin X

 

Chevrolet Vega: $3249

1977 Chevrolet Vega
1977 Chevrolet Vega

Cheapest variant: 2-door Sport Coupe

Also available:  2-door wagon ($3522), 2-door hatchback coupe ($3359), Estate 2-door wagon ($3745)

Options

Air conditioning: $442

AM/FM radio: $1295 mono, $212 stereo

Automatic transmission: $248

Mad Men’s Ad Men and the Chevrolet Vega

 

Pontiac Astre: $3305

1977 Pontiac Astre
1977 Pontiac Astre

Cheapest variant: 2-door coupe

Also available:  2-door hatchback coupe ($3359), Safari 2-door wagon ($3595)

Options

Air conditioning: $442

AM/FM radio: $129 mono, $212 stereo

Automatic transmission: $248

Listen to the Car Stuff Podcast

Cheapest American Cars of 1977 Gallery

(Click below for enlarged images)

Cheapest American Cars of 1977

Review Flashback! 1975 Chevrolet Chaparral

Cheapest American Cars of 1977

Car Stuff Podcast

Share this: