In Roman numerals, it’s MCMLXXXIX, but we remember it better as 1989. As years go, 1989 was a pretty big one. That year we watched the Berlin wall come down, the funeral of Japanese Emperor Hirohito, and the first episode of The Simpsons.
In 1989 the average American new home retailed for about $150,000 and gas was going for less than $1.25 a gallon. Most importantly, the average new car was going for about $12,000. Which, coincidentally, is almost exactly what a base Chevrolet Celebrity listed for, stripped of any options.
Folks looking for a bargain back when Doogie Howser, M.D. first aired didn’t need to spend anything like $12,000 for a new car, however. In fact, the frugal minded could have gotten away spending half that much money for a ride.
Here we present the five least-expensive new cars available for sale in 1989. All prices are as presented in Consumer Guide: Auto Test 1989. For fun, we’re including the cost of air conditioning and radio, when available.
If you’ve spent time with any of these vehicles, please let us know.
Yugo: $4349
Model: GV 3-door hatchback
Standard drivetrain: 64-horsepower 1.3-liter 4-cylinder, 4-speed manual
Air conditioning: $999 (as part of Comfort and Sound Package)
AM/FM stereo: Included in air-conditioning package
Remember the Yugo Cabrio convertible?
Hyundai Excel: $5499
Model: base 3-door hatchback
Standard drivetrain: 68-horsepower 1.5-liter 4-cylinder, 4-speed manual
Air conditioning: $735
AM/FM stereo: standard, with cassette
Read more about the Hyundai Excel
Subaru Justy: $5866
Model: DL 3-door hatchback
Drivetrain: 66-horsepower 1.2-liter 3-cylinder, 5-speed manual
Air conditioning: $650
AM/FM Stereo: $250, with cassette
Read more about the Subaru Justy
GEO Metro: $5995
Model: base 3-door hatchback
Drivetrain: 55-horsepower 1.0-liter 3-cylinder
Air conditioning: $655
AM/FM stereo: $301
Honda Civic: $6348
Model: base 3-door hatchback
Drivetrain: 92-horsepower 1.5-liter 4-cylinder, 4-speed manual
Air conditioning: dealer installed
AM/FM stereo: dealer installed
Read more about the Honda Civic
See also:
The Most-Expensive American Cars of 1972
The Most-Expensive American Cars of 1977
The Cheapest American Cars of 1972
