![1989 Yugo](https://blog.consumerguide.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2014/08/Screen-shot-2014-08-05-at-2.58.40-PM.png)
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.
![Consumer Guide: Auto Test 1989](https://blog.consumerguide.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2014/08/Screen-shot-2014-08-05-at-3.49.50-PM.png)
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
![1989 Yugo](https://blog.consumerguide.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2014/08/Screen-shot-2014-08-05-at-3.00.51-PM.png)
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
![1989 Hyundai Excel](https://blog.consumerguide.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2014/08/hyundai_excel_gs_maroon_beach_1989.jpg)
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
![1989 Subaru Justy](https://blog.consumerguide.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2014/08/Screen-shot-2014-08-05-at-2.57.17-PM.png)
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
![XXX](https://blog.consumerguide.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2014/08/1997_geo_metro.jpg)
Model: base 3-door hatchback
Drivetrain: 55-horsepower 1.0-liter 3-cylinder
Air conditioning: $655
AM/FM stereo: $301
Honda Civic: $6348
![1989 Honda Civic](https://blog.consumerguide.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2014/08/1989-honda-civic-photo-166446-s-429x262.jpg)
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