According to website Statista, light-truck sales—which include crossovers and SUVs—have risen from about 2 million in 1980 to almost 12 million last year. One needs only to look around to see that coupe and convertible sales have fallen to all-time lows, but it’s the humble sedan that I am most worried about.
The Honda Accord and Civic, and the Toyota Camry and Corolla, are still being purchased in respectably substantial numbers, but it may surprise many folks that several legacy brands—including Buick, Ford, and Lincoln—no longer sell sedans at all.
In honor of the sedan, I have collected a dozen classic car ads from 1980, all of which celebrate the now-scarce traditional 4-door car with a trunk. If you spent time in a noteworthy sedan, please tell us about it. The place to leave comments is down below.
Sedans of 1980
Buick Century
5 Cheapest American Cars of 1980, Inflation Adjusted
Chevrolet Caprice
Chrysler LeBaron
10 Most-Expensive American Sedans of 1980
Datsun 280C
5 Most-Powerful American Cars of 1980
Dodge Aspen
The 8 Best-Looking Cars of 1978
Fiat Brava
The 6 Best-Looking Cars of 1980
Ford Fairmont
Malaise Muscle: 1976-1980 Dodge Aspen R/T and Plymouth Volaré Road Runner
Oldsmobile Cutlass
Diesel Doldrums: The 7 Slowest Cars of 1980*
Peugeot 505
The 1980 Auto Brochure Power Quiz
Subaru
Smaller Still: The Personal Luxury Cars of 1980
Volkswagen Jetta
Volvo
Sedans of 1980 Gallery
Click below for enlarged images
Sedans of 1980
Sedans of 1980
