How much did a new car or light truck (average price) cost?
A new car or light truck (average price) cost $27,550 in 2003 and $48,205 in 2025: 75% more.
Over the same years, prices in general (US inflation, measured by the consumer price index, CPI) rose by 75%. That makes $27,550 in 2003 worth about $48,200 in 2025 money. So it roughly kept pace with inflation (within 10%).
The biggest change between two listed years came between 2020 and 2025, when it went up 24%, from $38,961 to $48,205.
New car: price by year
| Year | Price | In 2025 dollars |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | $27,550 | $48,200 |
| 2004 | $28,050 | $47,800 |
| 2017 | $34,670 | $45,500 |
| 2018 | $35,608 | $45,600 |
| 2019 | $36,824 | $46,400 |
| 2020 | $38,961 | $48,500 |
| 2025 | $48,205 | $48,200 |
"In 2025 dollars" adjusts each amount for inflation with the CPI, so the years can be compared fairly. How this works.
Where the numbers come from
Figures as published by the source below.
Source: National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA): NADA Data: Annual Financial Profile of America's Franchised New-Car Dealerships (2025, 2017 editions); NADA press release for 2004. View the source.
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