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Affordability is key for the latest wave of car shoppers. Can carmakers keep up?

Apr 2, 2024
Many companies have focused on building more expensive SUVs and fewer affordable compact cars. That's causing a mismatch with current demand.
“Even now, though, a monthly car payment can be well over $700. Which is obviously a pretty large monthly expense for a household,” says David Whiston, an auto analyst with Morningstar.
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Car prices are still stubbornly high

Aug 21, 2023
$20,000 used to be the starting point for a new car. Now there’s only one remaining model on the market that sells for around that figure … the Mitsubishi Mirage.
More consumers and carmakers are focused on bigger, more expensive cars. And with the pandemic chip shortage, the average price of a vehicle has ballooned to $50,000.
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Cars: Can't live with 'em, can't live without 'em

Aug 15, 2023
Affordability has broken down, but the costs of not having your own vehicle are even higher for many. Marin Cogan of Vox explains.
The average new car costs a record $48,000 — up 25% between May 2020 and May 2023. During the same time, used car prices soared 50%.
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EV prices are falling, but remain out of reach for many potential buyers

Jul 17, 2023
The industry may need to cut costs to bring down stickier prices.
Ford's F-150 Lightning electric pickup (above) is part of recent price drops in the electric vehicle space.
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What's driving car prices ever higher?

Apr 6, 2023
The new entry-level price for a new vehicle is $25,000, auto research site Edmunds says.
Ford is one automaker that has moved its focus from smaller, more affordable sedans to trucks and SUVs.
Mario Tama/Getty Images

Vehicle demand is finally slowing down

Dec 29, 2022
Demand for autos has been strong throughout the pandemic. But in recent months, demand has been softening, thanks in part to rising interest rates and elevated prices.
Used cars are displayed at a dealership in New York City.

For public good, not for profit.

In the market for a used car? There's some good news.

Dec 13, 2022
Prices are 3.3% lower than they were a year ago, and have been dropping every month for the last five months. Here's why.
Despite a gradual decrease in price, used cars are still a lot more expensive than they were a couple of years ago.
Mario Tama/Getty Images

New car buyers are finally getting a break

Nov 2, 2022
Those prices that spiked because of supply chain issues are starting to come down ... just a bit.
Used cars for sale are displayed on the sales lot at K&L Auto Expert in Richmond, California.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Finding new cars on the lot is getting easier

Oct 25, 2022
New vehicle inventory is up an estimated 62% from last year as some supply roadblocks clear. But higher prices may stick.
General Motors told investors that it made $3.3 billion in profit last quarter, thanks in part to easing supply chains.
Mario Tama/Getty Images