This still doesn't tell the whole story You need car interest rates to understand actual "car affordability" at any particular time. ZIRP era was far cheaper t

This still doesn't tell the whole story You need car interest rates to understand actual "car affordability" at any particular time. ZIRP era was far cheaper than right now where most new cars are 6% for highly qualified buyers (800+ credit rating) Also, cars today last longer, have more features for your dollar, and are significantly safer and in many cases (i.e. toyota small cars like the corolla) can get 50+ mpg without the anemic and underpowered engines of the past.