Whether is was fresh off the lot or, more likely, a hand-me-down on its last legs, we all remember our first car. But were we so focused on the freedom of the open road that we failed to notice what other people were driving? What the “it” car of the time was?
Automobiles have always been a sign of their times, so even if we weren’t behind the wheel of any of these bestselling cars, their popularity says a lot about what the roadways were like when we first started to drive.
Let’s see what the bestselling car in America was the year you started driving with a trip down memory lane.
Note: The following does not include SUVs or pickup trucks, for that would be a decidedly shorter list: the Ford F-series truck has been the bestselling vehicle in the U.S. the past 40 years.
1978-1981, 1983: Oldsmobile Cutlass
General Motors scored a major win in 1978 when it released the fifth generation Cutlass Supreme. This compact model featured a smaller body than previous iterations, which proved to be a hit with consumers. The Cutlass would remain America’s bestselling car into the 1980s. In 1983, the premium Cutlass Supreme model took the top spot.
1982, 1987-88: Ford Escort
The Ford Escort briefly interrupted the Oldsmobile Cutlass’ reign atop the sales chart in 1982. First released the year prior, the Escort experienced a quick rise to the top thanks to a fuel-efficient engine, a variety of trim packages and a reasonable price. Its success had to be a welcome surprise for Ford – and a sigh of relief – as the car was replacing the universally panned Pinto in the automaker’s lineup. The Escort regained the sales crown later in the decade thanks to updated styling and a more powerful engine.
1984-85: Chevrolet Cavalier
The Chevrolet Cavalier appealed to so many people thanks to its versatility. The car was available in five body types: coupe, sedan, hatchback, wagon and convertible, making it practical for lone drivers and families alike. Add in an efficient engine and fair sticker price, and the Cavalier became the car of choice in the mid-1980s.
1986: Chevrolet Celebrity
In somewhat of a surprise, the Cavalier was usurped from its throne in 1986 by its sister model. The Celebrity also came in various body styles, most of which offered ample cabin space for a mid-sized vehicle.
1989-1991, 2001: Honda Accord
The Honda Accord’s ascent to the top of the sales chart at the close of the 1980s was largely symbolic of the decade’s automotive market, which saw Japanese imports carve out a significant stake. Honda’s breakthrough vehicle was popular for good reason. The Accord came with a list of available features other competitors couldn’t rival, including air conditioning, power windows and locks, alloy wheels and a sunroof.
In 1990, Honda introduced its fourth-generation Accord, turning the compact car into a mid-sized sedan. The revamp proved wise as roughly 50,000 more units were sold than in the year prior. The Accord remained incredibly popular throughout the 1990s. It further proved its staying power by regaining its status as the bestselling car of 2001.
1992-96: Ford Taurus
The Ford Taurus began an impressive five-year stretch as the most popular car in America in 1992. The right combination of comfort, safety and value provided mass appeal to the American public. Helping boost sales was a wagon model suitable for families. The car remained a bestseller even in 1996, when a highly criticized styling redesign was unveiled to the market.
1997-2020: Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry bumped the Ford Taurus to second place in 1997, the year that marked the beginning of the end for any competitors with eyes on the pinnacle spot. With one exception (when the Accord topped the charts in 2001), the Camry has been the bestselling car in America every year since. Much like other models in Toyota’s lineup, the Camry performs above average in just about every category, including performance, safety and, most notably, reliability.
The car’s popularity continued to grow through the late ’90s and 2000s, peaking in 2007. While sales have decreased in recent years as SUVs and crossovers have taken over, the Camry still beats out all other competitors in its market.
Did you drive any of the cars on this list? Were they worthy of being the most popular in the country? Let us know in the comments below!
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167 Thoughts on “What Was the Bestselling Car the Year You Started Driving?”
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You should expand your list and start earlier. Lots of us AAA members got their licenses before 1978.
The best car to drive is …..a NEW CAR…
My first car in 1975 was a 66 Chevy. Caprice.
My first new car was 86 Celebrity , Followed by a 90 , 95, then 98 Taurus Wagon , then 2002 Camry all bought showroom new at the dealers. My retirement vehicle is a 2010 Chevy Silverado ( also bought new) . It’s still going strong after 110,000 miles. A Great truck I intend to keep until It gets passed onto my grandkids !
I had a 1966 Mustang, a few years old when I got it, but like new; color burgundy, wire spoke wheels, 8 cylinders, light naugahyde interior.. Wish I had it now!
Great car! Worst color combination though, and those wheels are 💩
My first car was a 1954 baby blue stick shift Ford sedan that I purchased for $40 in 1962. I drove it for a year and sold it for $50. I replaced it with a plum and white 1955 Chevrolet. It burned oil like a champ but it was a beautiful looking vehicle!
My first car was a 1938 Plymouth 4dr sedan with 85 hp and it would do 85 mph, the same speed as my 1974 AMC Gremlin would do with the pedal to the metal equipped with a 232 ci 6 cyl engine and auto trans rated @100 hp. That Gremlin was the most trouble-free car I ever owned. The last I knew of the guy who bought it from me was, that car had 115’000 thousand miles on it with just regular service, and he said it also was the best car he ever had. The AC was great in that car, and still never needed recharging even after 100’000 miles, what a car!!
Uhhhh… you left off half of the baby boomers who began driving way before 1978! No stats before that horrible Cutlass?
Well, according to the time parameters of this article, no one began driving before the 1970’s. Now I feel ancient since I began driving at age 16 in 1964.
Exactly my point!! lol
My first car was a 1958 Volkswagen “beetle” I bought it in 1971 in my senior year of high school for $100. 1200cc, 36 HP engine. (Two chipmunks and a squirrel.) Gas tank in the front, under the “hood” and behind the spare tire. No gas gauge. Just a 1 gallon “reserve tank”. But I was getting 30mpg when gas was only $.36 a gallon. Could fill the tank for around $3.00. A lot of fun for little expense!
What happened to all the messages from August 2022 that were here yesterday?
You should be able to see them now. Thanks, Bob! -Marisa
Thanks Marisa. All is well now. The comments have reappeared.👍👍👍
My first car was a 1968 Catalina which I got in 1974. It was canary yellow. I named it Sherman D. Tank because it was built like one! The big thing about the car was that the clock worked! Amazing when you put in a new fuse!
The most popular car was the ‘55 Chevy.
My first car was a 1954 DeSoto Firedome 8. First year for DeSoto’s 2 door hardtop, no center pillar door posts.
First V8 vs straight eight engine, also first year fully automatic transmission. Dual points system always a problem.
Vapor lock always a problem in the summer.
1973 Chevy Nova, two too many doors and light green which I turtle waxed to perfection. All with a 307 engine. Took that car apart and put back together again on the street in front of my childhood home. Radiator, front and rear brakes, hubs and lugs, starter, water pump, carburetor, leaf-spring, shocks, distributor, wires, plugs, valve covers, manifold, muffler and do you remember points.
Tragic that I sold it but it was a profit.
Your list doesn’t go back far enough…but I learned to drive on an Oldsmobile Delta 88 and a Ford Pinto wagon.
My first car was a 1932 Chevrolet 2-door sedan. I paid $50.00 for the car and $50.00 for insurance and I was on the road. That was in 1950 when I turned 16.
I made the mistake of buying a used 1982 Ford Escort station wagon in 1984. It had serious engine flaws from the get go. The dealer tried several times, without success, to repair the problem. I ended up getting rid of it in less than a year and I haven’t bought another Ford since.
My first car was a 1958 Plymouth Fury on which I put a continental wheel on the back. I was 19 and I had saved the cost of the car ($3000) by working every possible job I could get while attending college full time. It only took me 9 months to save the equivalent of $30,000 (or more-the cost of a new car). It was a red convertible.
I was 16 years old in 1962 and my first car was a 1963 Chrysler 300 convertible. Without looking at my window sticker I believe the color was called claret red with claret red leather interior and a white convertible top. It had dual exhausts and a 360 hp engine. That was my first Chrysler product that I don’t ever remember having any problems with. My second Chrysler product was a 1999 Chrysler 300 Candy Apple Red four-door sedan the year they started to make the 300 model again. That car had more problems than Carter had liver pills as the old saying used to go! Thank God I leased that car because in the three years that I had it, I found out that Chrysler had done something like $3500 worth of warranty work on it. I know that for a fact because with the Internet back then I somehow connected with someone who worked at Chrysler in Detroit (Auburn Hills) and when I gave him my VIN number, he was able to look up all the times the car was in for service and everything he sent me matched all the slips I had except his slips showed how much it cost Chrysler to do those repairs that in the long run weren’t even necessary because I found the problem myself – bad tires. I believe they were Goodyear tires so I called Goodyear, explained how my car would drift to the left that had nothing to do with the crown in the road it was like someone was under the hood pulling my steering wheel to the left. I always had to be conscious of that or I would’ve crashed into the Jersey barrier a million times. Anyway Goodyear sent me to their authorized dealer and they checked out the problem and indeed it was the tires despite everything that the wonderful five star Chrysler dealerships were telling me and I had been to like three of them! One worse than the next with more excuses.
You started with 1978. I was driving long before that. And no, I did not drive any of the cars listed.
I started driving in January of 1961. My first car was a 1961 Volkswagen ‘ beetle’.
The first car that I ever owned was a 1966 Pontiac GTO, 4 speed on the floor, Gold metal flake convertible . This car was hot, attracted a lot of the males as they always wanted to take it for a ride. Only let a few as the car was really powerful. I love that car, then went on to a 1968 GTO 4 speed on the floor , but this car was all black on black. Not as much fun as the convertible. My dad always said this was a mans car not for a young women. He loved the car as well.
Suzanne, don’t you wish you had some of those older cars back again because that’s when cars were cars and not all this plastic bumpers, aluminum hoods, chrome colored plastic grills etc.! I don’t know if you have ever heard of the website called Bring a Trailer -BAT, but it is a great site that often times has fantastic older cars in top notch condition many with hardly any miles on them at all. Some do have a reserve on their price, others are sold with no reserve only to the highest bidder. Google the site I think you will enjoy it. The auction only lasts for seven days.
What? No one started driving before 1978? First car I drove was ‘62 Impala…illegally.
I did! 😂😂😂😂 1962! 🤦♂️🤦♂️🤦♂️🤦♂️
Your list of most popular cars doesn’t go back far enough.
My first car was a 1975 Ford Mustang II Manual Transmission. I drove that car until I bought a brand new 1986 Chevy Caviler which also had a manual transmission. I have been driving manual transmission cars all of my life.
Hello, I stated driving in 1952 and still am.
Barbara, keep driving in good health! Watch out for all the crazy drivers on the roads these days who have NO REGARD for red lights or stop signs! When your auto insurance comes up for renewal, call your agent and ask if they can shop for a better rate! Of course, that’s provided you have an agent that deals with ALL DIFFERENT companies because insurance companies DON’T care if you’ve been with them for 50 years with NO CLAIMS/TICKETS etc. All it takes is one claim and you’ll pay! Don’t let them fool you that they can’t discriminate because of your age! They won’t DENY you insurance, but you’ll need two jobs to pay the premium! You HAVE to shop around every few years. I’m sure this site isn’t happy with this post, but it’s the truth and they know it! Stay safe.
The car I learned to drive in and then used was the family’s 1949 Mercury. Great V-8 engine. When I was 17, I drove the 60 miles from New Orleans to Bay St. Louis, MS, if 45 minutes. Luckily, I am still here.
I got my license in 1980 and got my first car around 1983 and it was a 1972 Buick Skylark. That car was built like a tank. I got rear-ended by a Mercury Topaz on the Northern State Parkway once and I only had a piece of rubber chipped off of one of the bumper guards. The front of the Topaz was severely damaged.
1965 robin egg blue plymouth fury.
My first car was a 1967 Camaro Convertible back in 1983, and still have it
I guess the target demographic now excludes folks like me (a shrinking populace)! My first car was a 1949 Chevy 2-Dr. I remember it fondly. Solid and reliable and all mine. Not bad for a 16-year old. My folks wouldn’t let me drive it until I passed driver’s ed, so it sat in the driveway for about six months. Probably the best waxed car on the block!
I started driving in 1958. The best selling cars were Ford, Chevrolet, and Plymouth. I drove my father’s 1950 Dodge Coronet 4 door!
In 1977 I paid $75 for a 1966 VW bug. It had a rusty gas tank so I fashioned my own oversized fuel filter, which needed a new paper towel every hundred miles. Drove it 25k miles during 4 years of college…. and sold it for $75! Replaced it with a VW Diesel Rabbit which I kept until my life became and unending series of Minivans!
My first car was 1964 Ford Falcon. Baby Blue. V6 on the column. My favorite car was a Ford LTD, 1978. Great car.
1968 Ford Mustang, (fasback, red)
My first car was a 1970 Duster with a 340 and 4-speed trans. I was forced to sell it due to money problems. I miss that car to this day.
My first car was a 1984 AMC Pacer
In 1947 I was driving a DeSoto.
Started driving in 1966. The first car I actually owned was a 1972 Mercury Comet. It had
two doors, six cylinders, a bench seat, and a lousy fuel pump.
I bought my first car in 1954 from its original owner; it was a 1938 Chevrolet sedan and cost $75. There was a period in the “40’s” during WWII when the auto stopped producing cars while converting to military vehicles wheeled and tracked. Gasoline was rationed and rubber was not available. My first new car was a 1961 VW, it cost me $4000 when the US Army sent me to Germany in the Cold War period. I had to carry a Government requisition receipt in the event the Army needed it to evacuate family members to Atlantic ship crossing bports.
The first car I bought was a 1960, Chevrolet , Impala, 2 door convertible in 1965. A classic in any day and age. Unfortunately, I sold it in 1968 and have regretted it ever since. I now drive a 2004 Subaru Outback wagon and a 2018 Subaru Legacy sedan. Oh how I wish I had the 1960 Impala to drive in the Spring and Fall.
I started driving in 1958–in my parents’ Ford station wagon. After I was married in 1966, my husband and I lived in Japan for a year, so no car (public transportation only!). When we moved back to the US and lived in Maine, we had a VW bus/van. After our first child (of two) was born in (Connecticut), we had matching black and red cars: a VW Beetle and a small VW “station wagon.” Today, at age 80, I drive a silver/grey 2021 Toyota RAV-4, the third RAV-4 I’ve owned in the past 18 years.
My first new car was a basic 1983 Plymouth Colt with no radio, a/c or any other options. My second was a 1993 Dodge Colt. Those were all I could afford at the time. In 2005, I bought a silver Honda Odyssey. There were so many on the road. A few times I couldn’t find it in parking lots and even tried to unlock a few thinking it was mine. There were so many. I put a yellow rubber duck on the antenna to help me find it.
I started driving my dad’s 1953 dark green Ford convertible when I first got my license. As I recall, it had no power anything–brakes, steering, etc. To make a turn, you rolled down the window manually and gave hand signals. But the first car I owned was a Chevy Impala super sport 1964. Gorgeous! I think I paid around $2500, brand new. Too bad I didn’t keep it; it’s a real classic today.
First drove in 1970. First car was a 63 Pontiac Bonneville. Use to keep a VW Beetle in the trunk as a spare,(just kidding but heavens knows, the trunk was certainly big enough.)
I received my license in 1969 the first car was a 1964 Mustang convertible sky blue that was my husband for five years lol I love that car I brought it up my older sister who also loved it.????????????
My first car was a beautiful 1957 Studebaker Silver Hawk with a 6 cylinder 185 cid engine. Had a front grill which would still be stylish today. Great car which brought kudos every time I drove it.
Studebaker merged with Packard Motors in the mid 1950s and produced the silver and golden Hawk from 1956 to 1964.
My first car was a 57 Williys Jeep – my second was a van – third a Volvo P-1800S – fourth was a Opel Mantra a Jeep with a plow, a International PickUp, and a GTO (all at the same time) – fifth was a custom made Checker Marathon (still had the PickUp) – sixth was a Volvo 760 4 door sedan and aChevy PickUp – then I started leasing Camrys (plus I owned 3 Volvo P-1800s, a Rambler station wagon and the Chevy Pickup). Around my 2nd Camry I got rid of the Volvos, Ramber and Pickup and had a Dogde Corronet 440, a Super Beetle and a Jeep Wranger Sport. Around my 4th Camry I got rid of the Dodge and the Beetle and got a Hyundai Accent. Right now I have a the Hyundai, a Honda Accord, a Ford Ranger, a Fox body Mustang, a 70′ MGB, a 69′ Triumph Spitfire, and a 78′ Fiat 124 Spider. I guess they didn’t know what my first car was and only knew that I had a Camry for a bunch of years.
I started driving in 1963. Had a red hot Ford Falcon with black interior and bucket seats. Hot! Then went on to a 1968 beige Ford Mustang. LOVED that car.
Dated one guy with a yellow Corvette and one with a green Austen Healy Sprite.
Since then, I’ve matured. Had a Camry for 10 years, a Mazda RX-7 for 8, and for the past two decades, two New VW Beetles. My powder blue 2010 New Beetle is purring along beautifully and still getting tons of fond glances. 🙂
My first car was a 1928 Model A Ford Tudor sedan It was 50 years old when I made the purchase in 1978 when I was 17. I regret I sold it 20 years later to do a home remodel.
My first was a 1957 Plymouth Savoy, tail fins and all!
My first car was a 1965 chevy Belaire green with flat head 6 standard. One of the best cars I owned
You mean OHV inline 6!
1969 impala convertible…great times!!!!
My 1st car was my big sister’s Chevy II Nova Custom 2-door, light greenish tan (faded) with a light top (the custom part) radio, rubber floor mats, shift on the tree steering by “arm strong”. Think of the TV insurance ad where the teenage boy inherits his sisters car. I drove the car from from ’73 to ’80 and traded it in on a ’75 AMC Pacer (another story).
Started driving in 1960, one of the best cars I had was a 1964 Ford Fairlane 2 door hardtop 289 Hi pro engine 4 on the floor with a bench seat. Real nice set of wheels.
Happy to see the Baby Boomer generation represented!
I purchased my first car right after graduating from college. It was a 1969 Dodge Charger R/T. Talk about being spoiled for life. Of course gas was cheap then so I didn’t mind driving everywhere!
As far as a performance/muscle car, it was right up there with the best of them!
The first car I drove was my parents’ 1960 Studebaker Lark V8, three on the tree. When I was fifteen in 1967, I’d secretly steal it at night when the folks were away and drive around town. Never got caught. The first car I bought with my own money was a two-stroke 1960 Saab 93F in 1971. It had 110,000 miles on it and I drove it 10,000 more before selling it on — a decision I still regret.
Forget when we started driving, the 1st car I ever owned was in 1965 and it was a Silver 1959 Ford Thunderbird rag top. Cost all of $500.
I got my first car in 1972. It was an American Motors Ambassador. It was one of the best cars I ever had
Best car I bought was a Mitchubishi Lancer in 2001.It wa a 2002.Never had small problems with it ’til about 2-3 years ago.Always passed inspection.
My brother and I got our licenses in August of 1969, just before I returned to my Jr year in college. We took the test in Daddy’s Volkswagen station wagon. In 1972 my then-husband and I purchased a brand new yellow VW beetle with a loan from his father. He sold it to me afterwe divorced.
First car I drove was a 1950 Mercury. It was green heavy car but what power. When I graduated from college in 1960, I bought 1960 Austin Healey Sprite. It was red, I loved that car would like to drive one again. Still driving at 84and love to do so.
My first car was a ’65 Ford station wagon my aunt gave me because the engine was seized. My best friend had a ’69 Camaro with four on the floor and side pipes. He was hesitant when my mother wanted to take it for a spin. But of course she cut her teeth on “standard” transmissions. You should have seen his face when she took off down the street like Mario Andretti!
My first one in 1967 was a 1962 Austin Healy 2000 MKII.. gave it up when I went to VN cause my feance’s parents wouldn’t let her drive I.
First car was a 1965 Chevy Impala SS with 205,000 miles on the 283 engine. Ran that car up to 280,000 miles before I hit a curb and broke the frame. That was the end of that. Kept the oil changed and never had a problem with it. Great car – wish I had it back.
I got my license in 1959. My parents owned a1954 Ford stick shift 4 door sedan. The first car I owned was a Studebaker Lark. My first NEW car was a 66 Plymouth Valiant 2 door slant 6. My wife to be owned a 66 Pontiac Le Mans OHC 6! I would love to have the Le Mans now!!
My first car was a brand new 1973 Plymouth Satellite Sebring – $3000. I drove it 100 miles a day round-trip to my first job. I don’t recall it ever giving me any grief.
Some of us are old geezers!
I guess us seniors don’t count! In 1963 I got a red 1963 Chrysler 300 convertible with a white top and red leather interior and 360 HP! Also had push button transmission!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I must be the oldest guy reading. I got my drivers license in 1950 when I turned 16. I had to be satisfied driving my Dad’s Dodge Meadowbrook until I got my pharmacy degree in 1956 and bought a new 1956 Chevy 210 with automatic transmission and a V8 motor. Couple of years later I got picked up on the Meritt Parkway. The cop said I was doing 85, but I think it was over 90. I was late for work. At that time speeders in CT. were facing 30 to 60 day license suspensions. Had to hire a lawyer to plead my case to a lesser charge with just a fine. The real fine came when I got his bill. That’s where the big bucks went, but I did not get a license suspension and was able to continue driving to work at a more moderate speed, and get my wife from Bridgeport to Yale New Haven in the middle of the night to deliver our first son.
The best looking car in 1958 was the Chevy Impala Convertible. Got one in 1963. It had the 348 cc (Dump Truck Engine) 4 bbl carb and Turbo Fire Transmission.
I started driving in 1951, our family’s ’49 Merc. Wonderful car!
The first car I bought was a 1960 Hillman convertible. Perfect for my needs, and top down was magical. I sold it when I moved from Boston to Manhattan, where a car would be a parking liability and would be destroyed by the city’s streets.
My first car was a 1967 Pontiac Le Mans. Red with a black top. That car was so great.
My first car was a 1967 Impala coupe. I could pass anything but the gas pumps!
My first new car was a 1957 Chevy Belaire convertible. $2500. I should have wrapped it in plastic and stored it. It is now a classic for car buffs. However after one year all the rattles started. I traded it in for a full size 1958 Ford Fairlane 500 with a Thunderbird interseptor v8 engine. Big mistake. Was a piece of junk. Today’s cars are much better and last more than 1 year. Thanks to Toyota and the other Japan car companies.
Agree with the above comments. The best selling car of 1974 was the Ford Pinto. I learned to drive on an automatic AMC Rebel Station Wagon. We called it my Mom’s Tank. My first car was a 1975 Ford Mustang II with manual transmission.
Started driving in 1970 – a ’63 VW Beetle – lite green. Beetles were the thing among college freshmen at the time. I Paid $325 for the bug — used. Where did I get the money? I was a 17-year-old copy girl at the now-defunct Bridgeport (CT) Post-Telegram whose job was to run bets for the editors to the local Off-Track Betting Parlor. On one run, I decided to place a $2 bet on a horse whose name I liked. Sadly, I don’t remember the horse’s name but I do remember the nag coming in first and winning $300! Best $300 I ever earned.
Well my first car I drove was a Hupmobile. First car I owned was a 1953 Austin
Good to see some oldies (but goodies) . I got my license in
1953. My first fab car was a 1953 plymouth sedan. Hated it. I kept it for 2 years and then bought my dream car , A Dodge Corona with wings on the rear panels. Well wings were the in thing in the “olden days”
‘89 Honda Accord- the most perfect car I’ve ever driven. Stolen when it was 10 years old. High school friends had Cutlass Supreme- cool ride.
elizabeth i believe you are talking about the rambler hotel pink with wood paneling
My first car was 1961 or 1962 (I’m not sure which)Nash Rambler when I was a sophomore in college and I drove it for 6 years. Many happy trips!
Was that one with the lay down seats?
My first auto was a WV Beetle 1962.
I got my first car at the end of the summer in 1973. I waitressed all summer to save up. A 1970 Super Beatle, it was all mine and I loved it!
Here is a list that goes back further: https://www.rd.com/list/the-most-popular-car-the-year-you-were-born/
I like your list better. I love the older cars and I Started driving in 1973. 1st car was a 1964 Dodge Dart. Then into a 1968 Pontiac LeMans which was my favorite car.
1970 – A Toyota Corona
A Corona wagon was the first car I bought for myself – a 1973 model that I got in 1975. Great car, lots of cargo space and it was wonderful in the snow. I kept it for 10 years. The gentleman who bought it from me ( a colleague of my husband’s) had to keep it a lot longer than he’d expected to because his wife & daughter loved it so much! He finally sold it to an auto mechanic school, so it may still be out there somewhere…
My first car, 1957 White Oldsmobile Super 88 /Coupe, was purchased in June 1963 while serving in the Army. Five months later I was deployed to Germany and so my dad sold my great car. My first new car was a 1969 Buick Skylark.
My first car was a 56 Olds Super 88, blue and white. First new car 1963 Olds Cutlass convertible – loved that little car. My Mother had a 58 Plymouth Belvedere that I drove before these.
I purchased my first car from Reedman’s in PA in 1980. It was a 1974 Ford Maverick, a real POS.
I bought a used early 50’s Chevy in partnership with a friend in 1957. We lived in NYC on the Lower East Side. While driving south on the NJ Turnpike going on a date, the motor blew and we were stranded. First car I owned solely was a ’58 Pontiac which I bought from a salesman who was turning it in, in 1959. That was a great car……no power steering, no radio, no A/C virtually nothing but basics in those days.
My first car was the push button , wow I’m old, I can’t remember the name. It was pink and white and I loved it! Was 1968. I need some help here!
Me too Elizabeth ….. a white push button Edsel ….. not ‘pretty’, but better than learning to use a stick shift (-:
Dodge Dart had a push button transmission in 1968. I believe they had that type of transmission before ‘68. My boyfriend had a black dart with that transmission and I thought it was really cool.
I learned to drive on a Plymouth Valiant late 1960’s, but my first car was a hand me down 1965 Plymouth Fury. Both had push buttons and I am not talking about just the radio. My friends still talk about that. Loved both of those cars.
If you mean push-button-transmission it was a Chrysler product: Chrysler, Dodge, DeSoto, or Plymouth.
I’ve been a member of AAA since 1966, the year I began driving. 55 years ago. You left out those years because? Going back to the old days might make a difference if you expect us older drivers to continue purchasing your AAA services? We may be old, but we don’t forget. lol. BTW: This was meant to be sarcastic, but honestly, the most popular car in 1966 was the car we could afford. Chevy and Ford were the cars then. I drove a 1950 Chevy Deluxe 4 door, black with AM Radio and an air conditioner that stuck out the window and was powered by the wind.
I agree! I got my license in the mid-60’s, where are the cars from then?!
BTW, I learned to drive in my parents’ Ford Falcon. Back then, that was practically a subcompact. Also drove the family Fairlane when I was in college.
Jim G.
My first car (1967) was a 1964 Chevy Biscayne- 6 Cyl, 2-speed automatic. Indestructible. Now I have a 1968 Cadillac Coupe deVille convertible. Oh, what a car!
I replied a few minutes ago that I drove an Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme & was told I already replied so my comment was not submitted I DID NOT reply previously. What happened!!
I think mine was a 1974 (“dark pea green”…lol) Cutlass Supreme as well! What color was yours?! BTW Judy, stop replying so much!! He he he ;>)
My first car was a1966 VW Bug. Bought brand new for $1684.00. The car weighed 1684 pounds! One dollar a pound! A condition for the sale was that the salesman teach my wife to drive the stick shift. She learned quickly and drove our infant son in a baby carrier which she put behind the rear seat.
Let’s here it for the VW Bug!! Our ’65 hard top Mustang (a lemon, sad to say) was traded in for a ’69 VW Bug on my birthday in 1969. The strangest sensation leaving the lot – where was the front hood!?! When I could “officially” start to drive in 1975, I was FINALLY in the driver’s seat! There is no sound like a classic VW rear-engine Beetle 🙂
My first was a 1962 4 cylinder Pontiac Tempest gold convertible . Great for a 19 year old.
My first car was a new red 1970 Plymouth Duster. Same car, now in yellow, used in that insurance commercial with the Emu. Got 250,000 miles on that car in 11 years. It was even damaged once by a rhino in Florida’s drive-thru safari park. I left the dent in it and no one ever guessed the cause. Cost me only $2,480 because I talked the salesman down $20. Great memories.
1067-68 Ford Mustang
Great memories !
First car I owned was Yellow 66 Chevy Chevelle Three speed shift on the column. Then in 1973 I got a Toyota Corolla.
First car was a 1950 4dr Mercury with overdrive. Best car I had easy to maintain.
My 1st car was a 1941 Ford two door sedan with a 1948 Ford flat head. Shaved heads and other exhaust wonders of Smitty!
The most popular cars in 1952(year of license) were the 1949,1950 and 1951 Mercury’s. The 3 on the tree with overdrive was very impressive when passing a car at 70 and dropping it into 3rd as you go by. They are today much in demand by collectors as well as for reworking to rod status. Wonderful years of work hard and succeed.
What about us real old-timers, how about 1944?
1978? That is it!? The year I began driving is 1969. My first car was a 1969 Renault10. Obviously not popular. And, obviously, what I drove is beside the point. But really, 1978. I now drive hybrids.
I am in my 6th Toyota Prius. The first 3 were hybrids, the next 3 have been plug-ins. I am now impatiently waiting for a fully electric that will meet my needs.
The main problem up to now has been mileage limits per charge, number of charging stations and their locations, and price. Most of these things have been solved to a great extent, so now the main problem is finding the right car for me.
First car I bought was a brand new 1968 Plymouth Barracuda Fastback….yellow with a bumblebee black stripe along the sides. Great car. Those were the days !
Started driving on my mom’s Cutlass Supreme in 1983. Loved the smooth ride and heaviness of that car. Unfortunately it was stolen.
where are the 60s for us baby boomers?
I agree. Where are the boomer years??
1984 picked up the 83 Cutlass Supreme fully loaded. 1st duty station Naval Air Station MS. Paid too much for her, but loved that car.
Thanks for bringing that memory back on my birthday.
Right on, Kevin F.! I started driving in 1965 and got my first car in 1969. It had a hole in the floorboards for your feet and as you drove you had to shout, “Yabba-Dabba-Doo!” Seriously, it was a Fiat 850 Spyder, which was never on anyone’s Most Popular list. But it was new, and it was mine. Googling, it appears that sales figures before 1978 aren’t readily available, at least not to me. I did find an article that said the most popular car in 1965 was the Chevy Impala. The article didn’t list 1969, but in 1970 the winner was the Ford Galaxy. https://www.motortrend.com/features/six-decades-of-best-selling-cars/
Yes I recall 1965 Chevy impala was the best selling car in 1965
I agree with Kevin F. I was shocked to not see anything before 1978.
Must agree with Kevin F. Get back into the “Wayback Machine” and keeping going
What about us old-timers? 68 Pontiac
When I was 16 the car everyone was talking about was the “46” Ford. My first car was a “51” DeSoto I got in 1954.
You only go back to 1978?? You really don’t know your target demographic very well do you?
Agreed. I got my first car in 1969: a Mercury Comet. I now have a new hybrid Camry.
Agreed!
Agreed. My first car in 1969 was a Pontiac Firebird ! Awesomeness !!
So was mine! 1969 Pontiac Firebird convertible.
My first self bought car was the 1968 Firebird 400 convertible.
Loved the Hurst shifter.
Hi Kevin, thanks for reaching out! Sales numbers before 1978 are not readily available so that’s the year we started the list.
No sales records available pre-1978?? You guys need better researchers! You have my contact info – I can start tomorrow!
Thank you!
I had my first car in the 1960s. It was a hand me down. The first car I bought with my own money was in 1972. Why didn’t you go back as far as the 1960s?
i agree with Dale My first car was a 1965 Ford Mustand in 1969.
I agree wholeheartedly! 66 and 67 Ford Mustang
My official first car was a 1965 Ford Mustang! Gold color with air vents on the sides of the fastback style. It had a 273 cube engine with four barrel carb. Best time I ever had..
Sup with that. My first was my Dad’s 64 Olds Dynamic 88. Should of gone back to at least, 1960.
My first car I purchased was a 1968 Firebird in 1974. A large group of of Seniors are left out. You need to get your information from several sources not just one.
I agree also. My first car was a hand-me-down 1956 Plymouth.
Agreed
My first car (used) was a 1968 Mercury Monterey which which only lasted 3 days back in 1978.
1957 Ford Fairlane convertible, first driven by me in 1960. She was my good friend for 6 more years.
The Toyota Camry has been above and beyond the best vehicle in my 50 years of driving. That includes owning several “luxury” models. Nothing else comes close .
i have now my fifth Toyota. but 2019 has a recall on the low pressure fuel pump . did not expect this:(.
I took a chance on the first year Taurus (1986). And not just any Taurus but the MT-5. I wanted a sports sedan and got one. Five speed manual gearbox and a tweaked suspension. The MT-5 was only available with a 2.5 L engine but the gearbox ratios were so well planned it gave V6 performance. And the kicker: I put 300,000 miles on it. No lie.
Was it the SHO trim of the Taurus? Definitely a sleeper with more performance than it looked like it should have.
My first car was a 1937 Hudson terraplane convertible and I wish I still had it. I have had many cars since 1957, but few as memorable as that one.
Drove the Ford Taurus sister marque Mercury Sable. The car was comfortable, fuel efficient and very reliable. Not one repair in seven years of ownership.
You didn’t go back far enough! I started driving in 1969! At that time my mother had a 66 or 67 Plymouth Fury I.
I agree. I started driving in 1969 and my dad had one of the most popular cars of the day – Ford Mustang. When I got my own car in 1970 it was a 1968 Oldsmobile Cutlass. Red with black vinyl roof and white “leatherette” interior. It was one sharp looking car!
My first was a 57 Wills Jeep
The year was 1952. The car of interest was the 1950 and 51 ford with 2 tones of black and off green (Crestline) I had a hankering for the 1940 Ford with a souped up flat head but settled for a 1941 Ford 2 door sedan with 1949 Merc engine and a Belond equaflo dual exhaust system. GOOD TIMES!!!
You did not go back far enough. I started driving in 1958, I think, and at that time my father had a swept wing Dodge, which floated around in wind and rain.
The Year 1963 The car a 1957 turquoise/white Ford Fairlane convertable SWEET INDEED
My boyfriend had a ‘55 Chevy Bel Air in turquoise and white. It was 1957. Great fun going to the beach w a gang of kids!
You didn’t go back far enough. I started driving in 1965. My mother’s 1956 Buick. The best selling car was the Ford Mustang.
AMC Gremlin. Finest vehicle to ever grace road or highway . . .
You didn’t go back far enough! I started driving in 1958! 1953 Chevrolet.
Took my first legal drive in 1969, in a Peugeot 404 station wagon. But I was driving in parking lots and the like, even operating the manual transmission, in the ’57 Chevy wagon, as early as 1962.