I had a 1990 Ford Taurus as my first car. I had got it used and I remember it being completely impossible to afford a new car at the time.

It was sticker price of $33,000 adjusted for inflation:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Taurus_%28second_generati...

I don't think it would even feel safe to drive at all compared to what we have got use to with modern cars. It broke down 3 times while I had it and stranded me on the road. No cell phone of course to call anyone.

These were the mythic "good ol days".

A few generations ago almost nobody could afford a car, now many low income families afford two.

Maybe cars are not cheaper, just easier to finance due to the modern credit systems?