It is great to see how cars have innovated and improved over every generations, but one drawback in better cars is the harsh price. For 20  years, consumers have seen a price increase in well-known cars like the Honda Accord, Chevy Suburban, Ford Mustang and F150. New features like safety technology, hybrid efficiency, build quality and navigation systems have been the major causes for increased value.

*Price data was resourced from Car and Driver

Honda Accord: A reliable role model

1985 (base price): $8,845

2015 (base price): $22,925

Overview: It has been a top 10 best for Car and Driver for 29 years, the sensei for long lasting reliability but most of all, a vehicle that is practical for everyone. The price is fair right now for all of its new safety features, but seeing the price from ‘85 makes you think it’s the used value.

Chevrolet Suburban: Neighborhood ocean liner

1985 (base price) – $23,991

2015 (base price) – $49,445

Overview: The yacht on wheels has increased in value with new high tech features, more space, power, class and the availability of built in WiFi.

Ford Mustang: The muscle car that claims it is not on steroids.

1985 (base price) – $15,437

2015 (base price) – $32,925

Overview: Everyone’s favorite muscle car has increased power and advertised that it can also be more fuel efficient, even with good performance. Even though the car lost two cylinders does not mean it needs to be more expensive.

Ford F150: A powerhouse green geek

2001 (base price) – $26,755

2015 (base price) – $30,675

Overview: Jammed packed with new features that can burn your money as quick as the fuel in the towing king of pickup trucks. Even with EcoBoost technology, the efficiency does not match it expensive price.

My 2003 Chevy Impala SS was originally priced at $32,000 when brand new. As of right now, a 2015 Chevrolet Impala LT (SS and LS are discontinued version names) is at a current base price of $29,785. At first, I was surprised to see the current price depreciate until I saw the specifications for the old and new version of the Impala and found the reason. Most of the features in both year models are similar, but the power train is what makes the difference. The new Impala does not have as big of an engine as the old one and plus it uses more light weight material compared to the 03 version making the value decrease in a fair way. My SS model also has a lot of sporting mechanics that made the value more expensive.