U.S. Department of Energy - Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Vehicle Technologies Office

Fact #567: April 20, 2009
Cars are Growing Older

The median age of cars continues to grow in 2008 while the median age of light trucks has remained fairly constant over the last ten years. The average age for all trucks, which includes heavy trucks, has not changed much over the last 20 years. In 1988 and 1978, the median age of trucks was higher than cars.

Median Age of Vehicles, 1978, 1988, 1998, and 2008
Graph showing the median age of cars and light trucks in 1978 and 1988 and the median age of cars, light trucks, and all trucks in 1998 and 2008. The median age of cars has increased over the subject years. For more detailed information, see the table below.

Supporting Information

Median Age of Vehicles, 1978, 1988, 1998, and 2008 (Years)
Year Cars All Trucks Light Trucks
1978 5.7 5.8 Not Available
1988 6.8 7.1 Not Available
1998 8.3 7.1 7.6
2008 9.4 7.5 7.6

R.L Polk news release.

 

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