1. 1920s: The Dawn of the Automobile
In the 1920s, the United States witnessed a surge in automobile ownership, with the Ford Model T making cars accessible to the masses. During this era, gasoline prices averaged between 21 to 30 cents per gallon. Adjusted for inflation, this equates to approximately $2.41 to $3.45 per gallon in today’s dollars. (massinitiative.org) This period marked a significant shift in transportation, laying the foundation for modern car culture.



