Here’s What Old Gas Prices Looked Like When Adjusted For Inflation: COTD

It seems everyone is feeling a crunch right now, be it the cost of housing, groceries, healthcare, or computer components. For many people, the price of gasoline is a hugely visible change, even if it might be a smaller fraction of their expenses. But what do today’s gas prices look like compared to the gas prices of the past, when adjusted for inflation?

Matt wrote a Morning Dump that included a story about how the national average gas price for the United States hit $4.00 per gallon on March 30. One reader said that gas prices were even higher between 2010 and 2015 when you account for inflation. So, another reader looked up the data and adjusted for inflation. *Jason*:

Need to go back a bit before 2010 if we are looking for inflation adjusted gas prices over $4 a gallon (2nd column is nominal price / second is adjusted to 2026)

2005 $2.30 $ 3.92
2006 $ 2.59 $ 4.26
2007 $ 2.80 $ 4.50
2008 $ 3.27 $ 5.05
2009 $ 2.35 $ 3.62
2010 $ 2.79 $ 4.21
2011 $ 3.53 $ 5.21
2012 $ 3.64 $ 5.22
2013 $ 3.53 $ 4.97
2014 $ 3.37 $ 4.69
2015 $ 2.45 $ 3.41
2016 $ 2.14 $ 2.95

Why did Bush let gas prices get to $5 a gallon? How did Obama drop them down to $2.95 a gallon by his last year in office? Maybe presidents don’t actually control gas prices. (Outside of starting a war).

Depending on the source you use, the national average for a given year might be slightly different, but close to what *Jason* posted. Of course, monthly averages are higher or lower. In July 2008, for example, the national average peaked at $5.10 per gallon, which equates to $7.58 in 2026. Ouch!

Now, a palette cleanser! Palmetto Ranger:

I want to go ahead and apologize to everyone because there always seems to be an auto industry crisis when I buy a new car. I got a great deal on an EV a month ago and gas prices immediately started going through the roof. This was my first time in the market since December 2019, right before COVID decimated the auto industry. I will try to give everyone a heads up the next time I am car shopping so you can all prepare for whatever crisis is about to hit.

Jason wrote about a car with a human skin-like interior. DialMforMiata:

Suddenly, that Dartz whale penis interior doesn’t seem so bad anymore.

Timbales:

…and that was the last time an automaker decided to collaborate with David Cronenberg

Arch Duke Maxyenko:

The nipple placement is insane.

DialMforMiata:

The nipple is also helpful in determining how cold it is inside the car.

Brian wrote about how the Jeep Gladiator has a manual transmission again. Let Rob D bring you back down to Earth:

I have a Gladiator with a stick. You are not missing anything. I get the the gearing was set up for efficiency, not speed or acceleration. The engine revs are too low at 65mph and the aerodynamic resistance increases at a higher rate than the engine builds power until you are at 80-85mph.

The ratios are terrible for anything short of flat ground and no wind. Even the hills on the Mass Turnpike require down shifts to 5th. At highway speeds, 6th-4th are each about 500rpm’s apart, and then 3rd is a huge 1500rpm jump. Add a 2500lb(dry) camper and you are in 4th gear most of the time. If you do get the manual, regear right to get 6th down to 5th.

When I bought it I thought the Gladiator would be like my CJ8 Scrambler compared to a CJ7. The comparison is wrong. The Gladiator is not a Wrangler with a bed, it is a small pick up that looks like a Wrangler.

The 8 speed is a great combo with the 6cyl.

But I do love being able to run to the lumber yard with the top down…

Have a great evening, everyone!

Topshot image graphic: David Tracy