incomes did not. Also shown is the price of a "constant-equipped" car, often called a 1967-comparable car. (Consumers cannot typically buy a 1967 constant-equipped new car, but the figure provides an estimate of what it would cost.) The third price shown is the price for a constant-equipped car, but with the cost of the emissions and safety equipment that has been required over time added on. The price of 1967-comparable cars has dropped significantly over the past two decades, even including mandated emissions and safety equipment. But consumers have chosen to spend more and more on their vehicles. 2 Although some of the increase in expenditure may have been to attain additional fuel economy, undoubtedly much of it was to purchase greater performance, quality, and comfort.