Now, however, vehicles are costing more and lasting longer than ever.
Hasbro's vehicles cost $8 to $10 each, and this week they will be available nationwide.
Electric car technology is primitive: tiny vehicles with a range of 150 miles costing over $35,000.
Certified pre-owned vehicles cost more than traditional used cars for a variety of reasons.
The vehicle is expected to go into production in 2014 and will cost in excess of £100,000.
At such prices, though, the vehicles being marketed to younger drivers cost far more than the classic first cars of the past.
Each new vehicle will cost about $325,000, or $50,000 more than ordinary diesels.
It does not hurt their appeal that these vehicles cost less than most luxury cars.
Although most fall in the $50,000 to $95,000 range, according to the association, luxuriously customized vehicles can cost $700,000 or more.
Each vehicle possessed 65 carbon fiber panels and cost $250,000 to build.