13 Auto Trends That Died with the ’90s
A nostalgic look at automotive trends that were huge in the '90s but have disappeared over time.
- Daisy Montero
- 3 min read
The ’90s had some unforgettable car trends, but not all of them lasted. Pop-up headlights looked cool but did not meet modern safety rules. Some trends bring back great memories, while others are better left in the past.
1. Pop-Up Headlights
Phil_Parker on Wikimedia Commons
Pop-up headlights gave cars a sleek, futuristic look. Safety regulations and design changes made them disappear. Now, they are a beloved feature of classic cars but not found in modern vehicles.
2. Neon Underglow
Zach Catanzareti Photo on Wikimedia Commons
Neon lights under cars made vehicles stand out, especially at night. However, laws and changing trends dimmed their popularity. Today, neon lights are mostly seen in movies or car shows.
3. Cassette Decks
DanTD on Wikimedia Commons
Cassette decks were a must-have for playing mixtapes on the road. CDs and digital music pushed them aside. Now, they are a rare find in modern cars.
4. Huge Spoilers
d30visuals on Pexels
Oversized spoilers were all about style and making a statement. Most cars did not need them and often added more flash than function. These days subtler designs have taken over.
5. Bouncing Lowriders
Kaique Rocha on Pexels
Lowriders with hydraulic suspensions could bounce high off the ground. They were a staple in car culture, but regulations and shifting styles made them less common. Today, they are mostly seen in specialized car clubs.
6. Fluffy Steering Wheel Covers
Charlie Brewer on Wikimedia Commons
These oversized, fuzzy covers were all about comfort and style. Over time, sleeker designs and better grip materials replaced them. Now, they are mostly a throwback novelty.
7. Chrome Everything
Xabi Rome-Hérault on Wikimedia Commons
Chrome trim, handles, and bumpers made cars shine. Modern designs favor matte and painted finishes instead. While some vintage cars still rock chrome, it is far less common today.
8. Two-Door SUVs
Spanish Coches on Wikimedia Commons
SUVs used to come in compact two-door models. Over time, people wanted more space, and four-door versions took over. Now, two-door SUVs are rare outside of off-road models.
9. Analog Clocks on Dashboards
Michael Sheehan on Wikimedia Commons
Analog clocks gave car interiors a touch of class, but digital displays and touchscreens have replaced them. These days, they are mostly found in high-end luxury cars.
10. Wood Paneling on Station Wagons
dave_7 on Wikimedia Commons
The faux-wood paneling trend made station wagons stand out, giving them a unique, family-friendly look. Over time, sleeker designs and new materials took over, leaving wood paneling behind. Today, it is a retro design choice, mostly seen on restored classics.
11. Wild Body Kits
Chinesekid05 on Wikimedia Commons
Car enthusiasts in the ’90s loved adding oversized bumpers, vents, and flared fenders. While they gave cars an aggressive look, they often made them less practical. These days, cleaner, more aerodynamic designs are the norm, leaving extreme body kits in the past.
12. Car Phones
Terry Robinson on Wikimedia Commons
Before smartphones, having a car phone was a sign of luxury and convenience. These built-in devices were clunky and expensive, but they made drivers feel like high-powered executives. Once cell phones became affordable and portable, car phones faded away.
13. Manual Window Cranks
Wesha on Wikimedia Commons
Rolling down windows used to require an arm workout before power windows became standard. Manual cranks were simple and reliable, but convenience eventually won out. Now, they are mostly found in older models or budget-friendly vehicles.