14 ’80s Car Rental Trends That Are Long Gone
Renting a car in the 1980s was a very different experience from what travelers are used to today. Many of the systems and habits that once defined the rental world have disappeared in favor of digital efficiency and modernized fleets.
- Tricia Quitales
- 5 min read
The car rental experience in the 1980s was full of distinct practices that reflected the era’s technology, customer expectations, and business strategies. Many of these trends once defined travel and mobility, yet today they seem completely outdated. From paperwork-heavy reservations to vehicles without modern amenities, these practices are no longer part of the rental landscape. Looking back at these trends offers insight into how far the car rental industry has evolved in both convenience and customer experience.
1. Paper Contracts and Carbon Copies
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In the ’80s, renting a car meant filling out long paper contracts by hand. Agents used carbon copy forms that created multiple duplicates for various departments. This process was time-consuming and left little room for last-minute changes. Errors were common and difficult to correct on the spot. Digital rentals have now made the old paper method completely obsolete.
2. No Online Reservations
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Before the internet, travelers had to reserve cars by phone or in person. There were no websites, apps, or email confirmations to make things easier. Customers relied on brochures or travel agents to find rates and vehicle availability. Plans had to be made well in advance, with little flexibility. Online booking has completely changed the game.
3. Limited Vehicle Choices
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Rental lots in the 1980s typically carried only a few models per class. Most options included economy sedans, compact cars, and the occasional station wagon. Luxury cars and SUVs were rarely offered, if at all. The variety was limited, and customers had fewer upgrade opportunities. Today’s fleets offer more specialized options across all categories.
4. Smoking Cars by Default
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Smoking was allowed in most rental cars during the ’80s and was not considered unusual. Cars often came with ashtrays and cigarette lighters built in. Non-smoking cars were rare or required special requests. The result was often lingering odors for the next renter. Modern policies have reversed this entirely, with smoking bans now standard.
5. No GPS Navigation Systems
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Back then, rental cars did not come with any sort of navigation assistance. Travelers relied on printed maps, road atlases, or asking for directions. Getting lost was a common part of road trips. In-car GPS units did not become available until the late ’90s. Today, GPS and smartphone compatibility are often expected features.
6. Manual Window Cranks and Locks
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Power windows and central locking were still optional in many cars during the 1980s. As a result, rental vehicles often came with manual cranks and key-only door locks. These features added to the effort of daily use. Today, nearly all rental vehicles offer power features as a standard. Manual controls have disappeared from rental fleets.
7. Mileage Limits and Extra Charges
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Many rental agreements in the ’80s included strict mileage limits. Exceeding the limit resulted in extra charges that added up quickly. This often restricted how far travelers could comfortably explore. Unlimited mileage has now become a common offering. The old mileage caps are mostly gone.
8. Rental Cars with Cassette Players
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Entertainment options in ’80s rentals were limited to AM/FM radios and sometimes a cassette player. Travelers brought their own mixtapes or listened to local radio stations. There was no option for streaming or USB connectivity. Today’s vehicles offer Bluetooth, satellite radio, and media ports. The cassette era is officially over.
9. High Deposit Requirements
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Renters were often required to leave large cash deposits or provide a major credit card with a high limit. This practice protected agencies from vehicle damage or theft. It created barriers for travelers who lacked credit access. Modern systems use pre-authorization holds and electronic verification. High upfront deposits are now rare.
10. Unbranded or Independent Rental Agencies
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Independent car rental companies were more common in the ’80s, often operating out of small airport lots or strip malls. These companies had less standardized service and vehicle quality. While some offered lower rates, consistency was often lacking. Larger brands now dominate the market with more regulated practices. Many smaller players have disappeared or merged.
11. Manual Transmission Cars
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Manual transmission cars were frequently included in rental fleets, especially in economy classes. Renters were expected to know how to drive them or request automatic for a premium. Automatic transmissions were not yet the standard in many regions. Now, most rental fleets consist almost entirely of automatics. Manuals have nearly vanished from mainstream rental agencies.
12. Physical Car Keys with Separate Trunk Locks
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Car keys in the 1980s were simple metal blades, often requiring a separate key to unlock the trunk. This added an extra step to loading luggage or groceries. Modern smart keys combine all access into one device. Today’s key fobs also offer remote entry and ignition. The old double-key system has been left behind.
13. No Airport Pickup Shuttles
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Airport rental counters were often located offsite, with no organized shuttle services. Travelers had to walk or rely on taxis to get to their car pickup location. This added delays and confusion after a long flight. Today, most rental providers offer on-site service or reliable shuttle transport. Convenience has improved significantly since then.
14. Handwritten Vehicle Inspection Forms
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Upon return, renters and agents would walk around the car filling out inspection checklists by hand. Disputes over damage or scratches were common, with little photographic evidence. Everything relied on trust and personal judgment. Digital documentation and photo records are now standard. The handwritten method is no longer used by major rental companies.