15 ’80s Car Dashboard Features That Are No Longer Made
In the 1980s, automakers pushed the boundaries of dashboard design, blending analog mechanics with early digital innovation. Many of the features that once defined the era have been replaced, redesigned, or forgotten entirely.
- Tricia Quitales
- 5 min read
The dashboards of 1980s vehicles were packed with features that reflected the design trends and tech ambitions of that era. Many of these elements were futuristic for their time, yet they have since vanished from modern car interiors. Some were phased out for safety or efficiency, while others simply lost their relevance. Looking back, these dashboard features offer a fascinating glimpse into the automotive mindset of the ’80s.
1. Digital Speedometers with LED Displays
Digital Buggu on Pexels
Digital speedometers were all the rage in the 1980s, often using bright red or green LED numbers. They gave a sci-fi look to the dashboard that felt cutting-edge at the time. However, many drivers found them harder to read at a glance compared to analog dials. They also tended to malfunction more frequently. Modern digital displays are now smoother, more integrated, and less flashy.
2. Voice Alert Systems
M&W Studios on pexels
Some ’80s cars featured voice alerts that issued spoken warnings like “door is ajar” or “fuel level is low.” These systems aimed to improve safety through auditory cues. Over time, drivers found them more annoying than helpful. They also added to the car’s complexity without significant benefit. Most manufacturers have shifted to simple chimes and visual alerts instead.
3. Graphic Equalizer Panels
Ksenia Kartasheva on Pexels
Integrated graphic equalizers allowed drivers to customize audio settings with physical sliders. These flashy panels were often illuminated and placed prominently on the dash. While they looked cool, they could be distracting and overly complicated. Audio systems today offer simple digital controls through touchscreens. The physical equalizer has mostly vanished from modern interiors.
4. Mechanical Flip Clocks
Alpha En on Pexels
Before digital clocks became standard, many dashboards featured mechanical flip clocks. These devices had rotating number plates that clicked into place with each minute. They were charming but not always accurate and could wear out quickly. Eventually, quartz and digital clocks replaced them for reliability. Today, they are more of a novelty than a useful feature.
5. Vacuum Fluorescent Displays (VFDs)
Retired electrician on Wikimedia
VFDs were used for everything from speed readouts to climate control indicators. Their glowing blue-green light was distinctive and futuristic. However, they faded over time and were sensitive to temperature changes. Modern LCD and OLED screens now offer clearer and more durable options. VFDs are rarely seen in current vehicles.
6. Toggle Switch Climate Controls
Gustavo Guedes on Pexels
Climate control systems in the 1980s often used simple toggle switches. These switches controlled air direction, temperature, and fan speed manually. While functional, they lacked precision and visual clarity. Modern systems now use digital displays or rotary dials for better feedback. The old toggles are mostly gone except in vintage models.
7. Tachometers with Colored Bands
Juan Montes on Pexels
Some performance cars had tachometers with vibrant color-coded bands to indicate RPM ranges. These added a sporty look and helped drivers shift at the right time. However, they were often more style than substance. Today’s dashboards display RPMs digitally or with sleeker analog gauges. The colorful bands have mostly disappeared.
8. Trip Computers with Button Panels
Mike Bird on pexels
Early trip computers allowed drivers to monitor fuel efficiency, distance traveled, and average speed. These systems were controlled by a row of tactile buttons. Though advanced for their time, they lacked real-time integration and user-friendliness. Modern infotainment systems now handle this data effortlessly. The old-style trip computer has become obsolete.
9. Retractable Radio Antenna Controls
Leon Kohle on Pexels
Some cars included a dashboard button to manually raise or lower the radio antenna. It added a sense of control and flair to tuning into FM stations. Unfortunately, these mechanisms often failed or got stuck. Fixed or shark-fin antennas have replaced them with more durability and less maintenance. The control button is now a relic of the past.
10. Dashboard Cigarette Lighters
G. Jau on Pexels
Cigarette lighters were built into dashboards and doubled as power sources. Most also included a removable lighter coil for actual use. As smoking declined and USB charging became standard, these lighters faded out. Today, the socket remains only as a 12-volt outlet in many vehicles. The lighter itself is rarely included anymore.
11. Analog Bar Graph Gauges
cottonbro studio on pexels
Some vehicles featured bar graph gauges for fuel, temperature, or oil pressure. These horizontal or vertical bars moved incrementally with readings. Though eye-catching, they lacked the precision of needle-based indicators. Modern designs favor digital numbers or traditional dials for clarity. The bar graph style has quietly exited dashboard designs.
12. Integrated Car Phones
Borys Zaitsev on pexels
Luxury models sometimes came with built-in car phones mounted near the dashboard. These bulky phones had separate controls and displays integrated into the interior. They offered limited coverage and were costly to operate. Cell phones quickly made them obsolete by the early ’90s. Now, they are more of a conversation piece than a useful tool.
13. Slide-Lever Vent Controls
Craig Adderley on pexels
Before rotary knobs became standard, many dashboards used horizontal sliders to control airflow. These sliders were often stiff and imprecise. While visually straightforward, they could be hard to use while driving. Rotary dials and digital climate systems have now taken over. Slide levers are a thing of the past.
14. Economy Mode Indicators
Nathan J Hilton on Pexels
Some dashboards featured economy lights or gauges that showed when you were driving efficiently. The idea was to encourage better fuel habits by offering real-time feedback. These indicators were often vague and not tied to real data. Today’s vehicles use more advanced systems that track efficiency with detailed stats. The original economy light has faded from view.
15. Customizable Backlit Panels
Erik Mclean on Pexels
A few high-end ’80s cars let drivers adjust the dashboard lighting color or intensity. It added a touch of luxury and personalization to night driving. However, the systems were limited and not always reliable. Now, ambient lighting is more sophisticated and integrated. The early versions feel primitive by comparison.