15 ’90s Car Customization Trends That Are Obsolete
These popular ’90s car mods once turned heads but have since stalled out of style.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
In the ’90s, car customization hit a high note. Drivers were eager to personalize everything; from wheels to windshields. These trends ruled garages across the country. Today, most are considered outdated or impractical.
1. Underglow Neon Lights
Julius Weidenauer on Pexels
Glowing green or blue beneath the chassis, these lights made cars look like they hovered. Common in street racing scenes, they were flashy but drew unwanted attention.
2. Oversized Aluminum Spoilers
Ditto-kun on DeviantArt
Towering rear wings became synonymous with speed, even when installed on base-model sedans. They offered little aerodynamic benefit but plenty of attitude.
3. Euro-Style Clear Tail Lights
marilynstark on Flickr
Swapping factory reds for clear or smoked housings was all the rage. Inspired by imports, they gave cars a custom look without major changes.
4. Hood Bra Covers
Specious on Wikimedia Commons
These vinyl protectors were meant to shield the front end from debris and chips. Over time, they trapped moisture and faded into an eyesore.
5. Body Kits with Wide Skirts
Tommy Wong on Flickr
Bolt-on kits added aggressive bumpers and side skirts, often with awkward panel gaps. Fiberglass construction made them fragile and difficult to fit properly.
6. Lambo Door Conversions
Vertical Doors on Flickr
Vertical door hinges brought exotic flair to everyday rides. While eye-catching at shows, they were impractical and often squeaky.
7. Colored Windshield Wiper LEDs
Bill Abbott on Flickr
Flashing wipers lit up with every swipe — pure novelty in motion. Seen mostly at night, they offered zero functional value. Thankfully, they blinked out of existence quickly.
8. Giant Subwoofer Boxes
Mark Doliner on Flickr
Taking up entire trunks, these setups prioritized bass over storage. While impressive in sound competitions, they added weight and rattles. Compact, integrated sound systems have since taken over.
9. Vinyl Flame Graphics
Paul on Flickr
Nothing said “fast” like airbrushed flames licking across hoods and fenders. These loud decals were once a badge of DIY pride.
10. Fake Hood Scoops
dave_7 on Flickr
Stuck on with tape or glue, these non-functional scoops aimed to mimic muscle cars. Most fell off after a few months or warped in the sun.
11. Chrome Fender Trims
Cars Down Under on Flickr
Applied around wheel arches, these shiny strips added “luxury” to any car. In reality, they often rusted or peeled over time. Modern trims use color-matched plastics or are deleted altogether.
12. Tilt Steering Wheel Swaps
guyfromlargo on Flickr
Drivers loved aftermarket tilt wheels for a race-ready look. However, many lacked airbags and compromised safety. Steering upgrades today focus on ergonomics and tech, not tilt and style.
13. Chain-Link Steering Wheels
kwickramasekara on Wikimedia Commons
Heavy and uncomfortable, these chrome chain wheels prioritized flash over function. Popular in lowrider builds, they became a cliché.
14. Window Stickers (Tribal, “No Fear”, Etc.)
Matheus Bertelli on Pexels
Back windows were once covered with slogans, logos, or tribal designs. These stickers aged poorly and screamed ‘90s bravado. Clean glass is the new trend.
15. Colored Windshield Visor Tints
howderfamily on Flickr
Blue or green bands stretched across the top of windshields for added sun-blocking and style. They clashed with factory tints and often bubbled or faded.