15 ’90s Car Features That Have Vanished
Explore 15 iconic car features from the 1990s that have quietly disappeared from the roads.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
The ’90s brought innovation and style to cars. Many features from that era felt cutting-edge. Now, they seem like distant memories. As technology and tastes evolved, these once-common car traits faded into history.
1. Manual Window Cranks
cottonbro studio on Pexels
Before every vehicle came with power windows, hand-cranked windows were the norm. They were simple, dependable, and gave your biceps a little workout. While functional, they lacked the convenience modern drivers expect.
2. In-Dash CD Changers
Zuzu on Wikimedia Commons
Having a built-in CD changer felt luxurious, especially if it could hold 6 or more discs. Located in the dash or trunk, it let you shuffle through albums without carrying cases. As MP3s and streaming took over, physical discs lost their place.
3. Cigarette Lighters & Ashtrays
Vauxford on Wikimedia Commons
Almost every ’90s car came with a cigarette lighter and a built-in ashtray. Smoking in cars was socially accepted, even encouraged with those accessories. As smoking declined, these vanished in favor of USB ports.
4. Pull-Out Cup Holders
Ballista on Wikimedia Commons
These flimsy contraptions slid out from the dashboard or glove compartment. They were notorious for spilling drinks if you took a sharp turn. While innovative for the time, they lacked durability.
5. Cassette Tape Decks
M.rJirapat on Wikimedia Commons
Even though CDs were gaining traction, cassette decks still ruled the early ’90s. They were perfect for mix tapes and radio recordings. Sadly, they wore out easily, and tapes jammed often.
6. Antitheft Detachable Stereo Faces
AdmlCrunch on Flickr
To deter thieves, stereos with removable faceplates became wildly popular. You’d pop the face off and carry it with you like a badge of honor. While clever, it became a hassle and wasn’t very stylish.
7. Flip-Up Headlights
RITESH SINGH on Pexels
These sleek, retractable lights added a futuristic flair to many sports cars. They were cool to watch but prone to motor failures. Some models even suffered from the dreaded “headlight wink.”
8. Cloth Interiors with Bold Patterns
Dave Messina on Flickr
Wild, colorful fabric interiors were a staple in the ’90s, often featuring geometric or abstract patterns. They gave each car a bit of personality and flair. Over time, they faded and stained easily.
9. Rear-Facing Third-Row Seats in Wagons
CZmarlin on Wikimedia Commons
Station wagons often featured quirky third-row seats that faced backward. Kids loved waving at cars behind them while parents enjoyed the extra space. However, safety concerns and the popularity of SUVs led to their extinction.
10. Automatic Seatbelts
Santeri Viinamäki on Wikimedia Commons
These “self-moving” seatbelts slid into place when you shut the door. Though intended to boost safety, they often malfunctioned and annoyed passengers.
11. Pop-Out Vent Windows
artistmac on Flickr
Small triangle-shaped windows could be opened for added airflow without cracking the main window. They were great for ventilation on road trips. However, they added manufacturing complexity and often leaked.
12. Keyless Entry Remotes with Giant Fobs
RawPixel
Early keyless remotes were bulky, with oversized buttons and minimal range. Still, they felt cutting-edge in their day. As tech advanced, they became slimmer and smarter.
13. Built-In Car Phones
Yoh-Plus on Wikimedia Commons
Long before smartphones, luxury cars had wired phones mounted in the center console. They screamed prestige but were expensive and had poor call quality. With mobile phone advances, they became laughably outdated.
14. Analog Odometers with Rolling Numbers
Downtowngal on Wikimedia Commons
These mechanical dials clicked over as miles ticked by, and resetting them was a criminal art. They had a tactile charm but lacked precision. Digital dashboards phased them out by the early 2000s.
15. Glovebox Maps and Atlas Holders
King Huang on Wikimedia Commons
Every glove compartment held at least one crumpled road atlas or fold-out map. Navigating cross-country trips relied on highlighter lines and careful page-turning. GPS tech made them completely redundant.