16 Forgotten ’90s Auto Accessories That Are History
Explore 16 auto accessories from the 1990s that once filled every car but have since vanished from the modern driving experience.
- Chris Graciano
- 4 min read
The 1990s were filled with odd car accessories. From cell phone mounts to cassette tape organizers, these items were once required for every driver. As cars became smarter and sleeker, they slowly faded away.
1. Cassette Tape Organizers
MattPilz on Wikimedia Commons
Mounted to visors or center consoles, these holders kept your favorite mixtapes neatly in reach. They came in leather, plastic, or even chrome designs.
2. Car Phone Cradles (Wired Models)
Charles Wiriawan on Flickr
Oversized and clunky, these holders were made for early mobile phones that looked more like bricks. They were hardwired into the dashboard for charging and signaling.
3. Dashboard Compasses
PxHere
Before GPS, these little spinning compasses were stuck to the dash or windshield with suction cups. They were notoriously unreliable when cars turned or tilted. Still, they gave drivers a sense of direction — sort of.
4. Velcro Radar Detectors
Dave Taylor on Flickr
Radar detectors sat on the dash, held in place by Velcro pads or suction mounts. Drivers swore by them to avoid speeding tickets. As police tech evolved, many became ineffective or illegal.
5. Neon Light Tubes
Erik Mclean on Pexels
Colorful underglow kits lit up car bottoms with red, blue, or green hues. They were all the rage in tuner culture and night cruises. Legal in some places and banned in others, they’ve mostly vanished.
6. Flip-Down Sun Visor CD Holders
Bindydad123 on Wikimedia Commons
These strap-on sleeves held up to a dozen CDs, ready for road trip playlists. They often drooped or blocked vision but were widely used. With music now stored on phones, these bulky holders are gone.
7. Tweed Seat Covers
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Popular for their “upscale” look, tweed covers came in brown, grey, or blue plaid patterns. They were scratchy but durable. Unfortunately, they trapped heat and weren’t easy to clean.
8. Window-Mounted Bug Deflectors
SsmIntrigue on Wikimedia Commons
Attached to side windows, these plastic shields reduced wind noise and kept rain out when windows were cracked. They were practical, but often broke or yellowed with time.
9. Clip-On Cup Holders
Ballista on Wikimedia Commons
Before cup holders became standard, drivers clipped plastic versions to doors or vents. They spilled easily and couldn’t hold larger drinks. It was a temporary fix for a widespread issue.
10. Trunk-Mounted Boom Boxes
Mark Doliner on Flickr
For the car audio crowd, mounting a giant speaker box in the trunk was essential. It rattled the entire vehicle with bass-heavy beats. While loud and impressive, they took up tons of space.
11. Antenna Balls
Seano1 on Wikimedia Commons
These decorative foam balls—smiley faces, dice, or cartoon characters — sat atop your car antenna. They added personality and helped spot your car in parking lots.
12. DIY Alarm Stickers
shankar s. on Flickr
Even without a real security system, slapping on a blinking red LED and “Protected by…” sticker was common. It was cheap intimidation, and sometimes, it worked.
13. Key Fob Belt Clips
COPPERTIST WU on Pexels
Large, clunky fobs were often too big for pockets, so drivers clipped them to their belts. It was practical but hardly stylish. Today’s slim, smart keys don’t require physical access at all.
14. Cloth Dashboard Covers
Arteum.ro on Unsplash
Designed to prevent sun cracking, these fabric covers were custom-fitted for every car model. They came in colors like maroon, navy, and tan. While protective, they collected dust and looked dated.
15. Third-Party GPS Mounts
Braeside on Wikimedia Commons
Before built-in nav screens, aftermarket GPS units were mounted with suction cups or bean bags. Brands like Garmin and TomTom ruled the market. They were handy but cluttered the dash.
16. Rearview Mirror Air Purifiers
David Guerrero on Pexels
Small fans or charcoal-filled gadgets clipped to your mirror promise fresh air. They made noise and rarely worked as advertised. Still, people used them in hopes of a cleaner ride.