16 Forgotten ’90s Auto Gadgets That Are History
These quirky ’90s car gadgets once felt futuristic but have since disappeared from modern vehicles.
- Daisy Montero
- 4 min read
Cars in the ’90s came with all kinds of quirky gadgets that felt high-tech back then. Many of them were fun, strange, or just made driving feel cooler. Over time, most of these items disappeared as cars became more advanced. This list looks back at some of the auto gadgets that have faded into history.
1. Dashboard Cassette Tape Organizer
Christopher Ziemnowicz on Wikimedia Commons
These sleek holders sat right on your dashboard, keeping your mix tapes within arm’s reach. They made organizing your favorite tunes easy but became useless once CDs and MP3s took over. Now, they live on only in dusty glove compartments and car boot sales.
2. Clip-On Car Fans
Trykeboy2014 on Wikimedia Commons
Before every car had powerful AC, drivers turned to portable fans that clipped onto vents or dashboards. They whirred loudly and didn’t cool much, but they felt like a must-have during summer drives. Today’s built-in climate systems make them completely unnecessary.
3. Retractable Car Antennas
Zuzu on Wikimedia Commons
These metal antennas would rise when you turned on the radio and vanish when you switched it off. It was oddly satisfying to watch, even though they bent easily and broke in car washes. Now, most cars hide their antennas completely or use shark fin styles.
4. Aftermarket CD Changer in the Trunk
Zuzu on Wikimedia Commons
Having six or more CDs queued up in your trunk felt incredibly high-tech. You had to load it before driving and hope you didn’t change your mind mid-trip. Streaming has made this gadget feel like something from the Stone Age.
5. Pop-Out Cup Holders
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Cup holders in the ’90s were often flimsy attachments that popped out from the dash or center console. They rattled, spilled, and could barely hold a small coffee. Thankfully, car makers finally took drink storage seriously.
6. Beaded Seat Covers
Albarubescens on Wikimedia Commons
Taxi drivers swore by these for ventilation and back support, even if they were wildly uncomfortable. The clacking noise and strange feel made them memorable. They have mostly disappeared, though a few loyal fans still swear by them.
7. Steering Wheel Spinner Knob
MESSALA CIULLA on Wikimedia Commons
This little knob let you spin your steering wheel like a DJ turntable. It was meant for ease, but it also caused its share of wrist injuries and misjudged turns. Modern power steering made it obsolete.
8. Built-In Car Phones
Terry Robinson on Wikimedia Commons
Having a car phone felt like the peak of success in the ’90s. Mounted into the center console, they worked only if you stayed near a signal tower. Now they serve as hilarious reminders of the pre-smartphone era.
9. Velcro Radar Detectors
Newpowa on Unsplash
Drivers who had a lead foot swore by these radar detectors, suctioned or Velcroed to the dash. Whether they actually worked was debatable, but the blinking lights sure looked cool. Today’s GPS apps warn about speed traps more reliably.
10. Talking Car Warning Systems
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Some cars in the ’90s had robotic voices that said things like “your door is ajar.” It was eerie, especially late at night, but felt futuristic at the time. Now, cars use alerts and warning icons instead.
11. Glove Box Tissue Dispensers
Christopher Ziemnowicz on Wikimedia Commons
You could buy tissues in a special flat box that fit perfectly in the glove compartment. It was oddly satisfying to open the glove box and grab one cleanly. These days, most people just toss a travel pack in the door pocket.
12. Dashboard Compass and Thermometer Combo
Carl-Emil Jørgensen on Pexels
Stick-on gadgets showed you the outside temperature and which direction you were facing. They were often wildly inaccurate but looked essential for long drives. GPS systems and built-in displays have replaced them.
13. Cigarette Lighters and Ashtrays
Ypy31 on Wikimedia Commons
Almost every ’90s car came with a cigarette lighter and built-in ashtray, even if you didn’t smoke. It was a standard feature that has now disappeared due to health and safety concerns. USB ports took over that little circle on the dashboard.
14. Fold-Out Map Holders
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Before smartphones, fold-out maps were king. Some cars had special slots or holders just to keep maps flat and reachable. Now, those holders are either gone or filled with snack wrappers.
15. Magnetic CB Radio Antennas
Junglecat at English Wikipedia on Wikimedia Commons
CB radios kept road warriors in touch, and the antennas were often attached with strong magnets to the car roof. You had to run the wire through a window or door, hoping it didn’t pinch. Now, truckers are some of the only folks still using them.
16. Car Security Light Decals
Pixabay on Pexels
You could buy a fake blinking LED and sticker combo to trick thieves into thinking your car had an alarm. It gave some drivers peace of mind even if it didn’t actually protect anything. Modern cars come with real built-in alarm systems.