17 Car Features That Simply Don’t Exist Anymore

As car technology has evolved, several features that were once standard or popular have disappeared from the market. Whether due to safety concerns, technological advancements, or changing consumer preferences, these features are now a thing of the past. From hand-crank windows to physical buttons for every function, here’s a look at 17 car features that simply don’t exist anymore.

1. Hand-Crank Windows

CZmarlin on Wikimedia Commons

Before electric windows were commonplace, hand-crank windows were the norm. These manual windows required a physical effort to roll up or down. Today, nearly every car has power windows as standard equipment, making hand cranks obsolete.

2. Bench Seats In The Front

CZmarlin on Wikimedia Commons

Once a staple in many cars, the front bench seat allowed for three passengers. It was popular in large sedans and full-sized cars but has largely been replaced by bucket seats for improved safety and comfort. Now, most cars feature individual seats in the front for better support and personal space.

3. Non-Airbag Cars

Lupin, Arpingstone on Wikimedia Commons

Airbags have been mandatory in vehicles for several decades, and it’s hard to find a car without them today. Before their widespread adoption in the 1990s, cars were often sold without airbags, relying instead on seat belts and other forms of protection. The lack of airbags now feels unthinkable in modern vehicles.

4. Manual Choke

SealyPhoto on Wikimedia Commons

In older vehicles, the manual choke was used to adjust the engine’s fuel mixture when starting a cold car. This feature was necessary for carbureted engines, which required a little extra help to start in cooler weather. Modern cars with fuel injection systems no longer need this manual intervention, making chokes a rare sight.

5. Cigarette Lighters

Santeri Viinamäki on Wikimedia Commons

Once a standard feature in most cars, the cigarette lighter was a common accessory for smokers or powering small electronics. Today, most vehicles have replaced this with USB charging ports. The cigarette lighter has largely disappeared from new models, giving way to more universal power sources.

6. Pop-Up Headlights

Phil_Parker on Wikimedia Commons

Popular in sports cars of the 1980s and early 1990s, pop-up headlights were a fun and quirky feature. They were often found on cars like the Mazda RX-7 and the Pontiac Firebird. However, stricter safety regulations and the rise of more aerodynamic designs led to their decline.

7. Hood Ornaments

Dietmar Rabich on Wikimedia Commons

Once a symbol of luxury and status, hood ornaments were common on high-end cars like Rolls-Royce and Cadillac. However, due to safety concerns and the push for sleeker, simpler designs, these decorative pieces have mostly been phased out. Now, car brands typically place their logos on the front grille or hood instead.

8. Manual Locks And Windows

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Before the widespread introduction of electric locks and windows, manual versions were common in lower-priced cars. Passengers would have to physically lock or unlock the doors and roll the windows up and down. Today, power locks and windows are standard in almost every car.  

9. Manual Transmissions

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While still available in some performance models, manual transmissions have become increasingly rare in mainstream cars. The ease of automatic transmissions and the development of advanced technologies like CVTs have made manuals less popular and harder to find.

10. Rear Window Defoggers

CZmarlin on Wikimedia Commons

While most cars now have rear window defoggers, many used to lack this feature. Having a button or switch to clear the rear window from fog was not always considered standard. Today, defoggers are almost universal, but earlier models relied on manual wiping or waiting for the weather to clear.

11. Vinyl Upholstery

CZmarlin on Wikimedia Commons

In older vehicles, vinyl was a popular choice for car interiors due to its low cost and durability. Over time, the shift toward more luxurious materials like leather, cloth, and synthetic blends reduced the demand for vinyl. Today, vinyl is rarely seen in new cars except in budget models or commercial vehicles.

12. Trunk Release Latches Inside The Car

U.S. Navy photo on Wikimedia Commons

Back in the day, many cars had a release latch inside the car to open the trunk. This was particularly useful if you were locked out of the trunk but still had access to the cabin. In modern cars, this has been replaced with remote key fob systems or electronic trunk releases.

13. Car Antennas That Extended Manually

Inkwina on Wikimedia Commons

Before the days of built-in, retractable antennas, many cars featured manual antennas that could be pulled up or down by hand. These were particularly common in older sedans. With the shift to digital radios and satellite systems, this feature has largely disappeared in favor of hidden or fixed antennas.

14. Rear-Seat Ashtrays

Kaz Andrew on Wikimedia Commons

Once common in nearly all cars, rear-seat ashtrays were a standard feature for smokers who wanted to use the car as a smoking space. Today, smoking in cars is banned in many places, and cars are designed with non-smoking passengers in mind. Rear-seat ashtrays are now relics of the past.

15. Flip-Up Headrests

Michael Sheehan on Wikimedia Commons

In older cars, many front seats had headrests that could flip forward for increased comfort or easier access to the back seat. Today’s seats feature fixed, non-adjustable headrests that prioritize safety. The flip-up headrest was a more versatile but less secure feature.

16. Key Ignition Switches

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While the ignition key is still in use, the days of turning a key to start your car are numbered. Modern vehicles have shifted to push-button start systems, where the key often just needs to be in your pocket or bag. This eliminates the physical turning of a key and simplifies the start process.

17. Chrome Bumpers

ColinMB on Wikimedia Commons

Once a sign of luxury and toughness, chrome bumpers were a common car feature until the 1970s. They were later phased out in favor of energy-absorbing bumpers that could withstand impacts without damaging the vehicle. Today’s bumpers are often made from plastic or composite materials, which are lighter and more cost-effective.

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