The 1990s were a great decade for cars. Bold innovation and quirky designs were the order of the day, although some of their ground-breaking features now seem, well, a bit dated.
For anyone who grew up in the 90s – or owned a car during that era – this list will spark a mix of nostalgia and relief. Here’s a roundup of the car features that were all the rage back then but are now mostly forgotten. Thankfully.
Cassette Players
Cassette players were a staple in just about every vehicle in the early 90s. They were the ultimate in-car entertainment, whether it was mixtapes from friends or the latest pop albums. But as CDs took over, followed by MP3 players, the trusty cassette player lost its edge.
The days of rewinding with a pencil or flipping the tape mid-drive are now a fond but distant memory.
Manual Roll-Up Windows
Remember reaching across to roll up the passenger-side window during a sudden rainstorm? Before power windows became the standard, manual roll-up windows were the norm. They required a bit of elbow grease to get the job done, but they had their charm – and were less likely to break than modern one-touch windows.
Pop-Up Headlights
If you wanted to look cool on the road in the ‘90s, pop-up headlights were essential. They gave a sleek, futuristic vibe to sports cars and coupes. Unfortunately, they were prone to mechanical failures and didn’t meet modern safety standards. Soon they were phased out in favor of streamlined, fixed designs.
Cigarette Lighters and Ashtrays
Smoking was far more socially acceptable back in the ‘90s, so cars came equipped with built-in cigarette lighters and ashtrays and reflected the culture. Later, attitudes toward smoking shifted and more people quit the habit, so these car accessories quickly became obsolete. Now, that little lighter socket has been repurposed for phone chargers.
Fabric Bench Seats
Front bench seats offered a sofa-like vibe that was perfect for road trips with the whole family. These wide, fabric-covered seats could squeeze in three passengers up front, but they weren’t ideal for safety or comfort.
Modern individual bucket seats offer better support, while center consoles mean bench seats have become a quaint memory.
Car Phones
Remember when cell phones were status symbols? In the 90s, nothing screamed luxury like a built-in car phone. These chunky devices were reserved for the wealthy or business-savvy, but they were expensive, had poor coverage, and were rendered useless as mobile phones became smaller, cheaper, and more reliable.
Overhead Antennas
In the ‘90s you listened to AM/FM radio, but to receive it in your car you needed a long, thin antenna protruding from the roof or hood, waving in the wind as you drove. They often got bent, broken, or stolen. Today, with satellite radio, integrated systems, and digital streaming, they’ve gone the way of the dinosaurs.
Bulky Key Fobs
1990s key fobs were clunky, big and plasticky. They came with confusing buttons that didn’t always work reliably. Losing one meant dealing with a pricey replacement, and they were far from intuitive to use.
Basic Cupholders
The ‘90s driver often went thirsty. That’s because cars of the era weren’t exactly beverage-friendly. Cupholders were either non-existent, too shallow to hold a drink, or awkwardly placed where a quick turn could lead to a lapful of scalding coffee. Modern cars boast cupholders with adjustable sizes, anti-spill grips, and placement options. The evolution of this simple feature highlights just how far we’ve come.
CD Changers
Music CDs killed off the cassette in the late 90s and heralded the arrival of the multi-disc CD changer. It was a premium feature that allowed drivers to load up several CDs at once for uninterrupted listening. These bulky devices often took up space in the trunk or under the seats. They reigned supreme until music streaming and smartphones took over. Now, it’s rare to even see a CD slot in new cars.
Retractable Antennas
Retractable antennas that rose automatically when the car radio was turned on were state-of-the-art, back in the day. Unfortunately, they usually jammed, bent, or broke over time. Today’s vehicles have adopted smarter, more reliable antenna designs, such as shark fins or built-in systems, leaving retractable versions as a relic of a more mechanical era.
Tiny Digital Clocks
Most cars in the ‘90s came with small digital clocks perched on the dashboard. These standalone timekeepers were a hallmark of the decade but didn’t offer much in terms of style or functionality.
Now, with integrated infotainment systems and digital displays, they’ve been rendered unnecessary, and timekeeping has become just one small part of an all-in-one dashboard experience.
Faux Wood Trim
Back in the ‘90s faux wood trim was considered classy and sophisticated. This plastic imitation of woodgrain was often used on dashboards, door panels, and even steering wheels on luxury cars. At least woodworm wasn’t a problem. Luckily it soon went out of fashion. These days, interiors feature brushed metal, leather, and real wood, making the faux wood look cheap and outdated.
External Spare Tire Mounts
1990s SUVs wore their spare tires on the rear doors. It looked cool and rugged, but it added weight, putting strain on door hinges. It also reduced visibility and was a magnet for thieves.
Modern 4x4s now tuck spare wheels neatly away under the trunk, prioritizing practicality and design over that old-school rugged look.