Top Ten features vanishing from modern-day automobiles
Time marches on. It's an undeniable truth in all industries, and the car making business is no different. For most, this is an exceedingly good thing, as it means today's automobiles are packed with more features and technology than ever before. Modern-day cars are faster, quieter, cleaner and safer now than in any other point in history.
Unfortunately for the minority that prefers cars the way they were, it seems highly unlikely that the ten things in the following list will stay around much longer. To make our list, an item must still be available somewhere in today's marketplace, so don't expect to see things like tail fins or push-button automatic transmissions on the following pages.
With that in mind, take a few moments to reminisce with us as we take a look at the top ten features vanishing from modern-day automobiles.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 5)
evaristo.jo 12:18PM (5/01/2009)
I seem to recall my mazda3 rental had steelies with caps on.
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Aprime 12:31PM (5/01/2009)
So do all the midsizes, and some fullsizes.
... So does the Camaro...
Yeah, the list goes on.
Aloysius Vampa 12:18PM (5/01/2009)
"To make our list, an item must still be available somewhere in today's marketplace,"
Where can I get a tape deck?
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Jeremy Korzeniewski 12:24PM (5/01/2009)
At your local Lexus dealership... 2009 models.
JK
K 12:46PM (5/01/2009)
probably in a domestic car they are out of touch with the times
Joe K. 12:55PM (5/01/2009)
Toyota Corolla and Avalon still have them.
BassClef 2:08PM (5/01/2009)
Most Kia/Hyndai models have a tape deck as part of the premium stereo option.
Bill 2:56PM (5/01/2009)
I must say that the tape deck in my used Mazda Protege is very handy. In addition to the 6-cd changer in the dash, hooking up an MP3 player is very easy, cheap with an adapter, and the sound quality is way better than any FM transmitter.
And I can still play my old mix tapes from the 80's once in awhile.
mdmadph 3:59PM (5/01/2009)
I was always surprised at my 2002 VW having a tapedeck, TBH.
Aloysius Vampa 6:29PM (5/01/2009)
Actually, my mom's 2004 Pilot has a tape deck, too.
K. Ryan Hasse 12:20PM (5/01/2009)
1) Drivers who use their turn signals (or leave them on for miles)
2) Manual Seats
3) Manual door locks
4) Manual Mirrors
5) Vinyl Interior
6) Vinyl Roofs
7) Hidden Headlamps
8) Carriage (B Pillar) Lights
9) Wire Wheels
10) Tow Rating
11) Column Mounted Shifters
12) Bench Seats
(I'm just picturing my grandpa driving his 1976 Mercury Marquis)
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K. Ryan Hasse 1:25PM (5/01/2009)
And how can we forget "Rich Corinthian Leather!!"
jgp 2:06PM (5/01/2009)
Man, I miss hidden headlamps something fierce...
I wonder when 1990s nostalgia will finally hit.
StickShift 9:52PM (5/01/2009)
I miss hidden headlights. God would the Camaro have looked good with a hidden headlight Rally Sport option, rather than the BMW halos.
Column shifters and benches have their uses and I won't be surprised if they come back in the future. Sometimes floor shifters and consoles are just a waste of space.
tkturboh4 12:22PM (5/01/2009)
11) Pop-up headlights
12) Cars without drive-by-wire throttles
13) Cars without automatic climate control
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eyalny 12:22PM (5/01/2009)
why you put a picture of a manual car?
in most of the world you hardly see automatic cars.
europeans start buying flappy paddle gear box but you still have a stick.
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info2x 12:30PM (5/01/2009)
Over here in the states you have a hard time finding a manual car. It makes buying a car very hard...
fmwso 1:43PM (5/01/2009)
i'm sure in about the next few years, the rest of the ppl will be going for automatic..
Autblogist! 12:23PM (5/01/2009)
The only one I will truly miss on that list is a manual transmission. I don't know why on God's green earth a sports car would be without one. Dual clutch doesn't count. :(
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info2x 12:31PM (5/01/2009)
I agree.
I'd like to try a dual clutch though and to be honest it's a lot better than an auto...