Automakers have always experimented, sometimes chasing comfort, sometimes chasing headlines, and sometimes just chasing strange ideas. While many features quietly disappeared, a few were so odd they became legends. These ten vehicle features made drivers stop, laugh, scratch their heads, or all three. Each one proves that not every idea that sounds clever in a design studio makes sense in the real world.
Cadillac’s Dash Mounted Record Player
In the late nineteen fifties Cadillac offered an in car record player called the Highway Hi Fi. It used special vinyl records designed to skip less on rough roads. In reality bumps sent the needle flying and heat warped the records. Drivers loved the idea of cruising with music but quickly learned that physics was not on Cadillac’s side. The feature vanished almost as fast as it appeared.
Oldsmobile’s Built In Air Freshener System
Oldsmobile once installed a factory air freshener system that pumped scented air through the vents. Owners could choose different fragrances meant to enhance comfort. Over time the system clogged and produced odd smells instead of pleasant ones. When replacement cartridges became unavailable the feature turned from luxury to nuisance. It quietly disappeared without many people mourning its loss.
Subaru’s Exterior Mounted Cup Holder
Subaru briefly experimented with a cup holder mounted on the exterior of the vehicle near the window. The idea was to give drivers a place to rest drinks while parked. In practice it confused everyone who saw it and invited spills and dirt. It became a novelty talking point rather than a useful feature and quickly faded into automotive trivia.
Lincoln’s Touch Sensitive Climate Sliders
Lincoln once replaced physical buttons with touch sensitive sliders for climate control. A gentle brush could change the temperature or fan speed without warning. Drivers complained that adjusting settings while driving felt unpredictable. Many missed the certainty of real knobs. The system looked futuristic but proved frustrating in daily use.
Citroen’s Single Spoke Steering Wheel
Citroen designed a steering wheel with only one spoke to improve visibility of gauges. While it worked visually it felt strange in the hands. Drivers expected resistance where none existed. It became one of those ideas that made sense in theory but never felt right behind the wheel.
Saab’s Night Panel That Turned Off Most Gauges
Saab introduced a Night Panel button that shut off most dashboard lights at night, leaving only the speedometer illuminated. The goal was to reduce eye strain. Some drivers loved the calm cockpit feel. Others found it unsettling to lose so much information. It remains one of the most polarizing features Saab ever created.
Toyota’s Swiveling Front Seats
Toyota once offered front seats that rotated outward to help drivers exit the vehicle more easily. The concept targeted older drivers and those with limited mobility. While clever, the mechanism added weight and complexity. Many owners worried about long term durability. The feature never gained widespread popularity.
BMW’s Early Gesture Control System
BMW introduced gesture controls that let drivers wave their hands to change volume or accept calls. In practice the system often misread movements. Simple gestures triggered unintended actions. Many owners disabled it within weeks. It looked impressive in demonstrations but felt unnecessary once the novelty wore off.
Chrysler’s Talking Dashboard Voice Alerts
Some Chrysler models featured a talking dashboard that verbally warned drivers about open doors or low fuel. The robotic voice startled passengers and annoyed drivers over time. Hearing a car speak felt futuristic but quickly became repetitive. The feature was memorable but not missed when it disappeared.
Volkswagen’s Hidden Umbrella Inside the Door
Volkswagen once built a small umbrella into the door panel of certain models. It stayed dry and ready for rainy days. While genuinely clever, it confused owners who discovered it years later by accident. It worked surprisingly well but raised questions about cost versus usefulness. It remains one of the few weird features people actually liked.
25 Facts About Car Loans That Most Drivers Don’t Realize
Car loans are one of the most common ways people fund car purchases. Like any other kind of loan, car loans can have certain features that can be regarded as an advantage or a disadvantage to the borrower. Understanding all essential facts about car loans and how they work to ensure that you get the best deal for your financial situation is essential. Here are 25 shocking facts about car loans that most drivers don’t realize:
25 Facts About Car Loans That Most Drivers Don’t Realize
