Front bench seats
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Bench seats were the standard of most family cars through the 80s, though a couple of cars (notably the Chevrolet Impala and Toyota Avalon) retained a three-across seating option into the early 2000s. That middle seat was never the most comfortable—it was typically narrow, causing elbows, shoulders, and knees to rub—though some drivers enjoyed the extra room (sans the third passenger) to spread their knees. Others might be nostalgic for the cozy confines of a bench seat on date night, where a loved one can slide closer to the driver.
Safety is the primary reason bench seats have been relegated, as airbags tend to work best when directly in front of the passenger, and it was nearly impossible to fit an airbag for that center seat right where the radio would go. Find out the 16 car safety features no vehicle should be without.
Wind-up windows
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Classified advertisements for used cars used to highlight the expensive options fitted to a car in an effort to make it sell. Power windows, power door locks, and air conditioning were all features that once cost extra. Manual, wind-up windows have disappeared—and good riddance! Never again will drivers know the struggle of reaching across the car to raise windows while driving in a sudden rainstorm. A press of a button opens or closes everything.
In this case, manual windows are obsolete due to modern manufacturing efficiencies. It's much easier—and thus much less expensive in the long run—for a car factory to stock one type of window winder instead of two. It's easier to train a factory worker to install one type of part instead of two. As most cars were being optioned with power windows, it made sense to prioritize the more popular choice.
Rear-hinged doors
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A popular feature on luxury cars up until the 60s, the rear-hinged door allowed a more graceful entrance and exit for rear-seat passengers. Unfortunately, these doors were often less safe since they would open up rather easily in an accident or into traffic, leading the door style to be termed "suicide doors."
Another danger to anyone opening a door, rear-hinged or otherwise, is the danger to pedestrians or bicyclists. If you frequently park in an urban area, it might be a good idea to learn the "Dutch reach" to help protect your fellow humans.
One newer car with rear-hinged doors was released on a limited basis recently—the 2019 Lincoln Continental with "Coach Doors" was a refined take on the traditional suicide door, with a much safer latching mechanism.
13 Popular Car Features You'll Probably Never See Again, Source:https://www.rd.com/culture/car-features-youll-probably-never-see-again/
