The Strangest Car Features Ever Installed by Manufacturers

Over the decades, car manufacturers have pushed the boundaries of innovation—sometimes to solve practical problems and other times just to stand out. While many advancements have improved safety, comfort, or performance, a handful of features have left consumers scratching their heads. These odd, often short-lived automotive features show just how quirky the industry can be.

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The In-Car Vacuum (Honda Odyssey)

It might sound like a dream for parents and pet owners, but Honda really did it. The 2014 Odyssey came with a built-in vacuum cleaner known as the "HondaVAC." Installed in the rear cargo area, it allowed for easy clean-up of snack crumbs and debris. While it seemed practical, the feature didn’t resonate with everyone and was eventually discontinued.

The Swiveling Seats (Chrysler Turbine Car)

Chrysler once imagined that it would be much easier for drivers and passengers to enter or exit the vehicle if the front seats swiveled. The Chrysler Turbine Car in the early 1960s had this feature, and although it made getting in and out a breeze, the novelty never caught on widely. The technology was impressive, but concerns over safety and practicality likely limited its adoption.

The Yoke Steering Wheel (Tesla Model S Plaid)

Tesla replaced the traditional round steering wheel with a "yoke" style wheel—similar to what you’d find in a fighter jet or Formula 1 car. Though futuristic in appearance, many drivers found it impractical for everyday use. Parallel parking and sharp turns became awkward maneuvers, prompting heated debates among car enthusiasts and safety experts alike.

Road Scent Dispensers (Citroën C4)

Citroën introduced a dashboard-integrated scent dispenser in the C4, allowing drivers to choose from a range of factory-approved fragrances. While luxury carmakers offer high-end fragrance systems, Citroën’s approach stood out for its bold attempt to make air fresheners part of the car’s design. Still, not everyone appreciated having engineered scents as part of their driving experience.

Built-In Espresso Machine (Fiat 500L)

Coffee lovers rejoiced when Fiat introduced an espresso machine built into the center console of the 500L. Co-developed with Lavazza, this oddball feature targeted Italian drivers who couldn’t go without their daily shot of caffeine. However, safety concerns—such as trying to brew coffee while driving—meant it never became a mainstream hit.

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Night Vision Windshield (Cadillac DeVille)

Before adaptive headlights and lane-keeping assist, Cadillac attempted to boost nighttime visibility with a night vision camera that projected infrared imagery onto the windshield. While advanced for its time, the black-and-white display wasn’t particularly user-friendly, and drivers struggled to interpret the ghostly images. It was discontinued after only a few model years.

Manual Windshield Wipers (Early Ford Models)

In the 1920s, some early Ford vehicles had manually operated windshield wipers. That’s right—drivers had to use a hand crank to clear rain off their windshields. It might seem absurd today, but it was a standard feature back then. Luckily, electric wipers soon became the norm.

Joystick Steering (Saab Prometheus)

Saab experimented with a joystick control system in the 1990s as part of the Prometheus project. Instead of a steering wheel, drivers would use a joystick to maneuver the vehicle—like flying a video game spaceship. While the concept showcased advanced thinking, it was too radical for mass production and never made it past the prototype phase.

Pop-Up Headlights (Various Models)

Though not necessarily “strange,” pop-up headlights were definitely one of the most quirky and beloved automotive trends of the 80s and 90s. Found on everything from the Mazda MX-5 to the Chevrolet Corvette, these headlights added flair—but also a host of mechanical issues. Regulations and maintenance hassles eventually led to their demise.

Voice-Activated Controls (Early Attempts)

Before Alexa and Siri, some carmakers tried their hand at voice-activated systems in the 1990s and early 2000s. These systems were often unreliable and frustrating to use, frequently misinterpreting commands or failing to respond altogether. Today’s voice assistants are far superior, but the early versions certainly belong in the “strange” category.

Conclusion: Weird Today, Gone Tomorrow

Automakers have always tried to strike a balance between innovation and practicality. Some strange features might have seemed like the future at the time, while others were simply missteps in an otherwise steady journey of improvement. Whether your car has a built-in vacuum or a joystick instead of a steering wheel, it’s a reminder that creativity isn’t always timeless.

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