The Death of the Car Ashtray: How the 90s Marked the End of a Classic Feature
For decades, the car ashtray was a quintessential part of every vehicle, nestled in the center console, always ready for smokers to flick their cigarette butts. But by the 1990s, this classic feature began to disappear from car interiors, leaving many to wonder: What happened to the ashtray? The answer lies in a combination of changing consumer habits, evolving technology, and new regulations. Here’s how it all went down.
A Shift in Public Health and Regulation
One of the biggest factors contributing to the ashtray’s demise was the rising pressure from public health advocates, including the U.S. Surgeon General. As awareness around the dangers of smoking grew throughout the 80s and 90s, so did the calls for a ban on smoking in public spaces, including cars. The growing health risks associated with secondhand smoke made it clear that smoking wasn’t just bad for the smoker — it was a danger to everyone around them. This shift in public sentiment played a big part in carmakers’ decision to phase out ashtrays from new models.
Space for Modern Technology
As the 1990s progressed, cars began to evolve into high-tech machines, with the introduction of features like electric windows, central locking systems, and increasingly complex dashboards. Carmakers started to prioritize space for electronics, pushing the ashtray out of the equation. The small, utilitarian space that once housed the ashtray was now needed for more modern and profitable features. Auto manufacturers realized that car buyers were more likely to appreciate a sleek, tech-savvy cabin than a space to stub out their cigarettes.
A Desire to Keep Customers Happy
Carmakers are always looking for ways to keep their customers satisfied, and by the mid-90s, it was clear that the demand for ashtrays was waning. More people were either quitting smoking, using smoking cessation products, or just not smoking at all. With smoking on the decline, manufacturers began to focus on enhancing the driving experience for non-smokers, opting for features like cup holders, more storage compartments, and user-friendly infotainment systems.
In fact, Chrysler made its last built-in ashtray in 1996, marking the final nail in the coffin for the iconic car accessory. As smoking became less socially accepted in many public spaces, the traditional car ashtray became more of a relic of the past.
The Aftermath: Where Did the Ashtray Go?
While the built-in ashtray might have disappeared from most new cars, it hasn’t completely vanished. Some manufacturers still include them as optional features, and for those who miss the convenience of having an ashtray on hand, aftermarket options are readily available. But the days of the ashtray being a standard fixture in every car are long gone.
What It Means Today
The removal of the ashtray is just one small piece in the larger puzzle of how the automotive industry has transformed over the last few decades. As cars become more focused on technology, comfort, and sustainability, many older features, like the ashtray, have become obsolete. It’s a shift driven by a variety of factors — from changing societal norms and health concerns to technological innovation and consumer preferences.
And while some may miss the simplicity and nostalgia of those old car ashtrays, it’s clear that the move towards a smoke-free future was a necessary one for the industry. Cars today are no longer just transportation — they’re mobile hubs for connectivity, entertainment, and comfort.
But the next time you sit in your car, take a moment to think about how much things have changed. From the humble ashtray to the sleek, tech-savvy interiors we see today, it’s fascinating to see how far the automobile has come.
Have you noticed other features disappearing from your car over the years? What do you think about the loss of the ashtray? Let’s discuss!
