Top 10 Recent Car Innovations

Going back around 30 years, here is a list of the best car innovations. Thanks to all of these—now our driving pleasure is limitless.
1. Antilock brakes: Mercedes-Benz first installed the ABS on production cars, in ‘78. It helps in maintaining control while stopping, throw the door open to stability control and roll mitigation technologies.
2. Airbag advancements: Though the first cars with airbags debuted in the early ’70s; Chrysler is the first to make them standard in cars, in 1988. It protects you in a rollover, and cushions your knee.
3. Key fobs: Chevy’s ‘93 Corvette featured General Motors’ first Passive Keyless Entry system. It unlock doors, set off the horn and lights if you lose the car in the MegaMart parking lot and, in some cases, it lets you function key free.
4. Fold-flat rear seats: Debuted in the ’60s, but Honda made it mainstream in the late-90s Odysse. These seats that tuck out of the way are so much easier to deal with than those that have to be removed.
5. Electronic stability systems: BMW and Mercedes-Benz introduced them in ‘95 models.This computerized system applies the car’s brakes or cuts the throttle, or a little of both, to keep the car going where you want it to.
6. DVD players: Honda and Saturn first offered them as options in 2002 models.It minimizes the DVD player and TV you had in the family room.
7. Heated and cooled seats: Heated seats have been around for a while, but cooled seats debuted in the mid-90s.The electric coils warm the seat, air circulates to cool it.
8. Tilt/telescoping steering wheels and adjustable pedals: Tilt has been around for a while but telescoping steering wheels and adjustable pedals only became common in the last 10 years. It allows you to maintain at least 10 inches from airbags to avoid injury when they deploys.
9. Navigation systems: Honda claims the first nav system, in the 1990 Acura Legend. It acts as a co-pilot, telling you where to go and recalibrating themselves if you miss a turn.
10. Hybrid drivetrain: Honda’s Insight was the first mass-produced hybrid sold in the U.S., in the 2000 model year .It combine gas engines with electric motors for power.