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15 Cars From the 80s That Were Way More Advanced Than We Realized

Cameron Eittreim August 11, 2025

The 1980s ushered in a wave of groundbreaking automotive technology, blending futuristic design with features that would shape the vehicles of today. Far from being mere relics, several cars from this era boasted innovations like turbocharging, advanced electronics, and digital dashboards—years ahead of their time. These bold moves not only transformed driving experiences but laid the foundation for many modern advancements. Discover how these iconic vehicles redefined what was possible, as detailed by sources like MotorTrend and Autoweek.

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1. 1986 Buick Riviera: Touchscreen Pioneer

Classic and sports car buick riviera jb 1 — A sleek 80s Buick Riviera dashboard features a futuristic touchscreen, blending retro luxury with early digital innovation. | Image from commons.wikimedia.org (Creative Commons Licensed)

The 1986 Buick Riviera stunned the automotive world by becoming the first production car to offer a touchscreen interface. Its innovative Graphic Control Center, an advanced CRT display, allowed drivers to control climate, audio, and trip functions—all from a single screen. This groundbreaking feature arrived decades before modern infotainment systems became mainstream, highlighting Buick’s forward-thinking approach. Discover more about GM’s early leap into touchscreen technology at MotorTrend.

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2. 1981 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W126): Early Airbags and ABS

Sel1 — A sleek Mercedes S-Class showcases its advanced safety features, including multiple airbags and cutting-edge ABS brakes technology. | Image from www.flickr.com (Creative Commons Licensed)

The 1981 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W126) set an industry standard by introducing advanced safety features well before they became common. As one of the first cars to offer a driver’s airbag and anti-lock braking system (ABS), this luxury sedan elevated expectations for occupant protection. Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to safety in the S-Class not only influenced other luxury models but also paved the way for these features to become mainstream. Learn more about the brand’s safety innovations at Mercedes-Benz.

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3. 1984 Dodge Caravan: The Birth of the Modern Minivan

1984 Dodge Caravan Woody Vinyl Woodgrain — A classic 80s Dodge Caravan minivan sits parked in a suburban driveway, ready for a family adventure. | Image from commons.wikimedia.org (Creative Commons Licensed)

The 1984 Dodge Caravan revolutionized family transportation by introducing a front-wheel-drive platform and a versatile, spacious interior. This innovative packaging offered unprecedented usability and comfort, setting the standard for generations of minivans to come. Its blend of car-like handling and room for the whole family reshaped the auto industry’s approach to practicality. Discover more about the impact of the Caravan and Chrysler’s minivan legacy at Car and Driver.

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4. 1984 Corvette C4: Digital Dashboards and Aerodynamics

The 1984 Corvette C4 broke new ground with its fully digital instrument cluster, offering drivers a futuristic display rarely seen at the time. Coupled with wind tunnel-tested aerodynamics and lightweight construction, the C4 redefined the American sports car in terms of both technology and performance. Its innovations set a high bar for integrated technology in the years that followed. Explore the Corvette’s technological milestones at Corvette Forum.

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5. 1987 Toyota Supra: Electronically Controlled Suspension

1280px toyota supra sz 28a8029 front — A classic 1980s Toyota Supra is lifted in a garage, showcasing its intricate suspension system and sporty lines. | Image from commons.wikimedia.org (Creative Commons Licensed)

The 1987 Toyota Supra introduced an electronically adjustable suspension system, an innovative feature that allowed drivers to switch between comfort and performance settings on the fly. This level of adaptability was rarely seen outside of luxury vehicles at the time, highlighting Toyota’s commitment to advanced engineering. Dive deeper into the Supra’s technological breakthroughs at Road & Track.

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6. 1988 Honda Prelude: Four-Wheel Steering

The 1988 Honda Prelude stunned enthusiasts by debuting a production four-wheel steering system, dramatically enhancing cornering agility and high-speed stability. This sophisticated setup allowed the rear wheels to turn in coordination with the fronts, offering handling benefits that wouldn’t become widespread until decades later in the sports car world. Honda’s innovation showcased the brand’s commitment to pushing technological boundaries. Learn more about this engineering marvel at MotorTrend.

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7. 1982 Audi 100: Aerodynamic Excellence

Audi 100 1982 sedans 151116124950 16 — A sleek Audi 100 glides down the highway, its streamlined design highlighting a commitment to aerodynamics and fuel efficiency. | Image from pitstopcamper.com (Creative Commons Licensed)

The 1982 Audi 100 set new standards with its impressively low drag coefficient, achieved through innovative design elements like flush-mounted windows and sleek, uninterrupted body lines. This focus on aerodynamics not only improved fuel efficiency but also influenced the shape of cars worldwide, making streamlined efficiency a priority for future generations. Audi’s pioneering work on the 100 remains a milestone in automotive evolution. Discover more about Audi’s aerodynamic leadership at Audi MediaCenter.

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8. 1987 Nissan Maxima: Voice Warning System

1987 nissan maxima se pic 5720003772412069217 — A classic 80s Nissan Maxima sedan parked curbside, its dashboard lit up with a vintage voice alert message. | Image from commons.wikimedia.org (Creative Commons Licensed)

The 1987 Nissan Maxima introduced a cutting-edge voice warning system, using synthesized speech to notify drivers of issues like open doors or low fuel. This early example of automotive voice technology hinted at the digital assistants now common in modern cars. Nissan’s innovative approach set the stage for future advancements in driver communication. Read more about the Maxima’s talking car system at Motor1.

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9. 1987 Porsche 959: All-Wheel Drive Supercar

1200px porsche 959 dakar%2c iaa 2017%2c frankfurt %281y7a2757%29 — A sleek Porsche 959 supercar stands poised on the tarmac, showcasing its iconic curves and advanced all-wheel drive. | Image from www.pickpik.com (Creative Commons Licensed)

The 1987 Porsche 959 redefined what a supercar could be, boasting a sophisticated all-wheel drive system, height-adjustable suspension, and a powerful twin-turbocharged engine. These innovations provided unmatched performance and handling, making the 959 the technological benchmark of its time. Many of its pioneering features became standard in later Porsche models, influencing sports car engineering for decades. Explore the 959’s remarkable legacy at Top Gear.

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10. 1983 Renault Fuego: Remote Keyless Entry

1200px 1983 Renault Fuego Gts 28855831243729 — A classic Renault Fuego parked curbside, its owner demonstrating the car’s innovative French keyless entry system. | Image from www.flickr.com (Creative Commons Licensed)

The 1983 Renault Fuego was the first production car to offer remote keyless entry, allowing drivers to unlock their vehicles at the push of a button. This innovation, now a standard convenience, was groundbreaking in the early 1980s and signaled the future of automotive security and usability. Discover more about the Fuego’s pioneering technology at Autoblog.

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11. 1985 Saab 9000: Turbocharged Performance and Safety

1280px Saab 9000 Wagon Prototyp — A classic Saab 9000 with turbocharged power stands parked on a scenic road, embodying Swedish engineering and style. | Image from en.m.wikipedia.org (Creative Commons Licensed)

The 1985 Saab 9000 stood out with its potent turbocharged engine, advanced safety features, and an early onboard diagnostic system. Saab’s holistic approach prioritized both exhilarating performance and occupant protection, making the 9000 a pioneer in blending speed with security. Many of these innovations set benchmarks that would influence automotive engineering for years. Read more about the Saab 9000’s forward-thinking technologies at SaabPlanet.

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12. 1982 BMW 7 Series (E23): Onboard Computer

Bmw Hydrogen 7 Series Hr Manu 07 016 — The sleek interior of a BMW 7 Series showcases its advanced onboard computer, epitomizing modern luxury in a premium sedan. | Image from www.uihere.com (Creative Commons Licensed)

The 1982 BMW 7 Series (E23) introduced drivers to an advanced onboard computer system, offering real-time information on fuel economy, range, average speed, and more. This innovation made complex driving data easily accessible, enhancing convenience and driving efficiency years before such features became widespread. Discover more about the E23’s technological advancements at BMW Blog.

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13. 1983 Ford Sierra: Advanced Suspension and Design

1754003997 fordsierrarscosworth4x4 1992 — A sleek Ford Sierra showcases its aerodynamic design and advanced independent suspension, hinting at its innovative engineering. | Image from www.flickr.com (Creative Commons Licensed)

The 1983 Ford Sierra introduced a rear-wheel independent suspension and a sleek, aerodynamic body—remarkable features for a mass-market vehicle in its era. These innovations not only improved handling and ride comfort but also set new standards for mainstream automotive design. The Sierra’s forward-thinking approach would influence Ford’s global models and inspire industry-wide shifts toward better performance and efficiency. Learn more about the Sierra’s engineering at Classic & Sports Car.

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14. 1988 Lexus LS400 (Prototypes): Precision Engineering

2000 Lexus Ls400 — A sleek Lexus LS400 luxury sedan gleams under city lights, showcasing the timeless appeal of Japanese engineering. | Image from commons.wikimedia.org (Creative Commons Licensed)

The late-1980s Lexus LS400 prototypes showcased extraordinary precision engineering, focusing on reducing vibration and creating remarkably quiet cabins. These innovations set benchmarks for refinement and comfort, forever raising expectations in the luxury segment when the LS400 officially launched. Lexus’s attention to detail during development is legendary. Learn more about the meticulous process behind the LS400 at Lexus Magazine.

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15. 1985 Citroën BX: Hydropneumatic Suspension

Citroen bx 2107 27 — A classic Citroën BX showcases its smooth hydropneumatic suspension, a testament to innovative French engineering on the open road. | Image from www.flickr.com (Creative Commons Licensed)

The 1985 Citroën BX featured a remarkable self-leveling hydropneumatic suspension system, providing drivers with a uniquely smooth ride and superior handling regardless of load. This advanced technology allowed the BX to automatically adjust its height and firmness, distinguishing Citroën as a leader in ride quality innovation. The BX’s suspension remains a testament to the brand’s engineering boldness. Discover the history and impact of Citroën’s hydropneumatic system at Classic & Sports Car.

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A Legacy That Still Shapes the Road

1200px mazda miata 10 30 2019 — A vibrant lineup of 1980s cars showcases bold retro designs and highlights the era’s leap in automotive technology. | Image from www.nps.gov (Creative Commons Licensed)

The pioneering features found in these 1980s vehicles—from digital dashboards to advanced safety and suspension systems—laid the groundwork for today’s automotive technology. What once seemed futuristic is now standard in modern cars, reflecting the remarkable vision of that era’s engineers and designers. The 1980s remain a defining decade of innovation, influencing everything from comfort to performance. For more on the decade’s automotive impact, visit MotorTrend.

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15 Cars From the 80s That Were Way More Advanced Than We Realized

1. 1986 Buick Riviera: Touchscreen Pioneer

2. 1981 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W126): Early Airbags and ABS

3. 1984 Dodge Caravan: The Birth of the Modern Minivan

4. 1984 Corvette C4: Digital Dashboards and Aerodynamics

5. 1987 Toyota Supra: Electronically Controlled Suspension

6. 1988 Honda Prelude: Four-Wheel Steering

7. 1982 Audi 100: Aerodynamic Excellence

8. 1987 Nissan Maxima: Voice Warning System

9. 1987 Porsche 959: All-Wheel Drive Supercar

10. 1983 Renault Fuego: Remote Keyless Entry

11. 1985 Saab 9000: Turbocharged Performance and Safety

12. 1982 BMW 7 Series (E23): Onboard Computer

13. 1983 Ford Sierra: Advanced Suspension and Design

14. 1988 Lexus LS400 (Prototypes): Precision Engineering

15. 1985 Citroën BX: Hydropneumatic Suspension

A Legacy That Still Shapes the Road

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