Car phones were bulky, expensive luxury devices in the 80s/90s, using analog networks (like AMPS) and high-power transmitters, eventually becoming obsolete as portable digital cell phones and smartphones took over, with the last true car phone services (like GM's OnStar calling) phasing out around 2008 due to network shutdowns and better mobile tech.

Description

Luxury Status: In the 1980s and 90s, car phones were major status symbols, signifying wealth and business success.

Technology: They used powerful, high-gain antennas and relied on early analog cellular networks (MTS, IMTS, AMPS) before digital.

Physical Form: Bulky units often mounted in the trunk, with handsets tethered to a base, requiring external antennas for better signal.

Evolution: They evolved into built-in factory options like GM's OnStar, offering safety features, before being replaced by integrated Bluetooth and smartphone connectivity.

Why They Were Discontinued

Portability: The rise of small, affordable handheld mobile phones made dedicated, permanently installed car phones redundant.

Network Shutdowns: The analog AMPS networks that powered most car phones were shut down, notably in the U.S. in 2008, rendering them useless.

Integration: Modern cars now feature seamless Bluetooth and USB integration for smartphones, fulfilling the communication need without dedicated hardware.