Bluetooth technology started becoming a standard feature in cars around the mid-to-late 2000s, with a major push occurring between 2007 and 2010. This shift was largely driven by growing hands-free legislation across the U.S., which made the technology a safety priority for automakers. While it was a rare luxury feature in the early 2000s, it transitioned from a premium option to a common standard in most new vehicles by approximately 2014.
The journey began with luxury brands. The 2001 BMW 7 Series E65 was among the very first production cars to offer Bluetooth, but it was an expensive option. Mainstream adoption started slowly. By the 2004 model year, a handful of brands like Acura, Infiniti, and Chrysler offered it on high-trim models. The real turning point was the 2007-2008 period. The introduction of the second-generation Bluetooth Hands-Free Profile (HFP) improved reliability, and states began enacting laws against holding phones while driving. This forced automakers to make the feature more accessible.
By the early 2010s, Bluetooth for phone calls was expected in all but the most basic economy cars. The technology then evolved to include Bluetooth Audio Streaming (A2DP), which became standard shortly after. The table below shows the adoption timeline for key models.
| Car Model (Year) | Bluetooth Feature | Significance / Availability |
|---|
| BMW 7 Series (2001) | Phone Pairing | One of the first production cars to offer it |
| Acura TL (2004) | Phone Pairing | Early adopter in the premium sedan segment |
| Chrysler 300 (2005) | UConnect w/ Bluetooth | Brought the feature to a popular American car |
| Toyota Prius (2009) | Phone & Audio Streaming | Showcased the expansion to audio in a high-volume model |
| Chevrolet Spark (2013) | Standard Equipment | Example of it becoming standard in an entry-level car |
Today, it's almost unthinkable to buy a new car without Bluetooth. The focus has shifted from simply having the feature to the quality of the system's microphone, connectivity speed, and integration with larger infotainment screens like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which often use Bluetooth as a foundational connection.
