The first car to feature a true screen was the 1986 Buick Riviera, which introduced the Graphic Control Center (GCC). This was a 9-inch monochrome Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) touchscreen that controlled the climate and stereo systems, marking a revolutionary but primitive step into in-car digital displays. It wasn't a navigation or entertainment screen as we know today; its primary function was to replace physical buttons for vehicle controls.
The concept took time to become mainstream. A significant milestone was the 1990 Oldsmobile Toronado Trofeo, which offered an optional touchscreen navigation system called GPS GuideStar. However, these early systems were expensive and limited by the technology of the era. The real proliferation of screens began in the late 1990s and early 2000s with the rise of in-dash LCD screens for navigation and DVD entertainment, pioneered by brands like Acura, BMW, and Lexus.
The evolution can be broken down into key phases:
| Era | Key Milestone | Example Model(s) | Primary Function |
|---|
| Mid-1980s | First CRT Touchscreen | 1986 Buick Riviera | Vehicle Control (Climate, Radio) |
| Early 1990s | Early GPS Navigation | 1990 Oldsmobile Toronado | Basic Map Guidance |
| Late 1990s | Color LCD Navigation Screens | 1997 Oldsmobile 88, Lexus LS | Integrated Navigation Displays |
| Early 2000s | Rear-Seat Entertainment | Various Minivans/SUVs | DVD Video Playback |
| 2010s-Present | Central "Infotainment" Touchscreens | Tesla Model S, most modern cars | Navigation, Media, Phone, Vehicle Settings |
Today, screens are central to the infotainment experience, with sizes growing from a few inches to massive panoramic displays. The journey from the Buick's single-purpose CRT to today's interactive hubs fundamentally changed how drivers interact with their vehicles.
