Cassette tape players and touchscreens are not two features we typically associate with each other in vehicles. One hails from the iconic 1980s, while the other reflects the touch-driven interfaces of our modern era. However, during a brief period at Toyota, these seemingly incompatible technologies coexisted, with the first-generation Prius being a notable exception.
The unusual pairing of these two features is documented in several archived press images and parts listings. It seems that in its inaugural year in the U.S., 2001, the Prius was equipped with a unique combination: an LCD touchscreen alongside a “logic control deck,” as reported by Motortrend. For those who may be unfamiliar with cassette technology, this setup indicates that the cassette player was controlled electronically rather than mechanically. Additionally, while many refer to the screen as a “multi-function display,” contributions on owner forums confirm it was indeed a touchscreen—a groundbreaking feature for a car that was also ahead of its time.
For context, the Prius introduced its touchscreen tape player after Bluetooth technology had already been implemented in vehicles. Notably, as reported by Driving.ca, Bluetooth made its automotive debut in 1999 with Chrysler’s original Uconnect, although the specific model was not identified.
Toyota was notably slow to phase out cassette players, as the 2003 Prius wasn’t the last model from Toyota or Lexus to feature them. The Avalon sedan maintained a tape deck option until at least 2007, and several Lexus models continued to include them even longer. The LS lost its tape deck after 2006, but the LX retained it until 2007. The GS, GX, and RX models held onto cassette players until 2009, with the ES and the notorious SC430 being the last vehicles in the U.S. market to offer them in 2010. Each of these Lexus models with optional navigation included a touchscreen, extending the era of this unconventional pairing in American cars for an entire decade—an impressive duration for a combination that seems improbable.
Update: Jul. 17, 1:05 p.m. ET: This article has been revised to include more comprehensive information regarding Toyota and Lexus vehicles equipped with touchscreen-controlled tape players.
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