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I was behind a 2000-2004 Mercury Sable Wagon today and noticed the power antenna in the rear and that got me wondering, do they still make cars with a power antenna anymore? I have seen new cars with antennas in the windshield, back window, front fender, read fender and roof but no new cars with power antennasIs this one time status symbol gone?

In a word, yes.But mostly because technology has progressed. Now a 6 inch antenna covered in rubber to prevent it from rusting is as good, if not better, than the three foot long bare metal ones.

Our Accord has the antenna imbedded in the winshield where forgetful owners in a car wash and late night vandals can't snap it off.Was once washing a used BMW in a car wash at the Ford dealer where I worked during the summer. As I was already in the middle and couldn't stop and back out, I had to watch as the power antenna got snapped off. I had no idea where the button was but I doubt it would have gone down fast enough.

Quote, originally posted by journeyforce »Is this one time status symbol gone?Signs point to yes but it probably lost its status symbol status when they started putting them on middle of the road cars like the Taurus/Sable. Or toasters like a 90's Camcord. Even the fender mounted fixed mast antenna seems to be extinct. Shame, I just don't find the greatest reception with these new stubby mini micro roof antennas. Certainly better aesthetically though. Personally, I would be mourning adequately performing antennas if only there were something worth listening to on the radio. Maybe no big loss after all.

My 1957 Lincoln, 1964 Cadillac and 1967 Cadillac all had that feature. At least on the 1967 I think the antenna went up when you turned on the radio, and down when you turned it off. I bought that Lincoln with very low miles in 1964 for $750. Probably the last luxury car offered without a/c.

YOu know putting a power antenna in the 1986-1991 Sable and taurus came with an innovation. A button on the dash controlled the antenna so you could listen to a tape or CD in the the car wash without having the antenna rise and get snapped off. I always thought that feature was neat.

Yeah, that's a nice feature. With GM's, best I can remember you could only get it to lower by turning off the radio. doh!IIRC the one on a Camry my sister once had would lower when you put a tape in.