When did 4 wheel steering come out?
Four-wheel steering (4WS) began as early research in the 1920s–1930s and later appeared in production on some cars in the late 1980s, with further development through the 2000s. Today, explicit 4WS is uncommon, but related rear-axle steering systems are still used on several modern luxury and performance vehicles.
What four-wheel steering is and why it matters
Four-wheel steering is a system where the rear wheels also steer, either in the same or opposite direction as the front wheels, to improve maneuverability at low speeds and stability at higher speeds. The idea is to reduce turning radius and enhance cornering control, especially on large or high-performance vehicles.
Historical milestones
The following milestones trace the arc from early experimentation to mainstream and then more selective use in production cars.
Early experiments and prototypes
- 1920s–1930s: Engineers and automakers explore rear-wheel steering concepts as a way to improve handling for longer vehicles and larger caravans, laying the groundwork for later systems.
- 1950s–1960s: Research into coordinated front/rear steering and variable geometry expands, informing later production efforts.
These early efforts established the scientific basis for four-wheel steering and pointed toward practical implementations in later decades.
Notable production milestones
- 1987: Honda offers four-wheel steering on the Prelude, one of the first widely available mass-market implementations.
- 1990s: Other manufacturers test or introduce 4WS options on select models, expanding exposure beyond the Honda example.
- Early 2000s: General Motors markets Quadrasteer on certain pickups and SUVs, a full four-wheel-steering system offered as an option before the program winds down.
These production milestones show how four-wheel steering moved from concept to consumer option and then into more specialized applications.
Modern implementations and the current landscape
Today, explicit four-wheel steering as a standalone feature is relatively rare. However, many modern vehicles use rear-axle or dual-axis steering as part of advanced handling packages, providing similar benefits in a more integrated form.
- BMW's Integral Active Steering enables coordinated front and rear-wheel steering on select models, expanding maneuverability and stability in the mid-2010s and beyond.
- Porsche and other luxury brands offer rear-axle steering on certain models to enhance agility and high-speed stability.
- Some trucks and SUVs employ rear steering to improve low-speed maneuverability and parking, as well as off-road precision.
These developments illustrate how the concept has evolved: the core idea persists, but implementations now frequently take the form of rear-axle steering within broader active chassis systems rather than a separate 4WS configuration on every model.
Bottom line and outlook
In sum, four-wheel steering emerged from early 20th-century experiments, entered production in the late 1980s (most notably on the Honda Prelude), received a notable push from GM in the early 2000s with Quadrasteer, and today largely persists as rear-axle steering in premium and performance vehicles. The technology continues to influence vehicle dynamics as manufacturers refine steering to enhance both urban maneuverability and highway stability.
Summary: Four-wheel steering started in the 1920s–1930s, entered production in the late 1980s, saw notable developments in the 2000s, and now lives on primarily as rear-axle steering in modern cars.
Why did Honda stop 4 wheel steering?
There was mounting public concern at the time regarding the danger of transport vehicles, particularly in instances where wide left turns were called for. The committee, too, concluded that a vehicle with four-wheel steering would be less stable at high speeds.
Why did GM stop making Quadrasteer?
GM stopped making Quadrasteer because it was commercially unsuccessful due to its high cost, lack of consumer awareness, and niche appeal, despite its benefits in maneuverability for large vehicles. The system was an expensive option, initially costing around $7,000$ 7 comma 000$7,000 in 2002, and it was mostly desired by a small group of consumers who towed trailers.
- High cost: The option was very expensive, with initial prices around $7,000$ 7 comma 000$7,000, which many potential buyers were unwilling to pay, even when the price was lowered over time.
- Lack of consumer awareness and interest: GM surveys showed that while many were aware of the technology, they still didn't want to buy it. It was seen by some as a gimmick for a narrow audience, specifically those who towed frequently.
- Low sales: The combination of high cost and low demand resulted in poor sales numbers, making the system commercially unviable for GM.
- Limited availability: Quadrasteer was only offered on higher-end models, often the 3/4-ton variants of certain trucks and SUVs, further limiting its customer base.
When was four-wheel steering introduced?
1987
Four-wheel steering (4WS) is a system that steers the vehicle using not only the front wheels, but the rear wheels, as well. In 1987, Honda introduced the world's first steering angle sensing 4WS system in the Prelude.
What year did GM stop making four-wheel steering?
2005
Quadrasteer is the name of a four wheel steering system developed by Delphi Automotive while under the ownership of General Motors for use in automobiles. It was available as an option on GM's full-size pickup trucks and 2500 Suburbans for model years 2002 through 2005. The system enables the vehicle to turn tighter.
