I love those mile long dipsticks in early 90s suburban transmissions. About as long as it could be and still function.
My explorer has a dipstick, but it also has a light that goes on when the oil level drops a quart. I was glad to have it when it did its thing.
I think bench seats went out because individual bucket seats are generally more comfortable. And you can adjust your seat without having to ask everyone sitting up front to cooperate as you try to move the seat forward. Of course, when I was in college and I had a nice looking lady in the middle of the front seat, bench seats seemed ok to me
