Automobiles, also known as cars or motor vehicles, are four-wheeled transportation systems that carry one to eight people. They run primarily on roads, have two axles and can travel relatively short distances at a reasonable speed. Automobiles have become an essential part of modern life and are the most commonly used vehicle in the world. They are a symbol of progress and a source of both promise and peril.
Automobile owners enjoy the freedom of mobility and the ability to visit family, friends, business associates, and recreational sites. Purchasing a new or used automobile is a major financial commitment, and it is important to shop for the best car for your money. Many online services help you compare prices, trade-in values, and loan offers to find the best price on a vehicle. Some companies can even match the best offer from a dealer.
It’s not clear exactly who invented the automobile, but the building blocks go back several hundred years. Leonardo Da Vinci drafted theoretical plans for a horseless carriage in the 15th century, and French inventor Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot built his first steam-powered road vehicle in the late 1800s. Inventors Karl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler developed the internal combustion engine that powered modern automobiles, and Henry Ford innovated mass production that turned the automotive industry into an American juggernaut in the 1920s.
During the postwar era, however, quality declined as engineering was subordinated to questionable aesthetics. The result was that gas-guzzling “road cruisers” accounted for the majority of the cars sold in the United States by the 1970s, but at the cost of higher levels of air pollution and a drain on dwindling world oil supplies.
With the growth of cities and suburban areas, automobiles have become almost a necessity. In urban communities, they provide a quick, affordable alternative to public transportation. Buses, passenger trains and trams move people more quickly than automobiles, but they are not as flexible in terms of route and schedule. When a city is crowded with automobiles, traffic congestion slows everyone down. The combined emissions of the world’s automobiles contribute to climate change, but the invention of hybrid and electric models that reduce fuel consumption will help.
Consumer Reports recently ranked automobile brands based on road test scores, reliability and owner satisfaction surveys, safety results, and value. The top five brands were BMW, Subaru, Mercedes-Benz, Mazda, and Honda. These top-rated brands are a good indication that consumers don’t need to spend a lot of money to get a reliable, safe, and comfortable car. Other highly rated brands include the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, and Kia Forte. Aside from offering top-rated reliability and value, these vehicles offer spacious interiors and advanced technology features. The most popular models include SUVs, which are ideal for families who need room for cargo and passengers. SUVs also boast impressive towing capacities and rugged durability. Having your own vehicle opens up more career options, and it allows you to make friends in a larger social circle.