Automobiles are four-wheeled vehicles designed primarily for passenger transportation that are powered by an internal combustion engine using a volatile fuel. The modern automobile is a complex technical system, containing thousands of subsystems that work together to perform essential functions.
The automobile revolutionized the way people live and interact, and today it seems inconceivable (and impractical) to imagine a modern life without one. Americans drive more than three trillion miles every year, and the automobile is a vital part of our daily lives and culture.
From the sleek, artful designs that shaped mid-century modern America to the swaggering muscle cars that ruled the road in the 1960s, the American automobile has been an integral part of the nation’s growth into a industrial powerhouse and the development of our modern culture.
While the first modern automobiles were developed in Germany and France during the late 1800s, it was Henry Ford who introduced the mass production methods that eventually made it possible to manufacture the car affordable for the middle classes. Ford and the other American manufacturers quickly dominated the industry, but after the end of World War II, manufacturing of automobiles became a shared global enterprise.
In recent decades, technological advances have improved performance and quality, while decreasing the size of automobiles. This is largely due to environmental concerns and consumer demand, but also because of advances in electronics, high-strength plastics, new alloys of steel and nonferrous metals, and the use of alternative fuels such as natural gas, propane, and electricity.
Whether an environmentally conscious “green” hybrid, a fuel-efficient electric car, or a roaring V8 road cruiser, there is a huge selection of automobiles to choose from. Some manufacturers focus on value, while others seek excellence in a specific aspect of design or technology. Ultimately, the best automobile for you is a matter of personal preference and lifestyle.
Having a car gives you the freedom to go wherever and whenever you want, without relying on other people or public transportation. You can be at your job or at school on time, and you don’t have to worry about missing the bus because you were out late last night. Owning a car also demonstrates that you are creditworthy, which can help you get other loans such as mortgages and credit cards. However, some younger Americans are rethinking their need for a vehicle and are walking, taking public transit if it is available or carpooling to save money on the cost of fuel and insurance. In addition, many are choosing to downsize their vehicles to save money on maintenance and repair bills. However, most experts agree that the benefits of owning a car outweigh the drawbacks.