Automobiles are self-propelled motor vehicles intended for transportation on land, with four wheels and powered by an internal combustion engine, most often fueled by gasoline. During the early 20th century, automobiles came to dominate urban areas and suburban neighborhoods.
They offered people the opportunity to travel and visit more places, and opened up a wealth of new leisure activities, such as hotels and resorts, shopping centers and fast food restaurants. They also brought with them new government requirements and laws, including highway rules, seatbelts and driver’s licenses. On the negative side, gas-burning cars contributed to air pollution and climate change and used up natural resources like fossil fuels. And the roads they paved needed to be maintained, with associated jobs in the construction industry.
A car can provide the freedom to work where you live, or travel to see friends and family in other towns and cities, avoiding the inconvenience of changing trains or flights. But the purchase and operating costs of a vehicle should be balanced against the benefits.
The automotive industry is in flux, with a number of automakers facing challenges due to parts shortages stemming from the coronavirus pandemic. As a result, some models have been removed from sale or reworked. Meanwhile, the market is seeing an expansion of the types of vehicles available to consumers. These include sport utility vehicles in all shapes and sizes, hybrids and electric cars, and even pickup trucks that are both utilitarian and capable of off-road driving.