Having your own car gives you independence and freedom. It allows you to travel and explore new places, meet people, and get things done when and where you need them. In addition, having your own vehicle is a great way to save money on commuting or taking the family out for fun!
Whether you’re looking for a spacious SUV that can handle family and cargo or a sleek coupe that handles like a dream, our reviews and rankings of the best automobiles on the market have you covered. Our top picks for small cars offer a comfortable ride, advanced technology, and fuel efficiency; our large SUVs boast a powerful engine, towing capability, and high reliability ratings.
The modern automobile is a complex technical system with many subsystems designed with specific functional requirements. For example, automobiles for off-road use need to be rugged with simple systems and a strong resistance to extreme overloads. While those built for limited-access road systems require more passenger comfort options, optimized high-speed handling and stability, and an internal combustion engine powered by a volatile fuel.
The first theoretical plans for motorized vehicles date back to the 15th century, when Leonardo da Vinci and Isaac Newton envisioned various mechanisms that could drive wheels. While those concepts didn’t come to fruition during their lifetimes, the automobile — as we know it today — emerged with the invention of the steam engine, the electric battery, and then the internal combustion engine, which fueled gaseous and later liquid fuels for automotive propulsion.
Inventors and engineers have since perfected the basic principles of automobile engineering, incorporating features that make them safe, comfortable, and efficient. The most significant advancement came in the 20th century with the introduction of the assembly line, allowing manufacturers to turn out vehicles at much faster rates and lower cost. As a result, the automobile became more affordable and accessible to the average consumer.
The most popular of these vehicles are sedans, which have a large number of models in varying shapes and sizes to suit every lifestyle. Sport-utility vehicles and hybrids/electric vehicles are also growing in popularity as consumers look for alternatives to traditional fossil-fuel models. The future of the automobile is bright, with more choices and a greater emphasis on safety features than ever before. Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection are just a few of the features that help reduce accidents and injuries on America’s roads.