Automobiles are powered by engines that run on a variety of fuels—most commonly gasoline, or “gasoline” as it’s known in the United States. The engine turns a crankshaft that drives wheels to propel the car forward, or backward. Automobiles can be designed for different purposes and environments, such as off-road driving or high-speed travel on limited-access roads. Design considerations include passenger comfort options, engine performance, vehicle weight, aerodynamics and handling, fuel economy and emissions, and safety features.
Automobiles are a vital part of most modern societies. They connect us to friends and family, let us explore our world in a way that was never before possible, and give us the freedom to work and live where we want. But they also have significant negative effects on the environment, on traffic congestion, and on public health. With the right choices, however, the benefits of automobiles can outweigh the costs.
The automobile was originally developed and perfected in Germany and France toward the end of the nineteenth century by men such as Gottlieb Daimler, Karl Benz, and Nicolaus Otto. But it was Henry Ford who brought the automobile to its most widespread use, inventing mass-production techniques and building his Model T runabout for less than a year’s wage for a laborer in 1912—thereby introducing the concept of personal transportation to America.
Today, more than 73 million cars are produced worldwide, making the automobile one of the most universally used of all modern technologies. As an industry, it is among the world’s largest industries and the most valuable of all major inventions.
Most modern automobiles have internal combustion engines that run on gasoline, diesel fuel or kerosene. The fuel is burned in the engine, creating carbon monoxide and other pollutants, which are expelled through exhaust pipes. The power from the engine is transferred to the wheels through a transmission system.
Having your own car saves you time on your commute, shopping trips and visits to friends and family. Depending on where you live, public transportation may be limited or nonexistent. For many people, especially those living in rural areas with low population density, it simply makes sense to have a car.
Whether you want an efficient electric car that doesn’t compromise on performance, or you’d like to indulge in some classic V8 muscle, our list of the best new cars has something for everyone. And if you’re not quite ready to purchase, we’ve got the tips you need to lease or finance a great new ride.
