The automobile is a four-wheeled, passenger-carrying motor vehicle designed for transporting people over long distances on land. It is propelled by an internal combustion engine, most commonly fueled by gasoline. It was invented in the late 1800s, and grew rapidly as an industry throughout the first half of the twentieth century. American companies dominated the industry, with Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler emerging as the Big Three. Henry Ford is generally credited with inventing the assembly line and Model T, which allowed automakers to produce vehicles more quickly and cheaply.
The design of an automobile depends largely on its intended use. Automobiles that are designed to operate on a wide range of road conditions and speeds must have durable, simple systems. On the other hand, those that are designed to achieve high-speed, limited-access road performance must have optimized passenger comfort and safety, as well as improved engine power and high-speed handling.
Having your own car gives you freedom to travel and spend time with family or friends whenever you want. It also saves you the trouble and expense of relying on others for rides. It can take hours to get around town by public transit, and you’ll likely have to make several stops to reach your destination. Whether you’re going across the city or to the next state, owning a car can get you where you need to be in less time.
Choosing the best automobile for you can be a challenge. You’ll need to consider your budget and driving needs. You’ll also want to make sure your vehicle has the features you need, such as a comfortable ride and user-friendly infotainment system. To help you with your search, we’ve rounded up the top-rated models, based on reliability ratings from J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, and Consumer Reports, as well as gas mileage and towing capacity.
