Automobiles are human-powered vehicles that use an internal combustion engine to drive wheels. They have been a major force for social change in the twentieth century, becoming the backbone of a new consumer goods-oriented society and one of the chief customers of steel and petroleum industries. The automobile has revolutionized transportation and changed the way people live by allowing individuals to travel great distances on their own without having to wait for a bus or train. In addition, they allow people to carry larger items than can be transported on public transportation and are more versatile than other types of transportation in terms of their ability to transport children and pets.
The first automobiles were steam or electric-powered and they didn’t have any of the features we are accustomed to today such as a windshield, rearview mirrors, and turn signals. These early vehicles also had many problems including fire hazards and insufficient safety measures. However, Henry Ford’s invention of the assembly line and the Model T greatly improved the safety and reliability of the automobile. He was able to produce the vehicle at such an affordable price that it became available to a wide range of consumers.
As the industry began to dominate American life, automobile design was increasingly influenced by questionable aesthetics at the expense of fuel economy and safety. By the mid-1960s, Detroit had relegated engineering to second place and focused on making cars “look cool” by offering non-functional styling. The higher unit profits from these gas-guzzling “road cruisers” came at the cost of increased air pollution and a drain on dwindling world oil reserves.
Despite the automobile’s colossal impact on society, its heyday has come to a close and is being eclipsed by new forces. The era of the annually restyled road cruiser is being replaced by new models that meet Federal standards for safety and emissions; are made with more fuel-efficient engines; use less steel; and offer better driving dynamics.
Cars allow people to go places on their own, which translates into greater work opportunities and social possibilities. People can travel farther distances with ease, allowing them to see more of the country and expand their families and friendship circles. Having an automobile also allows for more flexible lifestyles because workers can move to different cities in relation to their jobs.
Buying a car can be expensive, but it’s worth it in the long run. A vehicle will save money on fuel, and it can be used to transport larger items, like furniture or appliances. People can also save money on taxi rides and avoid having to pay for public transportation. In addition, they can stay on schedule when they own their own car, instead of having to rely on others to get them where they need to be. It’s important to research the best cars before purchasing one to make sure that you’re getting the most value for your money. According to Consumer Reports, the Nissan Sentra sedan and Nissan Rogue Sport subcompact SUV are its top picks in the under $25,000 category. The organization recommends the Toyota Prius Hybrid and Honda Accord in the $25,000 to $35,000 category, and it likes the Subaru Forester SUV, Honda CR-V, Toyota Prius Prime plug-in hybrid and Kia Telluride three-row family SUV in the $25,000 to $45,000 price range.