The automobile is one of the most significant inventions of modern times. It has radically changed the way people live their lives and the social structure of society as it allows people to travel great distances and thus broaden their work opportunities and expand their circle of friends and family. The car has also opened up the world to a large degree by connecting distant cities and rural areas in ways that have not been possible in the past.

Automobiles are motor vehicles designed primarily for passenger transportation and powered by an internal combustion engine that uses volatile fuel, such as gasoline or diesel fuel. Known more commonly as cars, they are the primary mode of transportation in most countries. They can carry more than one person and their luggage, are faster and more convenient to use than buses or bicycles, and can often reach places where other wheeled vehicles cannot.

Although the first modern automobiles were developed in the late 1800s, they did not become widely used until after 1920. This coincided with the growth of industrial manufacturing in America, which enabled Henry Ford to innovate mass production techniques that greatly reduced the price of his Model T car to the point that it became affordable for middle class families. Ford’s success in this field was followed by the rise of General Motors and Chrysler, which had a virtual lock on the American market by the 1940s. After the end of World War II, demand for automobiles surged and manufacturers shifted their resources to meeting this need, which resulted in increased production capacity in Europe and Japan as well.

A car is more than a means of transport; it can be a symbol of wealth and status. Newer models are usually equipped with a wide range of luxury features, including air conditioning and satellite navigation systems. Some even have built-in music players and entertainment systems. The modern automobile is also an important component of the global economy, with more than three trillion miles (five trillion kilometres) being driven each year.

Despite their advantages, cars have also brought with them new forms of pollution and traffic congestion. This has led to the development of government-regulated traffic laws and safety standards for drivers. The introduction of the automobile also brought with it a new level of freedom for many people, giving them more time to do things like shop and relax.

The majority of automobiles in use today run on gasoline, which is obtained from oil. As this resource becomes scarcer, automakers have had to develop more efficient and environmentally friendly engines, and they have also started producing electric-powered cars. These are generally quieter and have more torque than gasoline-powered automobiles. They are more expensive to own than other types of cars, though, and they can still be difficult to afford for those with low incomes. Alternative fuels, such as biofuels, are being investigated for use in automobiles. These may be less polluting than gasoline, but they are also less efficient.