Automobiles are wheeled vehicles that run on road surfaces and seat one to eight passengers. Powered by gasoline, diesel, or kerosene and driven by an internal combustion engine, they are propelled by the explosion of fuel inside a cylinder that drives pistons down and turns the wheels. The wheels are driven by gears, and the vehicle is steered by a steering system and controlled by pedals and a steering wheel.

The automobile revolutionized transportation and created new industries and services such as gas stations and convenience stores. It allowed people more freedom of movement and access to jobs and education. It also helped to break rural isolation and bring urban amenities such as schools, hospitals and shops to the countryside. The automobile was a major force in a consumer economy that grew from a small manufacturing sector to one of the largest contributors to economic growth in twentieth century America.

By the early 1920s, automobile production and consumption reached unprecedented levels. New jobs were created to manufacture and repair the cars, and dozens of spin-off industries flourished to meet the demand for automobile parts, such as tires, batteries and vulcanized rubber. The construction of roads and highways peaked during this period, with government expenditure reaching record highs.

The automobile was a social revolution as well, encouraging family vacations and reviving fading leisure activities such as hunting and fishing. It encouraged new ways of living and shopping, and promoted a more relaxed sexual atmosphere. It allowed the influx of immigrants from southern Europe and Asia and opened up the United States to foreign culture.

There are many different types of automobiles in use today, including sedans, station wagons, hatchbacks, minivans and SUVs. The main function of each is to carry passengers and cargo from one location to another. The modern car has a number of features to increase comfort, safety and efficiency. These include air conditioning, power windows, cruise control and anti-lock brakes. It also has an infotainment system that can be used to play music, make phone calls and check the status of the car’s battery and other systems.

The cost of automobiles has been reduced over time due to advances in technology and increased productivity. However, the price of new cars is still high compared to other modes of transportation. This is because the new cars have a lot of high-tech features that are expensive to develop and maintain. In addition, there is a lot of competition from other countries that produce automobiles, such as Germany and Japan. These countries have better, more functionally designed cars at a lower cost. This has caused the American auto industry to struggle in recent years.