Automobiles are wheeled motor vehicles that are used primarily for transporting passengers. They usually use gasoline or another fuel to run their engines, but some use alternative power sources like electricity. Various definitions have emerged over the years, but most agree that an automobile is a self-propelled vehicle with seats for one or more people and four wheels that is powered by an internal combustion engine.

The modern automobile has shaped our world in profound ways, making it nearly impossible to imagine life without a car. There are more than 1.4 billion passenger cars in operation worldwide, and Americans alone drive more than three trillion miles each year on average. Having your own car means you don’t have to rely on others for rides, and it allows you to travel long distances in just a few minutes. Having a car also gives you the freedom to change your schedule and enjoy hobbies that you couldn’t before, such as golfing or hiking.

Karl Benz is credited with inventing the modern automobile, but it was American businessman Henry Ford who revolutionized manufacturing and made cars affordable for middle-class families. The car also changed the culture of America, creating new leisure activities and services like hotels, restaurants and amusement parks. It opened up the country, allowing people living in urban areas to escape to the countryside, and rural residents to travel to cities.

In recent years, manufacturers have taken advantage of technological advances to improve automobiles and make them safer for their occupants. For example, many cars now have blind-spot monitoring systems and automated emergency braking that can help drivers avoid collisions. These features are often standard or available on higher-end models, and they are being required by law in many countries.

Whether you’re looking for a reliable commuter car, a spacious family hauler or something in between, there’s sure to be a model that suits your needs and budget. The Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla are among the most popular compact sedans, while the Kia Forte offers a quiet interior and extensive tech features at a more palatable price.

The auto industry has become a global enterprise, and most major producers operate plants in several countries. This allows them to maximize production efficiency and keep prices competitive. The industry has also become increasingly environmentally conscious, developing more efficient and cleaner engines and designing vehicles that are easier to repair or recycle. This has been aided by the advent of computer-based engineering and new alloys for steel and nonferrous metals.