Automobiles are four-wheeled motor vehicles designed primarily for passenger transportation and commonly propelled by an internal-combustion engine fueled by gasoline. They are often also equipped with a variety of safety features and accessories. They can be driven on paved roads, off-road paths, or other surfaces as long as they are safe for doing so. The automobile has revolutionized the way people live, work, and play. It has also helped develop ancillary industries that produce and supply the automobile’s components, such as oil, steel, rubber, and plastics, and it has helped create jobs and services, such as gas stations, restaurants, and motels.

The automobile has had a profound impact on the economy of the United States and other countries, especially since the 1920s. It has become the backbone of a new consumer goods-oriented society, and is one of the largest consumers of energy in the world, providing one out of every six U.S. jobs in 1982 and consuming the equivalent of almost nine billion barrels of oil per year. In addition, it has stimulated a number of important technological innovations.

Although many early automobiles were hand-built, the era of mass production began with the introduction of the assembly line by U.S. automaker Henry Ford in 1908. This technique drastically reduced production costs and made automobiles affordable for middle-class Americans. Other factors that contributed to the automobile’s rise include the development of electric ignition and self-starting systems (designed by Charles Kettering for the Cadillac Motor Company in 1910-1911), independent suspension, and four-wheel brakes.

Many aspects of the automobile have changed over time, from the design and styling of its body to the addition of comfort features and technological advancements like air conditioning. But some things have remained constant, such as the need for safety features and government regulations.

Owning a car provides unparalleled convenience and autonomy in transportation, but it also comes with increased expenses for insurance, fuel, maintenance, and repairs. It is essential to weigh these pros and cons to determine whether an automobile is right for you.

There are many ways to use a car, from taking road trips to visiting family and friends. Cars have also been used for activism and protest, including in 1916 when two women, Nell Richardson and Alice Burke, took a cross-country trip in their car to advocate for women’s rights. This was a bold move at the time, but these women were showing that cars could be a powerful tool for change. They even decorated their car with “votes for women” banners!