An automobile, also called motor car, is a self-propelled vehicle used for travel on land. It typically carries two to six passengers and a limited amount of cargo. Automobiles run on gasoline, although diesel engines (which burn heavier petroleum oil) are used in some trucks and buses. The modern automobile consists of a four-wheeled chassis with a water-cooled, piston-type internal combustion engine. The power of the engine is transmitted to the front wheels or to all four wheels, depending on the design of the vehicle.
In the early twentieth century, automobiles came to dominate the streets and byways of the world. Henry Ford introduced manufacturing techniques that greatly reduced the price of his Model T, making cars affordable to middle-class Americans.
The automobile revolutionized American society, bringing it closer together. It enabled people to escape their homes and explore different parts of the country. It made it possible for people to work farther away from home and still be able to get back and forth to their jobs. It allowed them to shop and visit friends on their own without having to rely on others for transport.
Owning a car is an expensive commitment, but it can give you the freedom to go wherever you want whenever you want. You can leave the house in time for a job interview or to meet up with a friend, and you can go on vacations whenever you want. It is also a good way to show a potential lender that you can afford the monthly payments of a mortgage or other debt.