Automobiles are motor vehicles that use internal combustion engines to travel on land. These vehicles have four wheels and are powered most commonly by gasoline (a liquid petroleum product). They are one of the world’s most popular forms of modern technology and are manufactured by one of the largest industries in the world. Today, automobiles are used by millions of people daily for work and leisure activities.

Karl Benz was credited with inventing the automobile in 1885 and Henry Ford revolutionized how they are made by using an assembly line to reduce production costs. These changes led to lower prices and more middle class families could afford cars. This gave them a sense of freedom and enabled them to shop, travel, and socialize.

During the 1910s and 1920s women began working outside of the home for the first time and the automobile allowed them to go to their jobs and other places they previously could not. They also started participating in political activities such as marching for votes and giving speeches from their automobiles.

In the United States, there are 1.4 billion automobiles in operation, and three trillion miles are driven each year on average. As a result, Americans spend an hour each day traveling to and from their homes. This commute takes up valuable time that could be spent on more productive activities. It also increases the amount of money that is spent on fuel. The environmental impact of automobiles is also a concern because they release harmful gases into the air and cause pollution, which can have an adverse effect on humans, animals, plants, water, and air quality.