The automobile is a four-wheeled vehicle that has an engine to make it move but does not require horses or other external power to operate. It is usually larger than a bicycle but smaller than a bus or truck/lorry. Most automobiles burn a liquid fuel to make the internal combustion engine run, and that engine then powers wheels to make them turn. Most modern automobiles are powered by gasoline, but electric and hybrid cars also exist.

Cars have many benefits, including allowing people to travel independently and without the need to ask others for rides. They can be used for work, shopping, or to visit friends and family. They can also save time by enabling drivers to cross town in minutes instead of hours. However, they can be a burden, with maintenance and registration costs adding up over the years.

Automobile production first took off in the United States in the early 20th century. Henry Ford innovated mass production, and manufacturers like Ford, GM and Chrysler became the dominant players in the industry. During this period, automobiles became easier to operate and more comfortable, with features like heaters and steel bodies becoming commonplace.

The automobile has also been a force for change in the social and economic life of the United States. It has created jobs in steel, machine tool, and other industries. It has helped to bring a new consumer goods-oriented society into being. At the same time, its negative effects, such as air pollution and the draining of world oil supplies, have raised serious concerns.