Automobiles are a huge part of the modern world. They help us get to work and school, run errands, visit friends and family, and enjoy our free time. Without them, many luxuries of the modern world wouldn’t be possible. Automobiles come in a wide variety, from tiny urban hatchbacks to truck-based SUVs. They can be electric, hybrid, or gas powered. The automotive industry is one of the largest and most profitable in the world, with the United States accounting for more than three trillion miles (five trillion kilometres) driven per year.
The first automobiles were steam, electric, and then gasoline internal combustion engines, with the latter achieving dominance in the 1910s. In the beginning, cars were expensive and required regular maintenance. They also produced a lot of pollution, contributing to climate change. But with the rise of mass production, the automobile became more affordable and a way of life for most Americans.
Gottlieb Daimler and Karl Benz both developed vehicles with internal combustion engines that looked and worked much like today’s cars. Daimler’s engine design was based on Otto’s 1876 invention, while Benz’s was built from the ground up and used his four-stroke gasoline engine.
If you’re looking for a good deal on an automobile, check out the 2014-2020 Hyundai Elantra, which has a great reliability record and is fairly efficient with its range of four-cylinder engines. Another solid option is the Kia Soul, which has a funky exterior and interior design and plenty of room for people and cargo.