10Best Automobiles
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Automobiles are powered by internal combustion engines that use gasoline, diesel fuel, or kerosene to ignite an explosive chemical reaction inside a cylinder. The resulting steam or gas pushes a piston that turns the wheels.
The automobile revolutionized personal transportation, and its social impact was equally profound. Families could travel together to places previously unreachable, and rural dwellers gained access to towns and cities for shopping and employment. Teenagers found independence and self-reliance as they learned to drive, and dating couples often found privacy in the car. The automobile also provided the ability to run errands without having to ask for rides from friends and neighbors.
With 1.4 billion cars on the road worldwide, it’s no surprise that automotive manufacturers are churning out new models with astonishing frequency. These cars are designed to appeal to a variety of buyers with different preferences and purposes. While some are designed for efficiency, others prioritize comfort and handling. The best cars are a mix of these two factors.
As a result, it can be difficult to decide which vehicle is right for you. To help, 10Best editors and a panel of experts have chosen the most compelling vehicles on the market today. We’ve selected the very best sedans, compact cars, convertibles, coupes, and SUVs, as well as a pickup truck.
While the car’s history stretches back centuries, modern automobiles have benefited from several technological advances. For example, the late 1600s saw Christiaan Huygens invent a type of engine sparked by gunpowder, and the first steam and electric vehicles were developed in the 1800s. These early vehicles had a number of flaws, however, including limited speed and range and the inconvenient need for recharging stations.
In the 1920s, American manufacturer Henry Ford introduced mass production techniques that enabled him to compete with European producers and dominate the industry. These innovations included the self-starter, closed all-steel body, hydraulic brakes, and syncromesh transmission. These features made it possible to produce cars at a fraction of the cost they once required and allowed for a wider distribution and sales of automobiles.
Although the automobile was invented in Europe, it took off in America due to its vast land area and less-restrictive tariff barriers that encouraged manufacturers to sell their products across the country. In addition, the U.S. has a higher per capita income than most European nations and a more equitable distribution of wealth, creating great demand for automobiles.
As a result, many small automobile companies dissolved as the industry became dominated by three giants: Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler. These companies began to standardize design and reduce options, and the industry evolved into a global enterprise.
Regardless of the type of automobile you choose, it’s important to select one that suits your lifestyle and needs. If you’re looking for a practical commuter, for instance, consider the Honda Civic, which is one of the most versatile cars on the market. It’s available as a sedan and coupe, and it offers a spacious cargo area. On the other hand, if you’re considering a pickup truck, we recommend the Ford Ranger or Chevrolet El Camino.