Automobiles are wheeled vehicles designed primarily to travel on roads, having seating for one to seven people and powered by gasoline or diesel. They are among the most important inventions in human history and have influenced culture, economy and society in many ways. The automobile gave people more personal freedom, created new industries and services, and made it possible to get from point A to point B quickly. It is considered by many to be the single most significant invention in modern times.

Automobile design focuses on safety, efficiency and comfort. Vehicles should have clear visibility with well-placed glass areas and an attractive shape to appeal to consumers. They should also be cost-efficient to make them affordable for most people and easy to produce. An ideal automobile should be economical to operate and maintain, and should provide good fuel economy. It should have an engine that uses a simple and efficient process to run the vehicle. It should use less fuel than other vehicles of its size and type and emit fewer pollutants. It should have a good acceleration and be able to handle heavy loads.

In the early 1800s, Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot invented the first steam automobile in France. Manufacturers produced steam-driven cars for a few years until they realized that the machines were slow and inefficient, since water had to be heated before the car could move. Later, manufacturers used electric motors to power automobiles. These were more efficient than steam cars, but they did not go as fast and needed to be recharged regularly. Gasoline-powered automobiles eventually won out over the other two types.

During the 20th century, automobiles became much more widely available than ever before. Automobile manufacturing became one of the first industries to use assembly lines, which greatly lowered the price of cars for middle-class families. Automobiles have transformed society and made it possible for people to live in places far away from each other, as long as they can afford to travel.

The disadvantages of automobiles include their reliance on fossil fuels, which can pollute the environment and contribute to climate change. The number of automobiles on the road can cause traffic congestion and delay commuters. Many cities have public transportation options such as buses, trains (steam-powered, diesel-powered, monorail or light rail), trams and subways that can get people to their destination faster than automobiles.

While owning a car can give individuals more flexibility and independence, it comes with additional expenses such as the purchase of the vehicle itself, fuel, insurance, and maintenance. This can burden some people financially and may prevent them from being able to afford a car. In addition, driving a car can lead to sedentary lifestyles and can contribute to health issues such as obesity and heart disease. However, if used responsibly, automobiles can be a useful tool in everyday life.