A self-propelled passenger vehicle, usually with four wheels and an internal combustion engine, used for transporting people. Automobiles are a key element in the development of modern society, especially in developed countries. They have revolutionized our lifestyles by providing us with new ways to travel and enjoy leisure activities, including recreational trips, shopping, and visiting friends. They can also help us get to work or school more quickly.

Karl Benz, a German engineer, invented the automobile around 1885. He had a large influence on other inventors and engineers. Between the 1880s and 1910, most automobiles were only for the rich. But Henry Ford and Ransom E. Olds both introduced production line manufacturing to the automotive industry. This enabled them to produce cars at lower cost, making them within the reach of middle-class Americans.

PROS: AUTOMOBILES ARE FUN TO OWN AND TO DRIVE. THEY SAVE TIME FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. THEY CAN ALSO BE A GREAT WAY TO EXPLORE AND TO GROW. CONS: THEY CAN BE EXPENSIVE TO BUY AND MAINTAIN. THEY RELEASE POOLS OF AIR POLLUTION AND TAKE UP LATERAL LAND FOR HIGHWAYS AND PARKING.

The first automobiles were steam, electric, and gasoline powered. By the 1920s, most were powered by the internal combustion of a liquid fuel. Some were made by a single company, with the different models based on the same basic design and mechanical parts. This approach was later adopted by other car manufacturers. Special automobiles include police cars, fire trucks and ambulances.