Automobiles are a major industry and an essential part of modern life. They allow people to travel long distances in relative comfort and ease, making work, school, family and leisure activities more accessible. They have revolutionized transportation and spawned new industries, services and jobs, including those for manufacturing vehicles, supplying fuel, repairing and maintaining them, and building highways. But they also cause problems such as pollution and congestion, destroying natural resources. They create the need for safety features and driving laws, and they require large amounts of energy, most of which comes from petroleum and its derivatives such as gasoline and rubber.
Cars are complex technical systems with many different design functions. For example, automobiles designed for off-road use must have rugged systems with high resistance to severe overloads and operating conditions. On-road systems need to provide passenger comfort and optimized handling and control performance. Automotive engineers must also develop the most efficient use of engine and powertrain components to maximize vehicle efficiency. They must also use materials with low weight and high strength, such as alloys of steel and nonferrous metals.
The first cars were steam or electric powered, built in the late 1700s and early 1800s. These vehicles were heavy and slow, and they needed to be regularly refueled or recharged. Gasoline engines soon replaced them, and by the early 1900s manufacturers were producing gasoline-powered cars in large numbers.
Automobile manufacturers are constantly competing with each other to gain a market advantage. To do so, they must make improvements in all areas of the vehicle, such as the chassis, suspension, brakes, wheels, engine and transmission, interior, electrical, aerodynamics and safety. Engineers also need to keep up with changes in consumer demand, for example, by designing cars that are more environmentally friendly or that can carry more passengers than previously possible.
In the 20th century, the automobile helped give women access to work and social activities that were previously limited by their financial or personal freedoms. It also helped them to advocate for their rights, including the right to vote. In 1916 two women made a pretty bold road trip in a car decorated with “votes for women” banners to promote their cause.
The best vehicles for driving enthusiasts are those that combine a sporty feel with the amenities of an upscale sedan. One such vehicle is the BMW 7 Series, which combines buttery ride comfort with unruffled cruising manners. It also looks good and is well equipped. Other options for drivers who enjoy a more playful experience include the Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG, the Audi A8 and the Genesis G90. Prices for these vehicles, and all of the others in this section, are based on average retail prices from Consumer Reports’ 2022 model year data or current production. Prices may vary significantly by model and market. Consumer Reports reviews thousands of cars each year. This information is used to determine the best-in-class models and to compile this list.