How to Make Cars Safer, Cleaner and Less Expensive

Cars are a key part of many people’s lives. They help us get to work, run errands and travel long distances. They also give millions of people jobs at factories that make cars or at gas stations, restaurants and hotels where drivers stop.

But cars also create problems. They pollute the air we breathe and cause millions of accidents every year. And they are expensive to own and maintain. So we should try to reduce their use. But the need to drive is so great that it’s hard to imagine a world without them. We need to find ways to make them safer and cleaner and less costly.

The first step is to understand what a car is. A car, or automobile, is a wheeled motor vehicle that carries one to eight people and runs primarily on roads. Its main functions are to transport passengers and to carry cargo.

A car has an engine that powers its wheels and provides electricity for lights and other systems. It has a chassis that holds the mechanical parts, and a body that covers it. The chassis is made of a metal frame that supports the car’s structure and protects its passengers. Cars have a wide range of sizes and types. They can be powered by gasoline, diesel or electric power. And they can be designed as sedans, coupes or minivans.

Different people have different needs when choosing a car. Some want lots of room and cargo space; others care more about fuel economy or handling. And some need a powerful engine or a stylish design. The best cars offer the features that their owners need most.

Car buyers have more choices than ever before. There are more models of SUVs than ever before and a growing number of hybrids, which combine the best aspects of gas and electric vehicles. But some formats are fading: convertibles and big sedans, for example, have fallen out of favor.

At CR, we test hundreds of cars each year to find the best. We look for the ones that have excellent driving dynamics, ample cargo room and key safety features. And we test them in a variety of real-world situations. Whether you’re looking for an SUV that can handle off-road trails or a sedan with enough legroom for two kids and their sports gear, we’ve got the reviews to help you find the right ride.

People across the country have different preferences when it comes to cars. And some of those differences are rooted in regional traditions. The Honda Accord is a favorite among drivers in the East and West, while the Ford F-Series trucks are popular in the Midwest. And in the South, the Nissan Altima has carved out its own niche.