Outline of automobiles

The following outline is provided as an overview of and topical guide to automobiles:

Automobile (or car) – wheeled passenger vehicle that carries its own motor. Most definitions of the term specify that automobiles are designed to run primarily on roads, to have seating for one to six people, typically have four wheels, and be constructed principally for the transport of people rather than goods. As of 2002 there were 590 million passenger cars worldwide (roughly one car for every eleven people), of which 140 million were in the U.S. (roughly one car for every two people).

Types of automobile

The basic automobile is privately owned for transporting the owner and his or her passengers. See automobile. Other types of cars include:

By car body style

Specialized vehicles

By propulsion system

By engine

Automotive design

Automotive design
- Body
- Framework
  - Automobile platform
  - Car model
  - Trim level
  - Body-on-frame
  - Bumper
  - Cabrio coach
  - Chassis
  - Continental tire
  - Crumple zone
  - Dagmar bumpers
  - Decklid
  - Fender
  - Fender skirts
  - Grille (architecture)
  - Hood
  - Hood scoop
  - Monocoque
  - Overhang
  - Pillar
  - Ponton (automobile)
  - Pontoon fenders
  - Quarter panel
  - Shaker scoop
  - Spoiler
  - Subframe
  - Tonneau
- Compartments
  - Trunk/Boot/Dickie
  - Hood/Bonnet
- Doors
- Glass
- Other
- Lighting
- Legal and other
- Interior equipment
- Instruments
- Controls
- Theft deterrence
- Safety & seating
- Other
  - Air conditioning
  - Automobile accessory power
  - Car audio
  - Car phone
  - Center console
  - Dashboard
  - Flat tire
  - Glove compartment
  - RF connector
  - Power steering
  - Rear-view mirror
  - Smart key
  - Sun visor
  - Trap (secret compartment)

History of automobiles

History of the automobile

History of steam road vehicles
Cugnot's fardier à vapeur – an experimental steam-driven artillery tractor regarded by some as the first 'car'
Benz Patent Motorwagen – First purpose-built automobile