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Car

A car, also called an automobile, is a wheeled motor vehicle designed primarily for road use and passenger transport.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

A car, also called an automobile, is a wheeled motor vehicle designed primarily for road use and passenger transport. Standard definitions describe cars as vehicles that usually seat 1 to 8 people and are intended mainly to carry people rather than cargo. In Canada, cars are a central part of everyday transportation, personal mobility, commuting, and tourism across urban, suburban, and rural areas.

Definition

A car is a motor vehicle used primarily for road transportation of passengers. The term is commonly used interchangeably with automobile. Standard definitions emphasize that cars are built mainly to transport people rather than goods, and they are typically wheeled vehicles with four wheels.

Design and use

Cars are generally built with four wheels and an enclosed passenger cabin, although designs vary widely by body style, size, and purpose. Their main function is to move people, not cargo. A common description of a car is a vehicle with four wheels and seating for multiple passengers.

Worldwide use

Cars are used globally in personal, commercial, and fleet contexts. They form a major part of modern transportation systems. In Canada, they are especially important for personal mobility, commuting, and tourism across urban, suburban, and rural areas.

Automotive information resources

Several websites and apps describe themselves as car or automotive encyclopedias, offering model specifications, maintenance information, and reference material. These resources provide detailed information about various car models and general automotive knowledge.

Key facts

  • Cars are motor vehicles with wheels and are generally used on roads.
  • Most definitions emphasize that cars are built mainly to transport people rather than goods.
  • A common description of a car is a vehicle with four wheels and seating for multiple passengers.
  • Cars are one of the most widespread forms of personal transportation worldwide.
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Canadian context

Cars are a major part of everyday transportation in Canada, where they are central to personal mobility, commuting, and tourism across urban, suburban, and rural areas.

Frequently asked questions

What is a car?
A car is a wheeled motor vehicle designed mainly for road travel and passenger transport.
Is a car the same as an automobile?
Yes. In common usage, car and automobile mean the same thing.
How many people does a car usually seat?
Many standard definitions describe cars as seating about 1 to 8 people.
Are cars mainly for cargo transport?
No. Cars are generally defined as vehicles that primarily transport people rather than cargo.
What kind of vehicle is a car?
A car is a type of motor vehicle, usually with four wheels and intended for road use.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Car
    Supports: General definition of a car as a motor vehicle, typical seating, wheels, and primary passenger-transport use.
  2. Google Playhttps://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.w9k.car_encyclopedia&hl=en_IE
    Supports: Describes an automotive encyclopedia app that provides information on automobile brands and models.
  3. CarsArthttps://www.carsart.net/en/
    Supports: Describes a car encyclopedia with specifications, news, manuals, and maintenance information.
  4. AUTOPEDIAhttps://autopedia.com/
    Supports: Describes an automotive encyclopedia and internet resource covering multiple vehicle types.
  5. CarWikiHubhttps://carwikihub.com/
    Supports: Describes itself as a car encyclopedia with specs and model comparisons.
  6. 1cars.orghttps://1cars.org/
    Supports: Describes itself as a car catalog and encyclopedia of car brands, models, and generations.
  7. RepairPalhttps://repairpal.com/encyclopedia
    Supports: Provides an automobile encyclopedia and car parts reference content.
  8. encyCARpediahttps://www.encycarpedia.com/us/
    Supports: Describes itself as a car specifications web app.