Cars have been a part of our lives for several years. In fact, the first automobiles can be dated back to the late 18th Century. These early vehicles were powered by steam engines, were noisy, dirty and were only slightly related to the vehicles we know and love today. In the two centuries that have passed, the auto has seen dramatic changes in the way it looks and functions.

The first major development was the use of gasoline powered engines in automobiles. In the early 1800’s internal combustion engines started to be introduced, which was the first major change. Instead of being powered by a big steam engine, a smaller more efficient engine that was fueled by gasoline became the norm. This was a big factor in the growth of the auto.

However, as the 1900’s began automobiles were still novelties to most people. The cost of production of autos became expensive so that the vast majority of the people were not able to afford it. This changed with the Model T Ford of Henry Ford. Ford had the idea that to go more autos into the public’s hands he needed to come up with a way to make more autos, more efficiently. And he did with the introduction of the auto assembly line. With the use of the assembly line, cars were produced quicker and were sold at a much lower cost. This made the auto affordable to most people.

The assembly line became the boost that the industry needed, along with the end of the two World Wars and the Great Depression. Starting in the 1950’s, the auto industry enjoyed a boom with the introduction of a number of big, classic cars that we still love. Auto manufacturers introduced large cars such as the Cadillac, Lincoln and many others. Soon after sporty cars such as the Mustang, Corvette and Firebird gave the auto industry a new and exciting look.

However, as the economy and environment becoming bigger concerns, as well as safety issues, started to become important factors in the auto industry. Car manufacturers began including safety features such as seat belts, air bags, anti lock breaks and many others to keep the car driving public safe. Also, the sizes of the cars started to get smaller and lighter to help make the cars more fuel efficient.

While the auto industry has undergone radical changes over time, the car has been one of the most beloved possessions of the public. We love our cars! To help understand the developments in the car and car industry, we have put together a number of pages for your reference. Enjoy and see you on the roadway!

Early Autos

• A History of the Automobile – Helpful page with information on early automobiles and the subsequent history.
• History of the Auto – Informative page providing a look at the changes in the auto over time.
• The First Car – Information on the first steam powered car to be functional.
• Steam Powered Motor Vehicle – Historical look at the workings of the first vehicle that was powered by steam.

Gas Powered Engines

• First Autos – Information on the first gas engine used in automobiles and other useful car related facts.
• Gas Powered Cars – Article showing how the gas powered engine was important to the growth in the auto industry.
• First Engines – Useful information about many of the early engines used in automobiles.
• Internal Combustion Engine – Helpful page with information on early engines for automobiles.
• Engine Facts – Basic information on the workings of the internal combustion engine powered by gasoline.
• Karl Benz – Information on the inventor of the first auto driven by an internal combustion engine fueled by gasoline.

Classic Autos

• The Model T – Historical look at the Ford Model T and its creator Henry Ford.
• Henry Ford – Time Magazine article about the efforts of the inventor to change the automobile industry.
• Classic Auto Resources – Web site providing information and resources on classic automobiles.
• Classic Car Information – Helpful page with a number of resources and information about classic cars.
• Classic Car Club – Informative portal of information and resources about classic cars.
• Classic Car Lists – Alphabetical listing of various types of classic cars.

Modern Autos

• Modern Car History – Helpful look at the evolution of cars until modern time.
• History of the Modern Automobile – Historical look at automobiles and how they have changed over history.
• Modern Era Automobiles – Information on autos in the modern era.
• Modern Automotive Technology – Useful look at the advances that have happened in automobiles.

Auto Safety History

• The History of Car Safety – A look at some of the top safety improvements in autos for the past century.
• Car Safety History – Information on many of the safety improvements in cars.
• Smithsonian Exhibit – Article from Autoweek about the exhibit in the Smithsonian covering many auto safety improvements.
• History of Car Safety – Helpful site giving a nice overview of car safety history.
• Safety Features – Information on changes in safety features in the modern car.

Auto Law History

• History of Driving Laws – Useful article providing a basic overview of the changes in driving laws in time.
• Title Law Information – Informative page discussing the creation of a national title laws for vehicle registration.
• Auto Laws – Information about several auto laws that are in force.
• Traffic and Speed Laws – Summary of the various auto laws that are in place in various states.
• Motor Vehicle Laws – Handbook providing a look at the different motor vehicle laws in existence.

This free resource created by Cheap Car Insurance is meant to educate individuals about the history of the automobile. Sharing is permissible. Please contact us if you have any questions. Get a car insurance quote in your area.