Information on Different Types of Cars

There are many different makes and models of cars available for purchase in the United States.

There are literally hundreds of different makes and models of new and used vehicles on the road today. Drivers looking for specific qualities in a vehicle often have a variety of different models to choose from. There are several basic categories that most car models can fit into. Some cars can even fit into multiple categories.

Related Searches:

• New Sports Cars
• Sedan Cars

1. Sedan

   • Sedans are the most common type of car on the market today. Sedans are normally four-door model cars that seat five to six passengers and feature an enclosed trunk. Virtually ever major car manufacturer produces several different models of sedans. Sedans range in size from large luxury vehicles to small sub-compacts. Some of the most popular vehicles on the road today are sedans, including the Toyota Camry, Ford Focus and Honda Accord.

   Coupe

   • Coupes are smaller and sportier than sedans. The majority of these are two-door models and some offer a hatchback in place of a trunk. Coupes typically have very small backseats that can be accessed through the front doors. Coupes typically get very good gas mileage due to their small size. Popular coupes include the Honda Civic, Smart fortwo, Pontiac G5 and Pontiac Solstice. Many hardtop sports cars are technically considered to be coupes.

   Convertibles

   • Convertibles are cars on which the top can be removed. Normally convertible tops are made out of some kind of cloth or plastic. Most sports cars offer a convertible option, including the Ford Mustang, Audi S5 and Volkswagen Eos.

   Hybrids

   • Hybrid cars use alternative types of fuel, such as ethanol-based E85 gasoline. Hybrid vehicles come in all shapes and sizes; however, the most common hybrids tend to be smaller car models. Hybrids are best known for their fuel efficiency and environmental benefits.

   CUV

   • The term CUV has been coined to describe crossover utility vehicles. CUVs are smaller and typically more stylish than traditional larger SUVs. CUVs are utility vehicles that are built on a car platform, rather than on a truck platform as traditional SUV models are. CUVs have become popular because their handling, ride and performance are more similar to a car than a truck. There are several seven- and 8-passenger CUVs on the market today, most of which use third-row seating that can be removed or also used for cargo. Popular CUVs include the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot Ford Flex and Chevrolet Traverse.