passengercar

Passengercar, typically written as passenger car, denotes a motor vehicle designed primarily for transporting people rather than goods. In most contexts it provides seating for four or more occupants and includes a luggage area. Passengercars are distinguished from commercial vehicles, trucks, and buses, and from vehicles designed primarily for cargo or specialist use. They are used for personal transport, commuting, and family travel, and come in a wide range of sizes and styles.

Body styles include sedans, hatchbacks, coupes, convertibles, wagons, and sport-utility vehicles. Interiors emphasize comfort and usability, with varying seating configurations and cargo space. Drivetrains range from internal-combustion engines to hybrids and all-electric propulsion, with transmissions that are manual or automatic. Modern passengercars commonly feature safety systems such as airbags, anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, and increasingly advanced driver-assistance systems.

Historically, passengercars emerged in the late 19th century and expanded through the 20th century with mass production. The industry has since shifted toward electrification, connectivity, and autonomous features, supported by emissions and safety regulations at national and international levels. Today, passengercars represent the primary form of motorized personal transport in many regions, with market dynamics shaped by fuel prices, urban planning, and environmental policy.