According to the lobbying group Alliance for Automotive Innovation, the automobile industry contributes an estimated $1 trillion to the nation’s economy, with more than 250 million vehicles registered across the country. And the United States isn’t even the leader when it comes to car manufacturing—that’s China, which built a record 30 million cars in 2023.
The love of cars spans oceans. Whether you’re driving a compact electric car or a gas-guzzling truck that’s too big for your garage, you’ve likely enjoyed traveling on the open road with your favorite song on repeat. Cars are more than just transportation to many. They can be extensions of ourselves, often proclaiming our passions through bumper stickers and vanity plates, reflecting our style (cute and sporty or big and tough) and even complementing our phases in life (coupes for the singles, SUVs for families).
No matter what you ride in, these 15 images will deepen your appreciation for the automobile. Take a look.
Hydraulic wheels add some bounce to this classic car in Los Angeles, where lowrider culture is strong.
Vincenzo Pirozzi, California, 2020
Chevrolet, or Chevy, introduced in 1911, remains one of the nation’s most recognizable and enduring brands. Kerrick James, Arizona, 2021
A classic American car seemingly enjoys a night’s rest on a quiet street in the city of Trinidad. Kevin Shi, Cuba, 2022
Arguably one of the most recognized car model logos, the Ford Mustang equine is an iconic American trademark. Don Barone, Connecticut, 2016
This ride might lead one to believe that muscle cars were given that name because of their bicep-like curves, but it’s actually because of their powerful engines. Andre Boto, Portugal, 2021
An aerodynamic chrome ornament tops the hood of a cherry-red 1955 Chevy. Art Harman, Michigan, 2019