There are several different types of cars you can buy if you need a new mode of personal transportation. However, you need to think about what kind of vehicle you like to drive. Some people prefer something higher off the ground, for instance. Others may want something that has four doors as opposed to two.
You can visit the Waxahachie Autoplex if you are interested in checking out a wide selection of vehicles. Before you go there, though, it makes sense to understand the various common car body types so you can nail down which one is going to work best for you.
We will talk about some of the most common car body types and how they are different in the following article.
What is Normally Meant By “Car Body Type?”
If someone who’s knowledgeable about the auto niche starts talking to you about car body type, they usually mean the amount of space a car takes up, the general shape of it, and how the body design looks. Certain cars and trucks have very distinctive sizes and shapes.
That is not by accident. Car designers in both the US and overseas markets know that if they design and start mass producing a vehicle, it will be categorized accordingly. If they make a vehicle and then it doesn’t fit neatly into any of the existing categories, then it will probably be a lot more difficult for the company to market.
Now that you understand that, let’s look at some of the particular car body types that you should see if you visit any auto lot.
The Coupe
The coupe is a type of car that has been around for a very long time. These are generally considered to be one of the more luxurious or sporty varieties of vehicle that you can buy.
The coupe’s shape will normally be distinguishable by its sloping roof line. It will have two doors and a trunk, though the trunk is normally of a more modest size than some of the others on this list.
The Hatchback
The hatchback is often a popular family car. It is considered to be either a compact or subcompact. The rear, flip-hatch door is one of its most signature identifying characteristics.
Many car companies make a hatchback, if not more than one. It can be considered an ultra-competitive market.
Since these cars are both practical and affordable, they are one of the most common vehicles you’re likely to see on the road. A young family with kids might get one. When the children become teenagers, a parent might teach their child how to drive with this car and then give it to them when they’re able to their driver’s license test.
The Sedan
The sedan is another very popular car that is good with families that have a modest income. This is a four-door model that comes with a trunk. Usually, the dimensions of the trunk will be a bit larger than the one you’ll get with a hatchback.
Some people use the term “generalist” to describe this car, which is another way to say it’s a common or mass-market automobile. However, that shouldn’t deter you from buying one. Just because you will see many of them on the road, that does not negate their usefulness.
They are usually priced to own. Much like the hatchback, they’re a sensible vehicle to learn how to drive with because they are midsized and can fit into most parking spaces.
The Convertible
The convertible is one of the sportier cars you will likely see on the road in the modern era. There is a roof on these cars, but it can retract into the body, usually with the press of a button.
When the roof is retracted, it leaves the car’s cabin open to the elements. This is a great car to drive around in when the weather is nice.
The SUV
The term “SUV” means sport utility vehicle. This is a larger car than a coupe or sedan. They are taller, and often boxier as well.
The most notable feature of this vehicle is that it sits higher off the ground than the others we’ve mentioned. Some drivers like that, while others don’t care for it as much.
You will get more ground clearance with an SUV. You had better have a larger garage if you want to accommodate one, though.
The Minivan
The minivan is a favorite of soccer moms and individuals with several children. This is a taller car that comes with a sliding door. It will also have a large cargo area.
This cargo area is typically a major selling point for this vehicle. If you have a lot of kids and sporting equipment that you need to drive around frequently, this one should certainly be on your list of options.
The Pickup Truck
The pickup truck has a very distinctive look to it. These are essentially cars with enger cabs and open cargo beds at the rear. You might have seen one full of lumber, migrant workers, or just about anything else the driver wants back there.
The versatile nature and general ruggedness of the pickup truck make it an enduring favorite. Some individuals who live in a more rural setting love pickup trucks, but you can often find them in the inner city as well.
The Station Wagon
It would probably be accurate to say that there are not as many station wagons on the road as there once were. They have been replaced to some degree by SUVs and minivans. However, some companies still make them.
This is a car with a longer roofline. They also have rear hatch doors. A station wagon may remind you of a sedan, but they have more space inside them.
If you’re considering what car will work best for you, carefully consider each of the features of these vehicles that we’ve mentioned, as well as factors like how much space you have in your garage.
