A Classification Essay

At the turn of the 19th century, automobiles only came in one style and one color – the black Model T. Today, automobiles are offered in a variety of colors and several types. Depending on one’s automobile need, there are several styles from which to choose. Most vehicles fall into three major classifications: car, truck, and sport-utility vehicle.
One classification of automobile types is the car. Cars come in many sizes, shapes, and colors. Cars can be classified according to their performance – i.e. sports cars. They can also be classified as luxury, large, midsize, compact, or small. Luxury cars are higher-end cars that are not classified as a sports car. Large, midsize, compact, or small cars are classified based on the length and wheelbase of the vehicle. Cars can also be classified by their fuel source – gas, diesel, ethanol, electric, or hybrid. Automobile manufacturers entice buyers not only by pricing options, but also many gadgets that are available today.
Just as cars evolved throughout history, so did the truck. Trucks are no longer needed just for the convenience of towing or carrying a heavy load. Trucks are now multi-functional vehicles that are hard working and rugged. They are also full of luxury details based on customer demand. Truck classifications are based on the maximum load weight of the truck. Trucks can be light-duty, medium-duty, or heavy-duty. Examples of light-duty trucks include the Toyota Tacoma, Ford F-150, and the Dodge Ram 3500. Medium-duty trucks include the Ford F-450, GMC 5500, and the International Durastar. Heavy-duty trucks require a special license, such as a CDL, to operate. To obtain this special license, one must take another written and driving assessment. Examples of heavy-duty trucks are the GMC 7500 and most tractor-trailer trucks. Trucks also come in a variety of bed sizes. Trucks can have a short-bed or a long-bed. Trucks can also have various off-road capabilities.
Sport-utility vehicles have the towing-capacity of a truck, but the passenger-carrying space of a large sedan. Many sport-utility vehicles are purchased with the off-road capability in mind. However, many sport-utility vehicles are purchased for their luxurious qualities and would never be taken off-road. Sport-utility vehicles generally have a much lower fuel economy rating than cars. With the cost of gasoline increasing, automobile manufacturers created cross-over and mid-sized sport-utility vehicles. Sport-utility vehicles come in a variety of sizes such as mini, compact, mid-size, full-size, and extended length. Examples include the Chevrolet Trax, Honda CR-V, BMW X5, Toyota Sequoia, and GMC Yukon XL, respectively. Sport-utility vehicles are also available with various fuel options such as gas, diesel, electric, and biofuels.
The major classifications for the automobile industry are car, truck, and sport-utility vehicle. Within each of these categories, there are many subgroups based on the design functions of the vehicles. Many more subgroups have developed based on customer demand. Even more have developed because of environmental concerns regarding the exploration of oil. The invention of the car led to not only to assembly line production, but also the development of the car as one of the most iconic status symbols of the teenage year. Today, automobiles are not just considered as a vehicle with a function nor as just a means to get from location A to location B. They are viewed as an extension of your personality, environmental view, and status. All you have to do is ask any teenager about to get their first car how important car classification is.