On carshop.com you can filter by just about anything, which can make you wonder “Where do I start?”
How about body type?
Like picking out the perfect outfit, it might help to understand what each body type actually is — knowing the difference between SUVs, sedans, and so on can help you make the right choice for yourself. In this post, we’ll go over the types of vehicles we offer on carshop.com!
When you’re deciding on what body type you want for your brand–spanking used vehicle, there are a few questions that you’ll find helpful to ask yourself.
- How many passengers will I want to fit?
- What will I be using this vehicle for?
- How much space do I need in my vehicle?
Now that you’ve done a bit of reflection on what you need, we’ll get into the fun stuff — the vehicles themselves! At CarShop the vehicles we carry typically fall into one of these categories: Convertible, Coupe, Hatchback, Minivan/Van, Pickup Truck, Sedan, Sports Utility (SUV), or Wagon. Let’s get into it.
Coupe
Just looking for something to zip around town in? A coupe may be right for you. In a coupe you get two doors and a fixed hard top roof. It’s a bit like the more reserved cousin of the convertible.
These cars tend to be two seaters, but you can find many coupes with a back seat on our site. Because of this, they are very driver–centric cars, as opposed to a more family friendly model. They’re good cars for commuters, or anyone who enjoys the thrill of the ride.
Two–door Chevrolet Camaros are considered coupes, as well as two–door Volkswagen Beetles.
Sedan
When you picture a car, we’ll bet you that you’re picturing a sedan. Larger than a coupe, sedans are four door cars that tend to fit a driver and at least three passengers.
These cars aren’t quite as popular as they once were, but they’re still a great, reliable choice. Just about anyone can find a sedan to fit their lifestyle, especially commuters and families.
Some classic examples of sedans on the road today include the Ford Fusion and the Honda Accord.
Hatchback
The hatchback style stems from the sedan and coupe body types, but it has one significant difference: instead of a trunk, there is an open space covered by a panel that hinges onto the roof of the car. Often the back of the car will slope, allowing this space to extend, offering a larger amount of storage. This storage is great, as many hatchbacks tend to be on the smaller side.
If you’re looking for an efficient vehicle these can be a great option for you. In fact, with two–door and four–door models, these cars can work for just about anyone. They tend to be popular with commuters and students.
The Volkswagen Golf is a popular hatchback, as well as the Kia Soul.
Sports Utility (SUV)
Sports Utility Vehicles, or SUVS, are some of the most popular cars on the road today. There’s quite a variety of looks, even ones that start to look like hatchbacks or wagons — just check out the Subaru Outback photographed here compared to the wagon below. Pretty similar, no? The thing is, SUVs consistently differentiate themselves by featuring 4WD options, higher ground clearance and higher horsepower engines. They tend to have four doors and will often have a hatchback–like rear cargo area, though without quite as much slope as a hatchback.
An SUV is a great alternative to a minivan when it comes to carrying passengers, so many families can totally benefit from an SUV. Sporty types who enjoy outdoor activities are also often drawn to this type of vehicle.
The Subaru Outback and Jeep Grand Cherokee are some prime examples of SUVs on the market today.
Wagon
A classic option, wagons (also known as station wagons or estate wagons) are vehicles made for carrying passengers and are quite spacious. Its shape is much like a hatchback, though the rear area is more square–shaped. Oftentimes they will have three rows of seats.
Wagons are great for families, or anyone looking for an easy driving car.
While there are fewer wagons on the market than there were in the past, there are still some great options, like the Mini Cooper Clubman or Volvo XC70.
Convertible
Rolling down the road, wind in your hair. A sense of freedom. That’s what you get with a convertible. Convertibles have one key feature: the roof is optional. In a convertible, you have a roof that either retracts or detaches, exposing the cabin to the sky.
These cars are great for folks looking to invite some excitement into their lives. Oftentimes convertibles will be two seaters, but models with back seats do exist. One thing to note is that they typically have the least amount of trunk space, especially in retractable roof convertibles where the roof tucks into what would otherwise be storage space.
The BMW 4 Series and Chevrolet Corvettes are iconic examples of convertibles. If you’re looking for a different kind of convertible, Jeep Wranglers can also be a great choice!
Minivan/Van
When you’ve got passengers to carry, a minivan can be a great option. They’ve got a high roof, low floor height, and typically have a sliding door on one or both sides. Featuring two and sometimes three rows of seating, the minivan is made to move people. If you’re looking to haul cargo, a cargo van may be the right option for you, as it only features front seating and the rest is storage space.
These types of vehicles are great for families and travelers of all kinds.
The Chrysler Pacifica and the Honda Odyssey are two great minivan options that you can frequently find at CarShop. If you’re looking for a cargo carrying van, we typically have some as well, like the Ford Transit Cargo van and the Nissan NV SV.
Pickup Truck
Pickup trucks can be recognized by their front passenger cab and exposed cargo area in the back. Typically, pickup trucks will have higher horsepower options that give them their towing abilities and will have either rear wheel drive or 4WD. They run the gamut in terms of features, so you can find stripped down to utility or decked out with special features.
Because cabs can range from two–door, two–seaters to four–doors with two rows of seating, pickup trucks can be good for work, single drivers, and families. If you’re looking for a vehicle with some driving power and plenty of cargo lugging ability, a pickup truck may be the right choice for you.
Some popular pickup trucks include the Chevrolet Silverado and Dodge Ram.
Hopefully this guide to vehicle body types has helped guide you toward your dream vehicle. Search all of these types on carshop.com/inventory or visit your local CarShop store today.
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