MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Americans Still Prefer the Freedom of the Road

Report says that despite growing transportation options and automatic driving, most like the control of being behind the wheel of their own cars.

August 30, 2024
Americans Still Prefer the Freedom of the Road

Most survey respondents said they see privately owned cars to continue to be their choice for getting around in 10 years and that they prefer to be doing the driving.

Credit:

Pexels/Daniel Andraski

1 min to read


Though ride-sharing, public transportation use and other alternative forms of transportation may be on the rise among some parts of the U.S. population, especially younger generations, people are driving themselves more than they did five years ago, according to a new study.

The “On the Move” survey by transportation services provider Enterprise Mobility shows the millennial and generation Z cohorts report driving more today than before the pandemic, 41% and 47%, respectively, compared to 33% of generation X and 16% of baby boomers.

The survey further found that, true to the American individualistic spirit, a personally owned vehicle is preferred for the freedom and control it affords, 73% of respondents saying they see privately owned cars to continue to be their choice for getting around in 10 years.

That desire for control makes about the same percentage of respondents, 72%, say they prefer to be in charge of the driving in their cars, not automatic systems, though such technology excites them for its possibility to allow them to do other things on the road and make travel easier for those who can’t drive.

 

 

 

 

More Industry

Industryby Hannah MitchellJanuary 5, 2026

Late-Year Auto Sales Off

Purchases of new and used vehicles were down in December despite several positive market turns for consumers, whose optimism didn’t match their big-ticket spending.

Read More →
lineup of cars
Salesby Lauren LawrenceJanuary 5, 2026

Used-Car Prices Down in December

A Carfax index indicates that prices were higher than December 2024 but had been on a downward trend for the past few months.

Read More →
Vintage convertible driving along a desert highway, capturing the freedom and cultural impact of early American car travel.
IndustryJanuary 1, 2026

Driving America Forward

As America turns 250, explore how the automotive industry shaped jobs, culture, innovation, and mobility from Detroit assembly lines to today’s EV era.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Industryby Hannah MitchellDecember 24, 2025

Top 10 F&I and Showroom Stories of 2025

The most-clicked posts ran the gamut from used-car sales outlook and a dealer group’s challenge to direct sales, to product sales guidance and the death of the FTC's CARS Rule.

Read More →
auto technician working on car
Industryby Lauren LawrenceDecember 22, 2025

New Initiative Addresses Technician Shortage

The ASE Connects program seeks to streamline collaboration between service shops, dealerships and schools to boost the U.S. workforce pipeline and share sector data.

Read More →
Awardsby Hannah MitchellDecember 17, 2025

Autos Take Flying Safety Colors

Twelve brands are awarded for protective features while others fail to place.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
electric vehicles charging at a station
Industryby Lauren LawrenceDecember 17, 2025

Gas Drivers Least Likely to Shop Electric

Non-EV drivers show a decreased interest in future EV buying, according to CDK.

Read More →
Industryby StaffDecember 16, 2025

Happy Holidays From BBM's Editors

Thank you to our audience for another year of loyalty and partnership.

Read More →
Industryby Hannah MitchellDecember 15, 2025

Toyota Hydrogen Cars Get Boost

The company is investing in more fueling spots, participating in home-country experiments.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
electric vehicle charging on tan background
Salesby Lauren LawrenceDecember 15, 2025

U.S. EV Sales Increased in November

Following October’s steep drop, consumers showed renewed interest.

Read More →