Understanding Car Classifications As You Search for Your Perfect Vehicle

by | Jul 12, 2019 | Auto

If you’ve decided to purchase a vehicle from a used cars dealer in Gurnee, you still have plenty of choices ahead of you. One of your first decisions will be what type of vehicle you want. With so many options available, it’s important to understand the terms used to describe different vehicles so that you know what you are buying. Here are the most common types and sizes of vehicles.

Coupe, Sedan or Hatchback

If you’re thinking of buying a car, you can choose between a coupe, sedan or hatchback. A coupe is simply a vehicle that has only two doors: the driver’s door and the front passenger’s door. Some coupes have a back row, while others, such as sports coupes, only have the front two seats.

Sedans, on the other hand, have four doors and always have two rows of seats. Hatchbacks are a sub-category of car, as this refers to the configuration of the rear access point. Both sedans and coupes can be hatchbacks if they have a rear door that opens directly into the passenger compartment.

Crossover or SUV

You may have heard the terms crossover and SUV used interchangeably during your vehicle search. However, the fact is that these describe two different types of vehicles that you can find at a used cars dealer in Gurnee. Crossovers are smaller vehicles that feature unibody construction on what is typically a car-sized chassis. SUVs, however, are built using “body-on-frame” construction, meaning the frame and chassis are separate. In addition, SUVs are built on a truck-sized chassis, resulting in a larger vehicle overall.

Minivan or Van

Most people who drive a minivan will simply call it a “van” for short. However, as the presence of the word “mini” would suggest, a minivan is technically smaller than a vehicle classified as an actual van. Minivans seat no more than eight people, whereas vans can seat up to 15. Vans are more often utilized for commercial purposes, but their extra capacity makes them perfect for larger families. With this information in hand, you can make the right choice when it comes to your next vehicle.

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