In the United States, owning a car is a necessity for the vast majority of the population. Very few people have access to good public transportation. Therefore, without a car, one is a great burden on others to whom one must frequently turn to ask for rides. Even for those fortunate enough to have public transportation access, it is nearly impossible to gain or maintain social standing without a car in America. Along with a house, a car is a very important status symbol.
Additionally, owning a car has many practical advantages. Transportation, even over long distances, is made easy. One can go where one chooses whenever one desires. With this comes a great sense of freedom and independence. Transporting friends and family members such as young children and elderly parents is also made easy.
Cars, however, are expensive to maintain, require great responsibility, and are bad investments. Those with low incomes find it very difficult to provide the necessary maintenance/repairs. Expensive insurance is also needed in case of accident. Finally, a car's value depreciates rapidly.
However, in America, the benefits of owning a car greatly outweigh the liabilities. Owning a car is necessary for transportation and social standing.