The body is the outer shell of a vehicle. It encloses passengers and cargo, protects them from weather and impact, and gives the car its shape and identity. A body can be made of steel, aluminum, plastic, carbon fiber, or a mix. It sits on the chassis or, in modern unibody cars, is part of the structure itself.

Body design balances many goals. It must be aerodynamic to reduce drag and improve fuel economy. It must be strong enough to protect occupants in a crash. It must be light enough to keep performance and efficiency up. It must also look good, because styling sells cars. Designers spend years shaping sheet metal, checking proportions, and testing in wind tunnels.

Body types are many. A sedan has three box volumes: engine, passenger, and cargo. A coupe is a two-door with a sporty roofline. A hatchback has a rear door that lifts. An SUV sits higher and offers more space. A pickup truck has an open cargo bed. A convertible has a retractable roof. Each shape serves a different purpose and appeals to a different buyer.

Body repair is a specialized trade. A fender bender may require panel replacement, welding, and paint matching. Modern cars with aluminum or carbon fiber bodies need different techniques than steel. A good body shop is part workshop, part paint studio.