The term ATV (all terrain vehicles) is used in a general sense to describe any of a number of small open motorized buggies and tricycles designed for off-road use.

ATV models with for wheels are commonly called “for-wheelers” in the US and Canada.

Models with 3 wheels are typically known as ATCs (though this is a Honda trademark) and “three-wheelers,” and less commonly “all-terrain cycles” and “trikes.”

The history of ATVs dates back to 1950, when the first ATVs were made.

In 1983, Suzuki introduced to the industry the first high-performance 4-wheel ATV, the Suzuki LT250R Quad Racer.

Safety issues with 3-wheel ATVs caused all manufacturers to switch to 4-wheeled models in the late ’80s, and 3-wheel models ended production in 1987, due to consent decrees between the major manufacturers and the Consumer Product Safety Commission — the result of legal battles over safety issues among consumer groups, the manufacturers and CPSC.

Since the early 1990s, ATV use has tripled across the United States. This has led to greater conflict between ATV users and child-safety advocates, rural landowners, fellow outdoor recreationalists, and environmentalists.

ATVs get around forty to fifty miles per gallon.