No, not all cars have power steering, but it is an extremely rare feature to be without on any modern vehicle sold in the U.S. Power steering, which uses hydraulic or electric power to reduce the steering effort required by the driver, became standard equipment on virtually all new cars by the early 2000s. You would only regularly encounter a car without power steering if you are dealing with a classic car from the 1960s or earlier, or a very specific, minimalist modern vehicle like the base model of the 1990s Suzuki Samurai.
The technology has evolved significantly. Hydraulic power steering was the norm for decades, using a pump driven by the engine to provide assistive force. Most modern cars now use Electric Power Steering (EPS), which uses an electric motor instead. EPS is more efficient, allows for advanced driver-assistance features like lane-keeping assist, and is generally more reliable.
If you're shopping for a used car, especially an older economy model, it's a good question to ask. Driving a car without power steering, often called "manual steering," requires considerably more muscle, especially at low speeds like when parallel parking. For daily driving, the lack of power steering is a significant compromise in comfort and convenience.
| Era / Vehicle Type | Prevalence of Power Steering | Key Characteristics |
|---|
| Pre-1950s | Extremely Rare | Steering is heavy and physically demanding; primarily found on antique cars. |
| 1950s - 1960s | Optional on many models | Began as a luxury option on larger American cars; not yet standard. |
| 1970s - 1980s | Becoming Common | Widespread adoption on most full-size and mid-size cars; some compact cars still had manual steering. |
| 1990s - Early 2000s | Nearly Standard | Standard on almost all new cars sold in the U.S.; base models of some econo-cars were the last holdouts. |
| Modern Cars (Post-2010) | Effectively Universal | 100% of new cars have Electric Power Steering (EPS); it is a prerequisite for modern safety and tech features. |
