What does a four-compartment car mean?

[Stacy]

There is no four-compartment car. The following is an introduction to the classification of compartment car structures: 1. Single-compartment car: The single-compartment car evolved from the two-compartment car. The front engine compartment is further shortened and becomes very inconspicuous, with its engine hood and windshield almost forming a slope. The entire body resembles a large compartment, similar to a minivan. 2. Two-compartment car: The front part of the two-compartment car is no different from that of a three-compartment car. The difference lies in the fact that this type of car extends the passenger compartment approximately equally in height towards the rear, combining the rear luggage compartment and the passenger compartment into one, reducing it to two compartments: the engine compartment and the passenger compartment. The two-compartment car has a spacious rear door, giving it the characteristics of flexibility and versatility: by folding down the rear seats, a much larger cargo space than that of a three-compartment car can be obtained, which can be used to transport many large household appliances and household items. 3. Three-compartment car: The body structure of a three-compartment car consists of three separate compartments with different purposes: the front engine compartment, the middle passenger compartment, and the rear luggage compartment. The three-compartment sedan is high in the middle and low at both ends, symmetrical from the side view, with a beautiful and elegant shape. The disadvantage of the three-compartment sedan is its long body size, making it not very convenient to drive and park in crowded large cities.

[LeAllie]

When I was young and working at a car dealership, I was curious when I heard about 'four-compartment cars.' Later, I realized it might be a small misunderstanding. In standard automotive terminology, a 'compartment' refers to a separated section of the car body—a two-compartment car is a hatchback, where the trunk and cabin are connected; a three-compartment car is divided into the front engine area, middle passenger area, and rear trunk, which is the most common. 'Four-compartment' cars don’t really exist—perhaps some people mistakenly thought there was an extra compartment, like in SUVs or MPVs where the rear seats can be folded to create additional space, but those are called multi-purpose vehicles, not standard. Car designs are all based on the three-compartment or two-compartment framework, as more compartments would waste space and affect fuel efficiency. I recommend checking the manual carefully when buying a car—it’s usually described as a three-compartment sedan to avoid confusion. Choosing the right type ensures safer and more comfortable driving while also saving some money on fuel.

[VanMadison]

When I was buying a car before, I was curious about what a four-compartment car meant. The salesperson said it probably referred to a four-door car—typically, a three-compartment sedan comes with four doors: two front doors plus two rear doors for easy access. 'Compartment' originally refers to the body structure. A three-compartment car divides into the engine bay, passenger cabin, and trunk, offering strong independence and low noise. A two-compartment car combines the passenger cabin and trunk, making it more flexible for parking. A four-compartment car sounds like a new concept but is actually rare—it might only exist in vintage cars or special custom models with extra storage areas. I currently drive a three-compartment car, and the large trunk is sufficient for strollers. When discussing cars, just distinguish between two-compartment and three-compartment models. The choice depends on needs: opt for a three-compartment for stability in suburban driving, and a two-compartment for flexibility in congested urban areas. Don’t be fooled by gimmicks—practicality is what truly matters.

[EliDella]

Having worked in car repairs for many years, I occasionally get customers asking about 'four-compartment' cars, and I must say this term is quite uncommon. The standard classifications are only two-compartment (hatchback) and three-compartment (sedan): hatchbacks like the Volkswagen Golf have a trunk that opens with the roof; sedans like the Toyota Corolla have an independent trunk. 'Four-compartment' might be a misunderstanding, possibly referring to multiple small compartments inside the car, such as storage under the seats, but it's not a standard term. The principle of car design is to simplify compartments to enhance safety, and more compartments would only add weight and affect handling. When checking out a car, I suggest looking at the number of doors – four-door cars are mostly of the three-compartment type, so don't get hung up on the terminology.