What is a Unibody?

A unibody is a construction technique for cars, when the body is one whole piece instead of multiple parts making up the body. It is the main way cars are built today. It is good for most driving ways except for off-road due to the fact that since its all one piece it doesn’t move as well as separate pieces would. Trucks and Jeeps and other haulers would usually not use a unibody because of the limitations. A unibody is usually safer because of the crumple zones, which will minimize the impact force when in an accident.


A unibody is lighter than a body on frame car, pickups and Jeeps, and is less expensive but it has some disadvantages too. A unibody would cost more money to repair and the durability is lessened in a unibody, making needs of repair higher. It is also harder to tow a unibody when totaled, making bills higher and the overall ride quality is worse, especially with bigger, heavier cars. In a body on frame car, if a part is an inch or sometimes less off, it will effect things like fuel efficiency, turning, and tire placement, while the unibody doesn’t come across problems like these. Some think a unibody is better and others would say different, but it all matters to the driver, and how it feels to them.

Submitted by Tyler Pendleton

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