Golf cars may have been invented as an accessory for a leisurely game, but their usage has exploded far beyond the bounds of the local country club. The market used to consist almost exclusively of large fleet sales to golf courses. Now, the small vehicles are used everywhere, from farms to airports and from warehouses to universities. Golf cars are also being purchased for personal use as an efficient way to get around a neighborhood.

Reflecting the upsurge in alternate uses, manufacturers have created a new class of vehicle for commercial and industrial use: the “utility vehicle.” In some cases, they’re basically the same as a golf car, with a bed on the back for hauling equipment and supplies. In other instances they’re built from the ground up to serve as heavy-duty material handling vehicles. Other specialized versions are designed for use on rough, hilly ground or to carry more people.

A note on terminology: some manufacturers use the term "golf cars" to refer to the entire range of vehicles, while others reserve the term for vehicles actually intended for use on a golf course. In general, “utility vehicle” can refer to all the vehicles in this class, but "golf car" is more widely understood by those not in the industry.

This BuyerZone Golf Cars Buyer’s Guide will give you the information you need to purchase any of these vehicles, from the smallest golf car to the largest industrial vehicle.