The predecessor of the modern all terrain vehicle (ATV) is a three wheel locomotive with low pressure air tyres. At the beginning, it was just a vehicle designed for cross-country racing. Later, it gradually became a racing car, a practical transport vehicle, a family leisure vehicle, and so on. With the popularity in the United States and other markets, the locomotive has changed from three wheels to four wheels. As four-wheel vehicles become the main form of all terrain vehicles, four-wheel drive ATV vehicles have also developed.

ATV is an all terrain vehicle - the abbreviation of All Terrain Vehicle is the common name of ATV, also known as "all terrain four-wheel off-road vehicle". In the European Union and the United States, ATV, UTV, BAJA, Go kart, and non road two wheel motorcycles are collectively called ORVs (non road vehicles). ATVs can travel on any terrain, and can walk freely on terrain that is difficult for ordinary vehicles to maneuver. The vehicle is simple and practical, good off-road performance, and generally has no hood.