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.

The English name of all terrain vehicle is All Terrain Vehicle, abbreviated as ATV, commonly known as "ATV", also known as "all terrain four-wheel off-road locomotive". The vehicle is simple and practical, good off-road performance, and generally has no hood.