SHARING A VEHICLE INSTEAD OF OWNING ONE.

Most Americans need a car to travel virtually everywhere, but in today's sharing economy where consumers increasingly pay for access--e.g., for movies, music, and clothing--the need to own a car soon may be a thing of the past. A study commissioned by car-sharing network Zipcar and conducted by The Harris Poll reveals 70% of U.S. drivers believe a car-sharing service is more economical than owning a vehicle.

Roughly seven in 10 urban (69%) and suburban (72%) drivers agree that car-sharing services are more economical than owning a vehicle. This sentiment spans drivers of all generations (65% Gen Z, 73% of millennial, 68% of Gen X, and 69% of baby boomers).

Transportation is the second-largest household expense, with most budgets devoted to purchasing, operating, and maintaining private vehicles. Yet, 37% of U.S. drivers says they own a car that is not driven often. Studies point...