It wasn’t a necessity before people started taking it for granted. You probably don’t want to know how I feel about cars. :-)
I think some cars can be quite beautiful, rolling sculpture really, but with a very practical use. Modern society as we know it would be impossible without them. Are we too dependent collectively? I suppose there are more efficient means of transporting people en masse. Like cattle cars. I don’t relish the prospect. Individual mobility and the ability to cover long distances in a short period of time, at will, are something that I and most people value greatly and will not give up willingly.