Columbia was an American brand of automobiles produced by a group of companies in the United States.

Columbia's basic runabout was typical of the time, resembling a horseless carriage, and was steered via a tiller.

Brakes on both rear wheels featured a bell, which rang when the vehicle reached a full stop.

Besides the runabout, Columbia manufactured about 20 other models including taxis, police cars, and buses.

It helped in urban areas that electrical supply for recharging was easily found within the runabout's 40-mile (64 km) range.

In keeping with this urban orientation, the Columbia was positioned as a high-end vehicle (even at a time when automobiles were very expensive), with its showroom across the street from the Metropolitan Opera House in New York.